Why Are Chinese Young Couples Getting Married at McDonald's and Hotpot Spots?
Pic: @明明是猫
Weddings, traditionally a grand affair, are increasingly becoming a platform for young people to express their personal style. Gone are the days of lavish halls, floral decorations, extravagant gowns, and costly banquets. Today's younger generation wants something different — a wedding that reflects their personality and priorities.
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So, what's the latest trend? Forget the grand ballrooms and say hello to fast food chains and hotpot restaurants!
At first glance, the idea of getting married in a McDonald's or a Hotpot restaurant may sound absurd to some. "Isn't a wedding supposed to be a serious, once-in-a-lifetime event?" they might ask. But for many young couples, it's the ultimate form of self-expression, and after experiencing it, they quickly realize just how much fun and freedom these venues can offer.
Why McDonald's?
In contrast to the usual high-stakes weddings, where you're dependent on the weather for an outdoor event, or have to prepay thousands of yuan at a luxury hotel, McDonald's offers a much more relaxed and budget-friendly alternative. No need to worry about constantly coordinating with a wedding host or entertaining a roomful of distant relatives. You don't even have to break the bank!
The process is refreshingly simple: for a modest fee, you can book a space, and if you're in the mood, set up a projector to show your wedding video. In some locations, the staff will even help you with the decorations, or you can hire them to sing wedding songs for you.
Some couples have gone even further, booking an entire floor of a McDonald's or KFC, sometimes even reserving the children's play area for a fun, whimsical touch. It's a far cry from the typical solemn vows and formal dinners. Instead, it's all about hanging out with close friends, enjoying fast food, and laughing together.
Why Hotpot?
Hotpot restaurants like Hai Di Lao (a popular chain) are also gaining traction as wedding venues. For many, it's not about the venue's prestige but about a meaningful experience with those who truly matter. Weddings here don't require a hefty deposit or complicated meal arrangements. Just meet the minimum spending requirement, and you're good to go.
Pic: @百事还是可口可乐
In a hotpot restaurant, you can eat to your heart's content with no worries about picky eaters or expensive menus. Everyone gets to choose their own ingredients, dip them into the hot pot, and share the experience. In some restaurants, you can even enjoy complimentary services like photo printing, small gifts, or the option to do a fun, spontaneous manicure while you dine.
For those who dread the long, tiring formalities of a traditional wedding, hotpot venues offer a stress-free alternative. No need to worry about guest lists, seating arrangements, or timelines. Just a group of friends and family gathered around a bubbling pot of soup, chatting and laughing. What's not to love?
The Ultimate "No-Social-Obligation" Wedding
One of the most appealing aspects of these low-key wedding options is the elimination of unnecessary social obligations. Traditionally, weddings come with "red envelopes" — money gifts given to the newlyweds — but many couples hosting fast food weddings have opted to skip this altogether. After all, they'll likely have to return the favor later. Instead, they see their wedding as a fun, stress-free gathering of close friends and family, without the pressure to impress anyone.
Some people might say that having a wedding in a fast food restaurant is "too casual," or "lacking in dignity." But for many young couples, this is precisely the point. It's a way of rejecting societal pressures that prioritize appearance over personal happiness. When someone asks them, "Are you really getting married in a McDonald's?" they simply reply, "Why not? It's a place that's been with us throughout our journey, and we want our special day to reflect that."
Take Xiao Yezi from Guangdong, for example. At 28, she was tired of the traditional wedding hustle and bustle. "I've been to enough large weddings where everything feels scripted. But for me and my husband, the thought of a big, fancy event just didn't feel right," she says. Instead of opting for the usual high-end wedding, they chose McDonald's, a place that held special memories from their school days. "It was a spontaneous joke, but we both loved the idea. It felt like us."
Their entire wedding — from the decorations to the food — cost under 2000 yuan, and they were able to enjoy their day without the usual stress. The best part? It wasn't about impressing anyone. It was about celebrating their love in a way that made them happy.
The Bigger Picture: Budget Wedding, Big Happiness
In today's world, weddings don't have to be a show of wealth or status.
By saving money on the wedding day itself, these couples are able to spend it on what truly matters — their future together. Xiao Yezi, for example, used the money saved from her unconventional wedding to take a honeymoon in Greece, while Li Mengmeng, another bride, is using her savings to furnish their new home.
So, is getting married in a fast food restaurant or hotpot joint a sign of "downgrading"? Not at all. For many, it's an opportunity to embrace the idea that weddings are about the people and the love, not the spectacle. It's refreshing to see a growing trend where young couples are choosing happiness over tradition, simplicity over extravagance, and fun over formality.
After all, when it comes to love, the most important thing is that both people are on the same page — not about impressing others but about making memories that will last a lifetime.
Source: 三联生活实验室
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