Firstwear, Eolistate, Lateout... These Words Make Prospective Couples' Hearts Drop

Costs Vary by Wedding Companies with No Price Notification
Additional 50,000 to 100,000 KRW Charged for Dress Fitting
Wedding Expenses Soar Amid High Inflation

With soaring prices making it difficult to afford wedding costs themselves, the burden of additional fees caused by companies' 'tricks' is increasing, deepening the worries of prospective couples. Recently, couples preparing for marriage have to pay a 'fitting fee' of 50,000 to 100,000 KRW per shop when visiting dress shops to try on dresses.

With soaring prices making it difficult to afford wedding costs themselves, the burden of additional expenses due to companies' 'tricks' is also increasing, causing growing worries for prospective couples.
[Photo by Seodongmin, Asia Economy]

When trying on domestic dresses, they must pay around 50,000 KRW, and about 100,000 KRW for imported dresses. Additionally, if the bride signs a contract to wear the first dress she tries on at the dress shop, a 'first wear' fee is added. Although prices vary by dress, the additional amount reaches approximately 1 to 3 million KRW.

Moreover, if makeup is done before 9 a.m., an 'early start' fee of about 100,000 KRW is charged, and if makeup is done after 5 p.m., a 'late out' fee applies. The problem is that these additional fees vary widely by shop and are not disclosed in advance, making it impossible to accurately estimate costs. While some wedding halls or studios handling photography disclose prices, dress shops do not even have price tags. Prospective couples complain that even if they inevitably cancel fittings before the 'dress tour,' the fitting fees are non-refundable.

Furthermore, if the bride wants to change her hairstyle during studio photography, she may have to apply for a 'hair modification' and pay an additional fee of about 300,000 KRW. During studio shoots or wedding ceremonies, tips must also be given to 'helper aunts' who assist the bride by holding the dress or fixing makeup. In one case, a prospective bride paid 50,000 KRW in cash as transportation expenses to a helper when it rained on the day of the studio shoot.

Professor Eunhee Lee of Inha University's Department of Consumer Studies said, "Just as price display systems are implemented in health clubs or beauty salons, the wedding industry should disclose when and how much additional fees will be charged. In a situation where marriage and birth rates are declining, if the costs of getting married increase like this, prospective couples will only suffer more."

Average Wedding Cost in Korea Surpasses 300 Million KRW... 80% Spent on Newlywed Home

Last year, the number of newlyweds married within five years decreased by 69,000 couples in one year, falling to the 1 million couple range, while an analysis also revealed that the average wedding cost in our country has surpassed 300 million won.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Last year, the number of newlywed couples within five years of marriage decreased by 69,000 pairs in one year, dropping to the 1 million pair level, while an analysis showed that the average wedding cost in Korea exceeded 300 million KRW. According to a survey conducted by the marriage information company Gayeon on the theme of '2024 Wedding Cost Report' on the 3rd, the average wedding cost was 300.474 million KRW. Among respondents, men reported an average of 327.36 million KRW, and women 286.43 million KRW. This survey was conducted by Gayeon through Open Survey (confidence level 80%, margin of error ±2.03 percentage points) targeting 1,000 married men and women who recently married (within 5 years of marriage).

Among total costs, preparing the newlywed home accounted for the largest portion at 241.76 million KRW, representing 79% of the total cost. Respondents who lived with their parents or used company or official housing marked this as zero. The average expenditure on wedding gifts was 26.15 million KRW. The bride price was 5.66 million KRW, wedding rings 5.3 million KRW, and the studio photography, dress, and makeup (Sdeume) package averaged 4.79 million KRW. The average wedding hall cost was 9.9 million KRW, with responses ranging widely from zero (company or school-supported wedding halls) to over 100 million KRW (hotel wedding halls).

In age group surveys, the 40s group spent more on bride price and wedding rings, while the 20s group spent more on the Sdeume package. The average honeymoon cost was 7.44 million KRW, the average cost for wedding food offerings was 1.7 million KRW, and the average cost for return gifts was 1.17 million KRW.