Statistics show that nearly 40 per cent of the total amount was spent on food and sweets provided during wedding receptions. This amounted to an estimated total of Lm4.48 million.

The amount spent on catering was followed by that spent on drinks, including alcohol, also provided during the wedding receptions. This amounted to Lm1.19 million.

Just over Lm1 million was spent on wedding dresses, and another Lm1 million was spent on photographs and videos of the special day. Other expenses included the hiring of a reception hall, transport, souvenirs, music, wedding rings, invitations, hairdressers and beauticians. The average amount spent in 2002 on a wedding was Lm5,100.

Launching the ninth Weddings Fair, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said that consumerism was on the increase. This, he said, was positive, but he appealed to people to ensure that they respected their limitations.

The president of the Malta Trade Fairs Corporation, Joseph Mifsud, explained that 2007 will the last year when the fairs will be held at the trade fair grounds in Naxxar. He said the corporation has earmarked land in Ta Qali where there will be an extra 30 tumuli of land for exhibitions.

He said the corporation was awaiting a favourable reply from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

This specialised fair usually attracts large numbers of people, with around 12,000 people visited the fair last year. In view of last year’s success, this year saw an increase in the number of firms promoting their products and services. There are 195 exhibitors, up from the 165 who exhibited their products or services last year. Apart from all the space available at the Trade Fair Centre in Naxxar, there are also an additional three large tents.

There is also a lottery whereby a couple can win a honeymoon sponsored by P&A Sullivan. The Weddings Fair opened its doors to the public yesterday evening and will remain open until Sunday.