Ludhiana, Aug 26 : The wedding industry in Punjab is scaling new heights every season, as there is no dearth of spenders who have now graduated to following global trends.

Be it buying a designer lehanga, a saree, suit or a sherwani, Punjabis spend lavishly for this occasion.

"Punjabi's are the ones who spend the most. They live life king size. That is the reason why everyone should be in Punjab," said Mona, a fashion designer.

The average spending on a wedding in Punjab can vary between 23,000 USD to 100, 000 USD.

"There's good scope in Punjab. Punjabi weddings have a lot of extravaganza. They are characterized by a lot of functions. People want a lot of variety that's why we are targeting Punjab," said Kritika, a flower decorator, Ferns and Petals.

Wedding expo's held across Punjab was an attempt to redefine the concept of weddings.

World renowned names like Preston Baily, who had designed the wedding of Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, James Parker, in collaboration with Ferns and Petals, set up his theme concept at the Vivah 2008 exhibition this year to woo Indian customers and grab a share of the large Indian pie.

The exhibition that brought the joy of celebrating weddings under one roof - apparels, jewellery, packaging and all other home luxuries - netted a business of 230 million US dollars, last year in India.

Punjab's Ludhiana city remains a hot favourite since its inception in 2005.

"We are starting exhibition from Ludhiana as we feel that the highest wedding expenditure is made in the Punjab segment. They are extravagant and a lot of functions are a part of it that starts well in advance," said Ritika Seth, an organiser, Vivaha'08nternational concepts like Thai fruit carving are the attraction of the expo. With many NRI Punjabis coming home for marriages, such themes are a big hit.

"The benefit of such exhibition is that you come to one place and you are done with everything from clothes to Jewellery. All small details are taken care of," said Harleen, a visitor.

Abhivyakti, another visitor said, "In one day, less than one roof one can plan a wedding. One gets everything from furniture, jewellery to clothes."

The big ostentatious Punjabi weddings are all set for a new season of splendid glamour. y Karan Kapoor

ANI