On the April 9th episode of MBC's 'Save Me! Holmes', a special segment was aired focusing on the essentials of wedding preparation: studio, dress, and makeup, commonly referred to as 'Sdeume'.
The episode featured an exploration of the wedding industry centered around Cheongdam-dong, known as the mecca of the wedding industry. Celebrity friends Heo Young-ji and Lee Mi-joo joined as guests, collaborating with host Yang Se-chan. Notably, Heo Young-ji's insights stood out, having recently witnessed her sister's wedding preparations.
The first stop was a wedding hall in Cheongdam-dong, located conveniently near Cheongdam Station. The venue boasted a bright and greenery-filled atmosphere, with a unique bridal waiting room that caught everyone's attention. A 9-year veteran wedding planner shared insights into the wedding preparation process and overall costs. The venue's rental fee, floral decorations, production costs, and catering for 250 guests on a Saturday peak time were revealed to be approximately 50 million KRW, surprising the participants.
Next, the trio visited a dress shop located in the alleys of Cheongdam-dong. This shop, boasting a 30-year tradition, had relocated from the main wedding street due to high rent costs. With the trend of reservation-based operations, shops with more than three floors are now preferred. Heo Young-ji and Lee Mi-joo tried on dresses, while Yang Se-chan humorously engaged in a dress sketching activity, mimicking what real newlyweds do.
The journey continued to a makeup shop, part of the 'Sdeume' trio. They visited a renowned makeup shop in Cheongdam-dong, frequented by Kim Sook for over a decade. An interview with a 15-year veteran designer revealed that the shop occupies five floors of a building, with its value having increased 4-5 times since its purchase in 2015. The team also toured the staff dormitory, which operates on a monthly rent of 200,000 KRW, including maintenance fees, without a deposit, leaving the cast in awe.
The next stop was the home of an 11-year veteran wedding MC in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu. The MC, a former Gwangju broadcaster, has been living in a semi-jeonse (half deposit) arrangement for three years, citing its proximity to a partner wedding hall just three minutes away on foot. The team then explored Seongsu-dong, an emerging hub for self-weddings. They interviewed makeup artist Liu, who runs a shop in Seongsu-dong, discussing the area's characteristic small-scale shops compared to Cheongdam-dong.
Finally, the trio visited a house wedding venue in Yeonhui-dong, converted from a standalone house. The venue featured an outdoor garden, indoor guest rooms, and a second-floor terrace, evoking admiration. The property, suitable for house weddings or as a studio, was also introduced.
Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr