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Asian weddings pass £30,000 mark Asian weddings pass £30,000 mark
(about 4 hours later)
The average amount of money being spent by Asian families on weddings in the UK has increased to more than £30,000.The average amount of money being spent by Asian families on weddings in the UK has increased to more than £30,000.
Research carried out by Asian bridal magazine Viya found wedding budgets had increased dramatically over the past five years.Research carried out by Asian bridal magazine Viya found wedding budgets had increased dramatically over the past five years.
The rise has been linked to the glamour of Bollywood, British celebrity culture and increased spending power.The rise has been linked to the glamour of Bollywood, British celebrity culture and increased spending power.
Latest figures for the cost of the average white Western wedding range from £17,000 to £20,000.Latest figures for the cost of the average white Western wedding range from £17,000 to £20,000.
Asian weddings are big business in Britain, with the market worth £300m a year and rising.Asian weddings are big business in Britain, with the market worth £300m a year and rising.
Bollywood influence
More and more companies which specifically cater for these events are springing up all over the country.More and more companies which specifically cater for these events are springing up all over the country.
Wedding dress designer Mani Kohli said the amount of money spent on dresses had risen sharply.Wedding dress designer Mani Kohli said the amount of money spent on dresses had risen sharply.
She said: "Girls used to spend £1,000 - £1,500 up to two to three years ago. Last year saw them escalating to £2,000 - £2,500.She said: "Girls used to spend £1,000 - £1,500 up to two to three years ago. Last year saw them escalating to £2,000 - £2,500.
"This year, I have seen a lot of difference. I have seen girls not even blinking when I say this is £3,000 - £4,000 or more.""This year, I have seen a lot of difference. I have seen girls not even blinking when I say this is £3,000 - £4,000 or more."
The trend has been put down to the influence of Bollywood, British celebrity culture and the media - which all give brides something to aspire to and make them aware of what is available for their big day, says the BBC's communities reporter Niki Cardwell.The trend has been put down to the influence of Bollywood, British celebrity culture and the media - which all give brides something to aspire to and make them aware of what is available for their big day, says the BBC's communities reporter Niki Cardwell.
It was like a dream wedding, it was massive, it lasted for over six weeks Fari Hussein
Another factor is spending power.Another factor is spending power.
Most of today's brides and grooms are third generation British Asians and their parents, by now well-established and successful, are keen to show off their wealth at these weddings which are hugely important in their communities, our reporter says.Most of today's brides and grooms are third generation British Asians and their parents, by now well-established and successful, are keen to show off their wealth at these weddings which are hugely important in their communities, our reporter says.
Fari Hussein was the last of five daughters in her family to get married - and said her family had been saving for years.
She told the BBC: ""It was like a dream wedding, it was massive, it lasted for over six weeks and I've actually been preparing for my wedding since December."
He father, Fazar, said: "We didn't have very lavish holidays, you know. We never smoke, never drink. We just live within our own means... and save the money."