According to the Ministry of the Interior, 125,000 couples got married in Taiwan last year, returning to pre-pandemic levels. Venues have taken note as couples gravitate toward smaller, boutique weddings, rather than large traditional banquets. To seize this NT$40 billion market, venues are holding model weddings ahead of the peak season.

A couple gazes lovingly at one another, smiling as they celebrate the beginning of their new lives together.

This five-star hotel is organizing a demonstration wedding day. In total, 40 couples are led through the entire experience from their entrance, to vows and performances.

Wu Chia-ying
Hotel marketing director
Before the pandemic, hotels would host an average of 250 or more weddings in a year with 30 or 40 tables each. Now they’re smaller, mostly about 15 to 20 tables. They’re more willing to spend on entertainment or food.

Newlyweds
We’ve compared five or six places. As for the quality of the venue, the budget and food, we have to compromise and discuss with our families.

Newlyweds
Maybe about 30 tables for NT$20,000 to NT$25,000 each. We care about whether the interior has been updated and whether the setup is to our expectations.

To appeal better to the tastes of the younger generation, this venue is offering European-style floral arrangements and individual plates rather than banquet food. It has also invited 12 cake, dress and photography businesses for the couples’ convenience.

Photographer
At the first meeting I get a lot of contacts of new customers and couples, then follow up with them later. I end up signing contracts with more than 60%.

Tailor
If it’s a Western style wedding, they’ll usually go all-out and get a white wedding gown and an evening dress.

Marriages bounced back to pre-pandemic levels last year with 125,000 couples getting married, creating a market worth an estimated NT$40 billion. This year is expected to be the same or rise by 10%. These kinds of exhibitions are key as the industry prepares for the upcoming peak season.

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