
Low (second from left) accompanied by PWPA secretary Evon Lye (left) and Tan (far right) presenting Chinese New Year goodies to Loh at the The Star Pitt St. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
THE Year of the Snake has had little effect on couples planning to get hitched, according to Penang Wedding Professionals Association (PWPA).
Its vice-president Jason Tan said there has been consistent bookings for weddings with couples prioritising dates that are more convenient and meaningful to them.
However, he said it is a different story when it comes to bookings during the Hungry Ghost Month from mid-August to mid-September.
“Despite the younger generation’s willingness to marry in any zodiac year, there is widespread reluctance to hold weddings during the Hungry Ghost Month.”
Weddings are typically avoided during the Hungry Ghost Month due to the period being deemed inauspicious.
It is believed that during this month, the “gates of hell” are opened, allowing the spirits of long-deceased ancestors to come out in search of food and entertainment.
As the month is focused on appeasing spirits through rituals and offerings, holding a grand celebration like a wedding might be seen as disrespectful.
Tan said in recent years, the association has observed a shift in wedding trends with couples now preferring smaller, more private celebrations instead of the traditional grand wedding receptions in ballrooms or halls.
“They are choosing smaller venues where they can interact with close friends and family members.
“The tea ceremony, a traditional custom to honour elders, also remains a significant part of the celebration.
“However, gate-crashing games during Chinese weddings have been scaled down,” he said.
PWPA co-founder and president Low Chin Siang reported a positive trend in wedding preparation services, including video production, this year.
“We typically handle about 80 projects annually.
“Within the first two weeks of January alone, we secured 45 confirmed bookings,” he added.
To spread festive cheer, Tan and Low visited the Star Media Group (SMG) at The Star Pitt St in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town.
Present to welcome them was SMG deputy news editor Arnold Loh.