Beijing gearing up for 'Olympic weddings'

BEIJING, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- "Olympic wedding" has become a popular term in China, defined as a wedding planned around the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.

China Radio International reported that despite the Olympics being almost two years away, some young couples are getting an early start on their preparations. Wedding companies have reported the most popular days being Aug. 6, Aug. 8 and Aug. 10 of 2008.

"The year 2008 will see Beijing Olympics, which will be celebrated by the whole nation" a "young person" preparing for a 2008 wedding said. "Therefore it is lucky and happy to marry at that time. As many people have such a plan, we have to be early birds in making reservations from wedding companies and restaurants."