T-ara Hyomin’s Wedding Dress: A Glimpse into High-End Bridal Fashion and Addressing Rising Costs

T-ara’s Hyomin recently celebrated her wedding on June 6th, and the spotlight is now on her exquisite wedding dress. According to T-ara Boram’s SNS captures, Hyomin (Park Sun-young, 36) wore a stunning gown from a high-end imported brand, with only two such dresses available in South Korea.

The dress, a 2025 S/S collection from Sareh Nouri, featured unique wave-like pleats in the first part of the ceremony, followed by a simpler dress in the second part. While the exact price remains undisclosed, similar imported wedding dresses can cost upwards of ₩5,000,000 (approximately $4,000 USD) or even exceed ₩10,000,000 (approximately $8,000 USD) for rental alone.

The rising costs associated with wedding preparations, particularly the ‘Studio, Dress, and Makeup’ (스드메) packages, have become a significant concern for soon-to-be-married couples. A report by Duo Wedding revealed that the average cost for 스드메 packages has surged from ₩2,350,000 in 2020 to ₩3,600,000 in 2024 – a 53% increase in just four years.

Unexpected additional charges, such as dress fitting fees, further exacerbate the financial burden. The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has stepped in to address these issues by introducing a standard contract for wedding planning agencies. This contract ensures transparency regarding 스드메 services and additional options, requiring detailed pricing and preventing hidden costs.

The KFTC’s initiative aims to empower couples to make informed decisions and manage their wedding expenses more effectively, reducing both financial strain and psychological barriers associated with getting married. This move comes as a welcome relief for couples navigating the often-complex and costly world of wedding preparations.