Accra, July 16, GNA - A fair aimed at helping to link couples who intend to wed to companies that provide cost-effective wedding services opened in Accra on Friday with a call to uphold the institution of marriage in honour.

The Reverend Dr Samuel Kisseadoo, Coordinator, Joy FM's Unique Prayer Time, said at the opening of the Fair organised by Joy FM, an Accra-based FM station that marriage was one of the perfect institutions set up by God and must be upheld in honour.

He called for parental teaching on marriage and respect of couples for each other to sustain the union. "This will help reduce the high spate of divorces around the (globe)."

Thirty-four exhibitors are showcasing various kinds of wedding apparel, gifts and other services at the Joy FM Bridal Fair at the National Theatre.

Other items on display are jewellery, flowers, pastries, textiles, wedding gowns, suits, books on marriage and courtship, invitation cards, food, cosmetics, limousines and a horse-drawn cart.

The fair sponsored by companies including the 2nd Image Beauty and Hair Academy and Combert Impressions, would open to the public from 1000-1400 hours each day at the National Theatre.

Seminars on cost-cutting, honeymoon ideas, wedding organizational checklist and legal issues would be held for visitors, who would patronize the fair free of charge.

Mr Komla Dumor, Operations Manager of Joy FM, said the fair was to educate people on how to plan and perform their weddings without going through avoidable stress.

He said it would create the platform for various exhibitors in the fashion industry to showcase their products to the public to help them to make the best decisions for their weddings.

Mr Dumor said the fair, which was first organized in 2001, would be made an annual event on the calendar of the radio station to afford would-be couples the opportunity to learn more about wedding programmes. He said with proper teachings on marriage, the youth would be enlightened as well as encouraged to respect their bodies and keep them preserved for their future spouses.