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SINGAPORE: More couples in Singapore are tying the knot this Valentine’s Day.
The Registry of Marriages (ROM) said 227 couples took their vows on Saturday, more than double that of last year’s 103.
But next Valentine’s Day, the ROM will not be open as February 14 will fall on the first day of the Lunar New Year, which is a public holiday.
So if you plan to get hitched on that day, you will have to hire a Justice of the Peace to solemnise your wedding.
While some couples say a wedding bash on the first day of the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day is "double happiness", others say it is "double taxation" for relatives.
Steven Chan said: "Chinese New Year traditionally we... give out hong baos (red packets) and we just want to be a little more sensitive. We don't want to double tax them (relatives), especially in such recession."
Most agree that putting together a wedding bash is stressful enough as it is.
"It's too much to do in one day, plus tea ceremony and Chinese New Year itself, it's too much for families to handle," said Mun Loon, who is engaged.
"I feel that more Chinese families will share their reunion dinner with families so if you invite colleagues and friends to (your) wedding, they may not be able to attend," said Kristine Chew, who is dating.
The highest number of solemnisations that ROM has had in one day was on February 14 back in 1995, when 1,082 couples said "I do". Interestingly, that day fell on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, which also happens to be Chinese Valentine's Day.
That figure may be hard to top, but hotels like the Singapore Marriott are optimistic. It is expecting a surge of 20 to 30 per cent in wedding dinner bookings next year, and is even opening a new ballroom to meet the demand.
"Next year is the year of the tiger and it's an auspicious year," said Greg Allan, the general manager of Singapore Marriott Hotel. "We actually checked the Chinese calendar and 14th February, Valentine’s Day 2010, is also a very lucky day."
The Singapore Flyer is also planning special events for next year's auspicious day, include tossing "yu sheng" in the sky with a romantic touch.
- CNA/yb
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