Many Chinese people say this Friday is going to be a very special day.

The date, Aug. 8, 2008, translates into 8-8-8 — and in Chinese culture, the number eight signifies wealth and good fortune.

In Toronto, many couples have chosen Friday as the most auspicious day to get married.

Michelle Chai and her fiancé, Dave Hackett, are among those couples. Chai said 8-8-8 is too rare and lucky a date to pass up.

"Very important. In fact, if we didn't get the venue or the church we wanted, we'd still go around looking for something so we had that date. So when we found something and the opportunity, we took it," she said.

Chai said getting the venue and church they wanted is already a sign good fortune is on her side.

Christina Li, who manages a banquet hall in Markham, said she started getting dozens of calls about Aug. 8 as early as a year and a half ago. It's the most she's ever had for a Friday.

"Usually we may get one or the maximum two. Usually there's only one wedding on Friday. Most bride and grooms usually prefer to get married on Saturday for the convenience of friends, relatives and family."

As for Hackett, he's happy with the date — especially, he said, because his future in-laws pay a lot of attention to Chinese superstition.

"When we set the date, they were very ecstatic about it, so it made a big difference for them," he said.