As far as giving an illusion of wealth, let me set your mind at ease.
Do a quick google search on the cost of an Indian wedding (India the country). Do a quick search on the cost of an Arab wedding in the poorest Arab countries (their dowry includes an apartment).
In both cases, the cost of the wedding is phenominal in relation to their annual income! And in terms of pure dollars spent, the Indian weddings make ours look like Shotgun Weddings 🙂