The Chinese Wedding Market: A True Gold Mine?

Chinese people consider weddings one of the biggest and most important events in life and they are willing to spend big sums to have the wedding of their (or their families) dreams, often borrowing money from relatives. It is considered an event that happens once in a lifetime. Consumers from first and second-tier cities in China are the most willing to pay in order to have a memorable and high-end wedding.

In this article, we’ll explore the key trends shaping the industry, the different sectors within it, and the changing behaviors of millennials and Gen Z couples. Whether you’re a wedding professional looking to tap into this burgeoning market or simply curious about the rich tapestry of Chinese customs, join us as we delve into the world of Chinese weddings, where tradition meets contemporary flair.

China’s Wedding Industry Overview

The Chinese wedding market is a colossal and rapidly evolving industry that marries centuries-old traditions with modern aspirations. But, similarly to the West, fewer and fewer couples are getting married in China today.

As per our latest data, you can see, that the number of couples willing to enter the marriage market is dropping drastically. As reported by Statista, the tally of official marriages in China demonstrated a steady climb until 2013, reaching a peak of 13.74 million. However, subsequent to that year, there has been a sustained decline, marked by an average annual decrease of 5.6%, leading to only 6.83 million couples getting married in 2022.

This trend is primarily propelled by the younger demographic residing in bustling Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities, where demanding daily routines have translated into reduced enthusiasm for engagement and matrimony.

But is the market losing money?

As you can see above, even though fewer couples are getting married, the wedding market is growing, meaning that China’s average spending on weddings is growing.

Many parents treat the wedding of their child as the most important event and in Chinese culture, it’s important to invest in this day. They spend millions on bridal dresses, customized wedding offerings, wedding decorations, and quality services during the ceremony and after it, just to celebrate the perfect day.

A wedding is one of the most important moments in life for Chinese

According to Baidu users’ data, people from 20 to 30 years old are the ones who invest the most in the preparation of their marriage. Among them, the most active are women.

Most of the time, women have their own expectations for this special date, and have their representation for a “dreamed marriage“. Due to this, wedding ceremonies are becoming more and more sophisticated in China.

The program includes dance choreographies, songs, and games in order to interact with guests and more. In the layout of the space, they are often seeking to make it astonishing.

On Douyin, the most popular entertainment mobile app of the moment in China, many short videos show wedding scenes. Touching, beautiful, original, and funny, these unique and impacting moments are caught and shared on social networks. Users even comment, joking: “Nowadays we don’t dare to get married if we don’t have inspiration or some talents to show”.

Chinese wedding traditions: a blend of heritage and modernity

Chinese wedding traditions hold a profound significance in the hearts of couples, bridging the gap between age-old customs and modern practicality.

These customs have stood the test of time, encompassing practices like the Tea Ceremony, where newlyweds express gratitude to their parents, and the exchange of betrothal gifts to symbolize commitment. Understanding these traditions forms the foundation for couples looking to honor their cultural heritage.

But, in today’s fast-paced world, Chinese couples are reinterpreting these traditions to suit their contemporary lives. The Tea Ceremony, for example, may now include in-laws from different regions, reflecting the fusion of cultures in modern China. Adapting these customs ensures that they remain relevant and meaningful.

While the essence of traditional customs is preserved, practical considerations are also gaining prominence. This includes the growing demand for wedding planners who can seamlessly blend cultural elements with the logistical intricacies of modern weddings. Wedding planners serve as invaluable guides, ensuring that both the couple’s vision and cultural traditions are upheld.

What does a typical Chinese wedding look like?

A typical Chinese wedding is a harmonious blend of centuries-old traditions and contemporary flair. It begins with a formal proposal, where the groom’s family presents betrothal gifts to the bride’s family, symbolizing their intent to wed.

On the wedding day, the ceremony often starts with a traditional door game, where the groom and his groomsmen must complete challenges to reach the bride. The Tea Ceremony follows, where the couple pays respects to their parents and elders by offering tea.

Red, a color symbolizing luck and happiness, dominates the attire, decorations, and invitations. The exchange of rings and vows takes place, often in a Western-style ceremony, followed by a lavish banquet featuring an array of regional delicacies.

Amidst the celebration, lively lion and dragon dances, as well as firecrackers, add to the festive atmosphere.

In the evening, the couple might change into multiple outfits, including the iconic red qipao for the bride. The festivities culminate with the couple bowing to each other, symbolizing respect and gratitude. Through these time-honored customs and contemporary touches, a typical Chinese wedding represents a beautiful fusion of culture, love, and celebration.

Key Sectors in the Chinese Wedding Market

In general, there are four big sectors when it comes to the marriage markets and the wedding industry, which is: wedding ceremony, wedding apparel and accessories, wedding banquet, and wedding photography.

Wedding Ceremony

Choosing the perfect venue and décor sets the stage for a memorable ceremony. Couples are increasingly opting for picturesque locales, such as ancient courtyards or modern urban spaces, to create a unique ambiance. Practical considerations like guest capacity and accessibility are crucial in this process.

The demand for wedding planners and coordinators is on the rise, reflecting the complexity of modern weddings. These professionals streamline logistics, ensuring that traditions are seamlessly integrated with practical aspects like timing and guest management. Their expertise can make the difference between a stress-free ceremony and a chaotic one.

Today, couples face the choice between traditional and modern ceremonies. While some adhere to time-honored customs, others blend tradition with contemporary elements. This decision often hinges on practical factors, such as cultural significance, family preferences, and the couple’s personal vision for their big day.

Because of those problems, personalized and customized ceremonies are on the rise, with young women and men in Mainland China trying to blend tradition into their needs. Practicality also plays a big role today, but some go to unique extends, such as renting a bus for a wedding!

Wedding Apparel

When it comes to attire, brides are often drawn to the elegance of Western-style white gowns, while grooms may opt for tailored suits. Practical considerations include comfort, weather-appropriateness, and the balance between cultural significance and personal style.

But, in fact, local women often wear more than one dress during their special day. There will be at least one wedding gown, one wedding dress, and one additional dress for the toast. Many purchase their dresses from luxury brands and local designers, but the rest (around 70% of brides) actually rent their dresses.

Bridal accessories and jewelry add the finishing touches to the attire. Practical aspects involve selecting pieces that complement the dress and suit, while also considering the sentimental value of heirloom jewelry.

Wedding Banquet

The wedding banquet is a culinary highlight. Couples often focus on regional cuisine, catering to diverse tastes. Selecting the right banquet venue and theme is crucial for a memorable celebration. Entertainment adds vibrancy to the banquet. Couples may incorporate cultural performances, live music, or even interactive elements.

Before, Chinese people were organizing big wedding banquets to show their status and wealth. Today, although it’s still a common practice, the young demographic, especially from the middle class, opts for smaller, personalized banquets.

Wedding Photography

Chinese wedding photography holds a special place of importance in the hearts of couples, as it immortalizes the cherished moments of their big day. It’s not merely about capturing images but also about preserving the cultural and emotional essence of the occasion.

Typically, couples engage photographers for pre-wedding photoshoots, where they don an array of outfits and explore various locations to create a diverse portfolio of images. On the wedding day itself, photographers document the ceremonies, emotions, and interactions, capturing the essence of the event.

The cost of wedding photography in China can vary widely, but the costs can go up to 10,000 RMB. It’s considered a worthy investment, as these photographs serve as lasting mementos of the couple’s love story and their cultural heritage, treasured for generations to come.

How to Market Your Business and Wedding-Related Products in China?

If you want to start a business in this sector in China, whether you want to sell a service or a product, here are some of the best tactics that will be beneficial to you.

Pay attention to customer’s needs

You have to localize your content and your offer for the Chinese Market. As you can see from all the above information, the wedding customs, marriage traditions, and beliefs are different from what we know in the West.

A wedding is a very special moment in life, and Chinese consumers will be much more inclined to spend their money on it. It’s a kind of compulsive buying because they will be in an emotional state of mind.

Nevertheless, at the same time, they will have higher expectations and will be much more involved in this purchase. Most people will have their own ideas, which they will share with pleasure with the person they have in front of. It should be taken into account and understood well, and you should based on these requests build together this project. The result has to be as close as possible to the customer’s expectation.

To enter the Chinese wedding market, bet on your Internet visibility

Having a Chinese website optimized for Baidu, the country’s dominant search engine, is paramount. Ensure your website is not only visually appealing but also contains informative content, videos showcasing your work, and testimonials from satisfied clients.

Optimize your site for Baidu’s search algorithms by incorporating relevant keywords in both English and Chinese, and consider creating a blog with valuable content about wedding trends and tips. This localized online presence enhances your credibility among Chinese couples and improves your chances of being discovered when they search for wedding services.

Create visually appealing content

In the wedding industry, visuals take center stage. Invest in top-notch photography and videography to effectively display your products and services. Exceptional imagery and videos not only draw attention but also capture the essence of your brand.

Emphasize the distinctiveness of your offerings by spotlighting customized wedding elements. Today’s couples highly value personalization, and by illustrating how you can adapt your services to their preferences, you can distinguish yourself in the market.

Be present on Chinese social media platforms

In the wedding industry, making the most of social media platforms is crucial, especially in China. Platforms like WeChat, Weibo, Douyin (similar to TikTok), and Xiaohongshu (known as Little Red Book) offer unique advantages for businesses.

WeChat, for instance, is a versatile app where you can interact with clients, handle payments, and provide customer support. Weibo is great for real-time updates and trends, perfect for sharing wedding ideas and promotions. Douyin excels at creative content, ideal for showcasing wedding behind-the-scenes and fashion. Lastly, Xiaohongshu is where couples share their wedding stories, making it a goldmine for user-generated reviews and recommendations.

These platforms provide distinct ways to boost brand visibility and engage with customers in the ever-evolving Chinese wedding market.

Offer unique and experiential services

Cater to the growing interest in destination weddings by offering specialized packages that provide a unique experience. Highlight exotic locales and thematic elements that set your services apart. Chinese people are looking for unique and customized wedding offerings, and they are more and more interested in traveling abroad for their special day.

You can use travel platforms to promote your destination as a perfect one for a dream wedding. Remember to offer some special deals and discounts for couples. Here is an example of a wedding destination promotion on Mafengwo, one of the travel websites in China:

Develop interactive tools and apps that simplify the wedding planning process for couples. These tools can offer budgeting assistance, guest list management, and customization options, making their journey with your brand smoother. You can create a WeChat H5 Brochure with a booking service, to make it simpler for your guests.

Collaborate with Key Opinion Leaders

Collaborating with key opinion leaders (KOLs), influencers, and even celebrities who tie the knot can be a powerful marketing strategy for wedding businesses. Their large and engaged following trusts their opinions and choices, making them effective brand advocates.

When KOLs or celebrities choose your products or services for their weddings, it serves as a powerful endorsement. There are many Beijing or Shanghai brides who would love to show your services or products on their social media accounts. It not only introduces your brand to a wider audience but also conveys a sense of prestige and reliability.

The authentic connection these figures have with their followers can lead to increased interest and trust in your offerings, making this partnership a valuable avenue for promoting your products and services in the competitive wedding industry.

Leverage new technologies to promote your services

Leveraging new technologies is revolutionizing the wedding industry. Live streaming has gained immense popularity, allowing couples to share their special day with loved ones who cannot attend in person. It’s a game-changer for destination weddings and pandemic-era celebrations.

Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive experiences, enabling couples to preview wedding venues and decor remotely. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is streamlining wedding planning with chatbots assisting couples with queries and personalized recommendations.

AI-driven tools can also enhance photography with automatic editing, making sure every shot is picture-perfect. These tech advancements are not only enhancing the planning process but also transforming how couples celebrate and share their weddings, ushering in a new era of innovation and convenience in the wedding industry.

Unlock Success in the Chinese Wedding Market with GMA!

In the ever-thriving Chinese wedding market, your business deserves the spotlight, and Gentlemen Marketing Agency is here to make it happen. With our specialized expertise and deep knowledge of China’s dynamic landscape, we offer a comprehensive range of services to help you stand out and succeed. Here’s why partnering with us is the right choice:

Expertise in Chinese Social Media

• Craft Compelling Campaigns: We excel in creating captivating social media campaigns tailored for platforms like WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu.
• Engage with Your Audience: We know how to engage with Chinese couples, making sure your brand resonates and stays top-of-mind.

Optimize for Baidu SEO

• Boost Online Visibility: Our team can optimize your website for Baidu, ensuring you appear prominently in online searches.
• Reach Your Target Audience: We use effective keyword strategies to connect with the couples who are actively searching for wedding services.

Influencer Collaborations

• Partner with Key Opinion Leaders: We can help you collaborate with influencers, key opinion leaders, and even celebrities to amplify your brand’s reach.
• Build Trust and Prestige: When influencers and celebrities choose your products or services, it enhances trust and prestige around your brand.

Embrace Technology Trends

• Master Live Streaming: We understand the power of live streaming and how it can revolutionize wedding celebrations, connecting couples with their loved ones, no matter where they are.
• Dive into VR and AI: Our expertise in Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can elevate your offerings, from immersive venue tours to AI-driven photography enhancements.

Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities in the Chinese wedding market. Join hands with Gentlemen Marketing Agency and let us be your guide to success. Contact us today and embark on this exciting journey toward a thriving future. Your success story starts here – act now!