* In India, a wedding that stretches over five days can put a modest family into debt in the amount of five million rupees, or about $140,000. Not only does the money buy a feast for thousands of guests cooked by renowned chefs and the purchase of fresh flowers to adorn every inch of space, but some families hire top-line entertainers to perform at the wedding. In return, the bride and groom receive cars and other expensive items as wedding gifts.

* In Italy, the average price for the wedding is calculated at $200 per invited guest. That money generally goes toward paying for the meal and open bar. The must-have designer gown will cost in the area of $10,000. Add in the honeymoon to a warm-climate and the tally climbs by another $4,000. To offset the wedding costs, guests tend to give money in lieu of gifts. The unspoken rule in Italy and for Italian-Canadians is, "family" gives $300 per person and other guests are expected to cover the cost of the meal, about $200 per person.

* In Egypt, where the average monthly wage is no more that $40 US a month, the cost of a wedding can be as high as $30,000 US.

* The Malaitan tribe of the Solomon Islands, offers about 1,000 dolphin teeth as an essential part of a bridal dowry, but the number can go up to 5,000 teeth.

* On average, one dolphin's tooth fetches $1.40 US.

* In certain social circles in Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Arab nations, the average cost of a wedding hits $100,000 US.

* In 1992, the United Arab Emirates introduced a marriage fund that would donate $20,000 US to poorer Emirati men if they married local women. The money would cover the wedding costs and pay for housing. About 30,000 men have taken up the offer to date.