Lm11m spent on weddings

Almost Lm11.2 million are estimated to have been spent on weddings last year, Parliamentary Secretary Edwin Vassallo said at the inauguration of the Weddings Fair, in Naxxar yesterday.

Quoting figures compiled by the National Statistics Office, he said 2,240 weddings took place last year. The bulk of spending, Lm4.4 million, was on food at wedding receptions, followed by Lm1.1 million on drinks and Lm1 million each on wedding gowns and photography.

Mr Vassallo observed that the weddings industry offered many opportunities for work and had a certain degree of value added content. Greater appreciation of Maltese culture and handicrafts would mean that a higher proportion of spending on weddings would remain in Malta.

Mr Vassallo underlined the importance of innovation and high standards.