McDonald's to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions at fast food chain in Hong Kong

Forget about traditional white wedding arches: why not go golden?

By Aliyah Shahid

Daily News Staff Writer

Friday, October 15th 2010

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Starting in January, McDonald's locations in Hong Kong will offer on-site wedding ceremonies-- complete with meal deals for guests, a wedding cake made from the fast food chain's famous apple pies, and even Happy Meal toys for party favors.

Sound ridiculous?

Apparently, there's a market for McNuptials. Helen Cheung Yuen-ling, director of corporate communications at McDonald's Hong Kong, told the
South China Morning Post they've been flooded with phone calls from fast food fanatics wanting to tie the knot over a burger and shake.

"People said they'd dated here, or met here, and wanted to get married here…We see this as a business chance," Cheung said.

And at just $400 a pop for a ceremony and reception for 100 guests, the Chinese are lovin' it.

Poverty researcher Chua Hoi-wai, of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, said the strategy reflects a social phenomenon.

"The social mobility and incomes of young Hongkongers have fallen," Chua said. "They have saved money for years and can't buy flats when they get married."

While several fast food chains have held individual weddings abroad and in the U.S., including Burger King and Taco Bell, the McDonald's in Hong Kong isthe first to actively promote wedding services.

The bad news? McWedding toasts must be alcohol-free. And, the bride shouldn't expect any special treatment. During the ceremony, business will go on
as usual.