Some see extra luck in 7/7/2007 marriages

Businesses are reaping the benefits of couples who are betting a trio of sevens on 7/7/2007 will give their marriages some extra luck when they tie the knot July 7 in El Paso and across the country.
Wedding experts say that nationwide about 70,000 couples will tie the knot on July 7, 2007 -- more than triple the number of weddings on a typical weekend.



But superstition isn't the only force driving people to get married on July 7. El Pasoan Katherine Quiñones, who is planning her marriage to M. Joseph Grant III on that date, decided on July 7 because she feels the number "777" has a distinct religious significance.

"It's more religious because I'm Catholic and '777' is God's number," she said. "To us, we thought it would bring health and a long marriage."

Liz Rey, of BRE wedding planners in El Paso, said the perceived good luck that comes with July 7, 2007, will prompt about 1,700 couples to get married in El Paso next weekend, according to her own research. Typically, about 50 couples get married in El Paso on an average

If each of those 1,700 weddings cost $28,000 -- the average expense for a wedding, according to Conde Nast -- local newlyweds could infuse nearly $50 million into the El Paso economy.

David's Bridal, the largest bridal retailer with more than 275 stores nationwide, estimates that 70,000 U.S. weddings are planned for July 7, which collectively will cost about $1.9 billion.

The surge in weddings on July 7 stems from several factors coming together at once, said Cindi Freeburn, vice president of public relations for David's Bridal.

"It's quite a confluence of events that's leading to more people getting married on this day," she said. "It's really neat when you're in this industry because it's just unprecedented."

Because American families are often separated by long distances, couples are accommodating their guests by more frequently planning weddings around holidays, such as the weekend after Independence Day.

Freeburn said July has always been a popular month for weddings.

Add to that what Freeburn called "the triple sevens, which you would consider the jackpot," and the flurry to get married next weekend comes together.

"I guess it's superstition. The three sevens are supposed to be good luck," said Zonia Límon, owner of Floral Expressions.

Límon said she has seen an increase in customers requesting floral arrangements for weddings in advance of July 7. Her own niece is among the brides getting married next weekend.

"It's the one time in the century," Límon said.

"Heck, I'd do it too if I could."

Darren Meritz may be reached at dmeritz@elpasotimes.com; 546-6127.