[Unmarried Era] Non-Marriage Ceremonies Unknown to Wedding Planners, Stories from That Day

⑨People Sincere About Non-Marriage Ceremonies, Their Stories
Many Cases Proceeding Alone Without Procedures Like Sanggyeonrye
Venue Rental Based on Number of Guests Is Key to Cost

A wedding ceremony where one meets a spouse and vows marriage is not the only turning point in life. For some, a 'non-marriage ceremony' publicly declaring a lifelong decision not to marry can be remembered as a very special day. The non-marriage ceremony is also regarded as a trend reflecting current social attitudes. It is said that many people are sincere about non-marriage ceremonies. However, due to various societal views surrounding non-marriage ceremonies, mostly critical, they are not widely known.

What meaning does a non-marriage ceremony hold for wedding planners who professionally handle ceremonies? If non-marriage ceremonies are recognized as an industry like weddings, wedding planners at the forefront of the industry would respond more swiftly. Discussions about non-marriage ceremonies in online communities sometimes seem detached from reality.

An anonymous official from the Korea Wedding Planner Association cautiously stated regarding non-marriage ceremonies, "(We cannot know all cases, but) we have never received a request to organize a non-marriage ceremony."

[Image source=Pixabay]

Being a non-marriage advocate does not necessarily mean one must hold a ceremony. However, some choose a non-marriage ceremony to invite cherished people, receive support for the life ahead, and declare true independence. So, who holds non-marriage ceremonies, and why? Also, how should one prepare for a non-marriage ceremony?

Since non-marriage ceremonies do not involve complicated procedures like formal meetings or exchanging wedding gifts, many have held them personally by renting spaces such as restaurants or pubs without professional wedding planner assistance.

Also, unlike weddings with many acquaintances and guests from both families, non-marriage ceremonies usually invite only close friends of the person, resulting in fewer guests and no need to rent large banquet halls. This significantly reduces venue rental costs. According to the marriage cost report by the matchmaking company Duo, excluding housing funds, honeymoon expenses, and wedding gifts, the largest expense is venue rental (10.57 million KRW).

Of course, if one wants to invite many people to a non-marriage ceremony to receive support for independence, they must bear the corresponding high rental costs. The more guests, the higher the meal costs proportionally.

Jihyun completed her non-marriage ceremony fashion by wearing a suit with a boutonniere.
[Image provided by Jihyun]

Jihyun Jeong (30), a developer, also held a non-marriage ceremony by personally renting a cocktail bar in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on February 19. The ceremony was named 'Irip (而立) Celebration.' Just as Confucius at thirty was steadfast in his scholarly pursuits, Jihyun, having reached thirty, expressed a firm resolve to live a life without marriage.

"Attending friends' weddings, I sometimes felt envious. Would I ever have a chance to gather my precious people in one place and receive support for my future life? It would be nice to have such an opportunity at least once. At that time, my refrigerator broke down, so I thought I could receive non-marriage ceremony gifts instead of wedding gifts."

The so-called 'Sdeume' (studio, dress, makeup), the wedding package considered most important for weddings, can be omitted depending on the individual. According to the marriage cost report, the average cost of a wedding package is 3.33 million KRW.

Jihyun had no major expenses because she wore a suit she usually wore to friends' weddings, accessorized with a boutonniere (a ribbon or flower decoration worn on the suit buttonhole). Invitations, which usually take days to choose paper type, font, and envelopes, were replaced with free online versions.

Instead of unnecessary parts, the largest expenses were for meals to properly treat her precious guests.

"Initially, I expected to spend about 1.5 million KRW on the non-marriage ceremony, but it cost much more. I cannot disclose the exact amount, but the gifts I received covered the venue rental and food costs. Even so, I spent about 2.5 million KRW more."

Jihyun advised, "The concept of economies of scale applies to events as well. Small weddings don’t necessarily mean lower expenses just because there are fewer people. If anyone wants to hold a non-marriage ceremony, I recommend budgeting generously even for a small number of guests."

Jihyun read the declaration of non-marriage together with the guests on that day.
[Image provided by Jihyun]

Jihyun’s friends, who felt sorry about giving congratulatory money to a non-marriage advocate, were jokingly told, "I will have a non-marriage ceremony someday, so it’s okay," which became reality.

The non-marriage ceremony process was similar to a wedding. A host was hired to conduct the ceremony, and Jihyun’s longtime friends performed congratulatory songs and speeches to support her future.

The difference was that instead of a marriage declaration, a non-marriage declaration was created. On that day, Jihyun and the guests read the declaration together. When Jihyun said, "I, Jihyun Jeong, solemnly vow to cherish and love myself for life," everyone responded, "All present here today bear witness that this vow is sincerely fulfilled." Thirty-eight guests became witnesses to Jihyun’s life ahead.

Jihyun said, "For those considering a non-marriage ceremony, it is an experience worth trying and recommending."

"After the non-marriage ceremony, I felt truly reassured. Having the people who support me gathered in one place to cheer and celebrate made me happy. Just the congratulations and support I received that day make me feel I can live comfortably for the next ten years."