Photo studios, flower markets, restaurants and hotels are reporting strong business because of the large numbers of weddings during the break.

Weddings account for about 70 percent of hotel and restaurant bookings in Shanghai.

"Four couples occupied about 80 tables, covering the whole second floor of our restaurant," said a saleswoman at Lanbao Restaurant in Pudong.

Though the price for receptions ranges from 1,200 yuan (US$144) to 1,500 yuan per table on average, it's still difficult to make a reservation.

Bridal studios are also enjoying better business compared with last year when the SARS epidemic affected trade.

Milan Bridal Photo Studio said recently it has had about 30 couples a day, which is double last year's figures.

A flower dealer at the local Jingwen Flower Market said this week he has decorated seven or eight wedding cars a day, which is a significant increase on the same period last year.

(Shanghai Daily May 6, 2004)