The UK's first Asian wedding channel is set for launch next month, BizAsia.co.uk can confirm.

Wedding TV Asia will be a free channel dedicated to the diversity of Asian wedding culture both in the UK and internationally. The format will feature a wide range of Asian inspired wedding focused programming. The channel aims to reflect the colourful variety of Asian wedding styles, excitement, romance and traditions.

The initial foundation of Wedding TV Asia will be drawn from real weddings working alongside wedding film makers. From photographers to planners, venues and entertainment, fashion and flowers, Wedding TV Asia will have it all. Building on Wedding TV’s previous Indian-inspired programming such as 'My Big Fat Indian Wedding' and 'Asian Wedding Exhibitions', primetime Wedding TV Asia will embrace all facets of Asian culture from India, Pakistan, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The main content will reach out to Asian societies within the UK and also build upon pre-existing successful series on Wedding TV such as 'The Designers', 'Happy Ever After' and 'Perfect Day' with Indian couples.

Seema Modhvadia, Researcher for Wedding TV Asia said, "I’m incredibly excited by the support I’m receiving from videographers, photographers, wedding planners and couples who would like their wedding featured on Wedding TV Asia; it’s a sign the channel is long over-due. We believe the Wedding TV Asia will attract a diverse ethnic viewing audience as there are no more extravagant ceremonies, no more devout weddings than those staged by the Asian community."

Kalpesh Solanki of the Asian Media Group, which recently acquired the Eastern Eye publication said, "It's about time the broader media woke up to the potential of the Asian market in the UK. There is a very successful and affluent, and as yet untapped consumer base in Britain, and weddings and their associated celebrations form a central part of the Asian culture."

Wedding TV Asia will be available on Sky channel 267 and Freesat EPG 401 from Monday 1st June. It will takeover the slot currently occupied by Wedding TV, which has been broadcasting for the past three years.

Marc Conneely, Co-Founder and Director of Wedding TV said, "We believe we are responding to a public demand and looking at a big business opportunity. Our research in the UK shows the Asian wedding market is booming in terms of the amount of money spent on wedding ceremonies each year and even in a recession the colourful traditions and culture make for compelling television content."

Update 28/05/2009
Asian Wedding TV Asia has pushed back its launch date to Wednesday 1st July.