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INDIA
Indian weddings have always been lavish affairs, but buoyed by a roaring
economy, the industry has ballooned to an estimated $10bn (?5bn) a year. One
of the most extravagant was that of the daughter of Britain's wealthiest
man, the steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, who was said to have spent ?30m on
nuptials which included a performance by Kylie Minogue. But even the most
humble unions boast hundreds of guests, days of festivities and cost
thousands for the hosts, traditionally the bride's parents. Although dowries
were outlawed in 1961, many flout the law. As such, daughters can be seen as
financial burdens, and it is not uncommon for female foetuses to be aborted.
Unicef estimates that 7,000 are aborted a day.
AFGHANISTAN
Banned under the Taliban, opulent weddings are booming in one of the world's
poorest countries. An important measure of social status, they are held in
decadent wedding halls all over Kabul. Moderate guest lists can top 600,
while the truly decadent will host more than 2,000. Grooms pick up the bill.
Costs regularly outstrip salaries and the average wedding can cost a
middle-class Afghan man ?10,000.
UAE
Weddings in the oil-rich federation cost an average of ?40,000. To avoid the
cost, many young Emirati men have chosen to wed foreigners, or to postpone
tying the knot. The government has established a marriage fund that throws
in as much as ?10,000 to help.
GREECE
Traditional Hellenic unions include plate-smashing, dancing and parties
which last through the night. The couple wear crowns linked with a ribbon
and guests pin money to the bride's dress.
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