SHANGHAI - Shanghai newlyweds hand over an average 170,000 yuan ($25,000) for their wedding ceremonies, outspending other newlyweds across the country, a survey found.

A couple examines wedding jewelry on a model at the Shanghai 2010 Modern Wedding Fair, which ran from Aug 20 to 22. [China Daily]

The money pays for banquets, decorations and jewelry, according to a report released by the Shanghai Modern Wedding Fair Organizing Committee.

Reports late last year said that on average a wedding costs about 130,000 yuan in urban areas and 27,000 yuan in rural areas in China.

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The committee surveyed more than 10 service industries related to weddings in Shanghai including jewelry retailing, catering, wedding planning and photography.

The survey found that an average of 38,000 yuan is spent on jewelry for weddings, spiraling up by 37 percent compared to last year.

Diamond rings, earrings and necklaces are the most often purchased jewelry for weddings, the report said.

"Jewelry is a lasting souvenir and its value may grow, especially gold ones," said Yang Xiaohui, a 28-year-old would-be bride.

Yang and her fiance set a budget of 40,000 yuan for purchasing jewelry.

Brand, design and price are the brides' and bridegrooms' major concerns. Set jewelry is more popular than single items, the report said.

The survey also found that money spent on banquets jumped from 66,000 yuan last year to 80,000 yuan this year, accounting for at least 45 percent of the total expenses for wedding ceremonies, the report said.

On average, 19 tables are reserved for each wedding banquet, exactly the same as last year.

A spokesman with a five-star hotel said many young people want to get married in the year of Expo 2010 Shanghai, creating a great demand for catering service this year and pushing up the price.

Banquets on special dates such as Oct 10, 2010 (with three 10s in the date, symbolizing perfection) were booked as early as mid-2009, he said.

As numerous caterers are serving visitors to the Expo, a limited number of banquets can be reserved this year.

"The great demand obviously helps boost the price of wedding banquets," he said.

Environment and facilities are no longer the overwhelming considerations when people choose a place for a wedding ceremony, the report said.

Price, public reviews and location are getting increasingly important for brides and bridegrooms.

The report also found about 7,000 yuan on average is spent on wedding planning, including hiring bands and ordering decorations such as flowers.

The figure is 3 percent lower than 2009.