RIYADH: Weddings can cause unbearable stress as one couple recently discovered when they had a sharp disagreement, with possible divorce proceedings in the offing, over a SR40,000 bill for decorations meant for their ceremony at the shop of a wedding planner.

Giving new meaning to the old saying, “Love flies out of the window when poverty enters the door,” the irate husband refused to pay up and left without her.

This is according to wedding planner Khaled Al-Sharhan, who said the couple had come to him to choose items for their ceremony. “When the total cost reached nearly SR40,000, the groom became angry and accused his bride of exploiting him. Tempers rose ... and the groom left in his own car in a huff, leaving the bride with no choice but to hire a taxi.” Al-Sharhan said it appears that they may have separated. He added that the cost of weddings is likely behind the high divorce rate in the country, which reports recently placed at about 30,000 a year.

Al-Sharhan said that based on his experience, about 70 percent of newly married couples with average incomes were facing financial problems because of the high cost of their weddings.

“Most young couples do not have sufficient cash, and I know a number of husbands who have turned to borrowing from the bank to satisfy the desires of their wives. After a few months, they begin to feel the pinch of the debt on their lifestyle,” he said.

He said most of the grooms are unaware of the real cost of weddings, which is hidden by people “who have no conscience.” They only want to make money by exploiting the ignorance of people. He said couples must plan their weddings carefully including making detailed lists of all expenses.

“Among other things, marital discord is also due to the high cost of decoration and related expenditure. And when the groom refuses to foot the bill, the bride remains adamant, because she wants to impress their guests. This leads to heated arguments at the beginning of their marriage,” Al-Sharhan said.