BEIJING: Young Chinese couples are breaking away from the custom of lavish wedding ceremonies in favour of cheap and cheerful celebrations at McDonald’s outlets and Haidilao hotpot restaurants. The shift means couples avoid complex rituals, such as endless rounds of toasting, and eliminates concerns about the weather for outdoor weddings. For instance, staff at Haidilao, the popular Chinese hotpot chain, will enthusiastically decorate the branch and sing wedding songs for the couple and the guests. At McDonald’s, which is already a popular venue for children’s birthday parties worldwide, couples can even have wedding bouquets made from McNuggets, adding nostalgia and fun to the nuptials. “One of my colleagues even humorously remarked that my wedding invitation was essentially a free hotpot meal voucher,” she said.

Source: The Star October 17, 2024 10:46 UTC