In a world where divorce rates are climbing, a new and unexpected industry is emerging: wedding photo destruction services. These services, which help individuals part ways with one of the most significant relics of their past relationships, are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in countries like China, where both high divorce rates and an emphasis on elaborate wedding photography have created a unique demand.
One such business is run by Liu Wei, an entrepreneur from Langfang, a city near Beijing. Liu calls himself the “Love Story Funeral Director” and operates a shredding facility where he specializes in the destruction of wedding photos and other wedding-related memorabilia. What started as a typical document-shredding company in 2022 has now evolved into a niche service catering to the needs of divorced individuals seeking closure.
The Origins of the Service
China, like many countries, has seen a significant increase in divorce over the past decade. While government interventions, such as the introduction of a mandatory “30-day cooling-off period” in 2021, have somewhat reduced impulsive divorces, the rates remain high. In the first half of 2023 alone, over 1.3 million couples in China filed for divorce.
In many Chinese cities, high-end wedding photography is the norm. Couples spend thousands of dollars on elaborate photo sessions to commemorate their weddings. However, these same images become unwanted reminders after divorce. Compounding this problem is China’s strict waste management regulations, which make it difficult to simply discard photos. Additionally, cultural superstitions surrounding the burning of photos with living people further complicate the disposal process.
Liu Wei recognized the opportunity in this gap. His company now receives wedding photos from all over the country, offering a solution to divorced couples who don’t want to hold onto these mementos of a life they no longer share.
How the Process Works
The wedding photo destruction process is carefully designed to respect both the privacy and emotional needs of the clients. Upon receiving a package containing photos, bedding, or even towels from the now-defunct marriage, Liu and his team record the weight and number of items before determining the price. Depending on the size and condition of the items, the cost can range from 10 to 100 yuan (approximately $1.50 to $15 USD) per item.
Before destruction begins, the team takes additional steps to ensure confidentiality. Spray paint is used to obscure identifiable features in the photos, such as tattoos, piercings, and faces. In some cases, customers even request specific patterns or colors to be applied to their photos for symbolic purposes, such as warding off bad luck.
Once privacy is ensured, the items are processed. The photos are fed into shredders, while tougher materials like glass frames or wooden plaques are smashed with hammers. The shredded material is sent to waste-to-energy facilities, where it will be used as fuel.
Liu goes the extra mile by creating a short video for each client, documenting the entire destruction process. He adds uplifting music to these videos and sends them back to his clients, some of whom report finding emotional closure through the experience.
The Emotional Side of the Business
Interestingly, about 80% of Liu’s clients are women. Many of them engage in long conversations with Liu during the process, sharing the stories of their divorces and the emotions tied to their wedding memorabilia. For some, the act of destroying these items provides a sense of release from a painful chapter in their lives.
According to Liu, wedding photo destruction is about more than just clearing physical space. It symbolizes the end of a relationship, a way to move on from the emotional weight of the past. “Things that once felt essential to our lives can become burdens in another stage of life,” Liu reflects. His service provides a way for people to let go, both physically and emotionally, of their past relationships.
A Growing Industry
With the continued rise in divorce rates around the world, services like Liu Wei’s “Love Story Funeral” may only increase in demand. As more people seek ways to sever ties with their past, the wedding photo destruction industry could become a burgeoning niche market. For now, Liu’s business provides a valuable service to those looking to move on from their former relationships in a tangible and emotionally cathartic way.
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