Are weddings just show-off these days?

The weddings these days are all about costumes, luxurious gifts, lots of ‘jahaiz’ (dowry), distribution of sweets to the entire neighbourhood and having reserved an extra-large banquet hall festooned profligately, playing high volume ‘masala’ music, a grand food service and a long list of guests. The pre-wedding shoot and post-wedding photos on facebook are just a desperate attempt to seek attention. Isn’t it a waste of money?

“City residents spend heaps of money to please people who hardly care about the wedding, they are just there to have food. A normal middle class family spends a fortune on what they call it ‘Shaadi Khaana Aabaadi’. But what actually happens? They overburden themselves by borrowing money from others. How can a small or sumptuous wedding have any influence on happiness of the married couple is beyond me,” says Nazim Hussain, a varsity professor.

“Marriages can be low-budget and cost-effective, but Pindiites spend too much on show off. Some people borrow a large amount of money just for the occasion and then repay it for the rest of their lives. It is quite an imprudent step,” says Najam Ali, a resident of Scheme III.

“If you have money then what is wrong in spending it the way you like it? If I have money which can literally feed the whole city then what is so wrong in spending it on an occasion for your loved ones,” says Ehteshaam Haider living in Gulistaan Colony.

“It's not hypocrisy or show off, it is your choice. One exceptionally rich person might want a small wedding but another would want a big wedding. I believe in: If you have it, then flaunt it,” says Mahrma Hooriay from Defence Housing Authority.

Amber Ali a college lecturer says: “However meager the income is, the Pindiites way of thinking is to spend a big percentage of their savings on marriages. Photos become a part of that. Many photos are even photo shopped to make people look good. These people make a fortune out of nothing. In our city where many people do not get two square meals a day, I think big expenditures on marriages are not justified.”

“I am not against anything, any form of celebration or style of enjoyment. But I am in favour of a more sensible and deeper concept of marriage. Why do we have to show off so much? That we have a lot of money? That we are marrying our daughter in a wealthy family? That our son is our prince? That we party so elegantly that the whole city remembers,” says Zainab Batool from Bahria Town.

Ziarat Ali, a civil engineer by profession, says: “Last month one of my cousins had his wedding program extending over many days followed by another for 3 days in the in-law’s city, absolute misuse of money just to impress others. Both families whose son and daughter are entering into marriage wedlock spend as much as they can. As both families are newly acquainted, that’s why there was eagerness to build the right image.”

“Arranging a grand marriage is the culture of high society but unfortunately our middle class families also want to maintain it. If the politicians, sports stars and industrialists can afford these expenses, why the poor people who have no reasonable income even to buy the daily essentials have to bear these expenses. It is just unbelievable,” says Rajab Ali from Gulraiz Colony.