THE number '8' may be auspicious to the Chinese, but the triple-eight date of Aug 8, 2008 (or 08.08.08) does  not seem too hot with couples getting married here this year.

That's because this date is during the Hungry Ghost Festival in the seventh month - Aug 1 to Aug 30 this year - of the Chinese calendar.

The belief that it is not a lucky time for weddings has brought a lull to businesses related to marriage. Bridal houses, such as Digio Bridal at Tanjong Pagar, report that brides don't want to try on gowns or even step into the shop.  

Designer Casey Loh, 35, from Digio said: "When the doors to Hell open (for the Chinese seventh month), we can also all take leave."

The owner of Flamingo Bridal, also located in Tanjong Pagar, Ms Shirley Lee, agreed.

She said: "So far, we don't have any bookings on that day. I'm not expecting a lot of business during the seventh month period; perhaps only one or two couples booking with us.

"From my experience, some Chinese couples don't mind the date actually but they usually listen to their parents' advice not to have their wedding during
the seventh month."

Still, Ms Lee and her staff will continue working in August - albeit at a less frantic pace - in order to "prepare for the Chinese eight month". It is considered an auspicious month for weddings.

Several hotels my paper contacted reported that they had some enquries, but few takers, for their wedding dinner packages.

This is despite throwing in freebies, such as room and menu upgrades or additional beer, on top of what is already in the hotels' wedding packages. Even couples who are not superstitious are avoiding Aug 8, 2008.

Marina Mandarin Singapore's spokesman Lim Ee Jin said: "They are just afraid that not as many guests would turn up."

In comparison, the triple-seven date of July 7, 2007 was hot: There were 772 ceremonies performed at the Registry of Marriages on that day, compared to about 100 on a regular day.

serl@sph.com.sg