Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A unique wedding tradition, the “fast food wedding,” has gone viral on social media, quickly gaining popularity among young couples. As an alternative to lavish wedding ceremonies, many young couples are opting for more affordable celebrations at fast food restaurants, marking a shift in wedding culture.
This new trend, which started gaining traction in China, contrasts sharply with the country’s traditional wedding customs, which are often associated with extravagant spending. According to South China Morning Post, many young couples in China are choosing to host their weddings at fast food chains to keep costs down, forgoing the elaborate rituals and grandiose venues that typically accompany traditional Chinese weddings.
Chinese traditional weddings are known for their opulence, but younger generations are increasingly embracing simpler, more cost-effective approaches. By opting for fast food restaurants, couples can avoid complex ceremonies, allows couples to make their wedding day more affordable.
Unlike booking a luxury hotel, which often requires a hefty deposit for venue rental and catering services, fast food restaurants offer a more budget-friendly option with flexible guest numbers. These venues also provide a casual and modern atmosphere, making them appealing for couples seeking something different.
For example, McDonald’s, a popular choice for children’s birthday parties globally, has become a favorite spot for some couples to tie the knot, where they can even craft wedding bouquets out of McNuggets, adding a nostalgic and cheerful touch to their special day.
According to One couple, Xaoyezi from Guangdong, tied the knot at McDonald’s, inviting 20 guests. “My husband and I used to go to McDonald’s often. Additionally, hosting the wedding here only cost about 800 yuan ($120 USD) for the food. I spent a total of just 2,000 yuan ($290 USD) for our wedding,” Xaoyezi explained.
Beyond Cost Saving
For many young couples, it feels more meaningful to spend their money on something valuable, rather than hosting an extravagant wedding.
But the trend isn’t solely driven by cost savings; it’s also a reflection of shifting societal norms. Many Gen Z Chinese people are increasingly rejecting the formality and outdated rituals of traditional weddings.
According to Sixth Tone, many young couples have pointed out that traditional wedding rituals are not only expensive but also time-consuming and exhausting for the couple.
In some cases, Gen Z couples are attracted to fast food wedding venues because these settings typically don’t serve alcohol, allowing for toasts with beverages like bubble tea or coffee instead of hard liquor. This shift is also seen as a way to avoid the chaos that sometimes accompanies traditional wedding drinking rituals, which have occasionally led to embarrassing incidents, such as sexual harassment or dangerous pranks, especially after excessive drinking.
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The idea of hosting weddings at fast food restaurants or hotpot venues has gained considerable support online, with many social media users praising this simpler, more inclusive approach to marriage.
However, whether it’s a traditional wedding or a new style of ceremony, both are expressions of love and commitment. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate a wedding. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and circumstances, with a growing emphasis on embracing a more open and flexible view of marriage celebrations.
(Raidi/Agung)
