WEDDING ceremonies that were once marked by simple and intimate celebrations have now transformed into some sort of a money-spending competition, often pushing families into financial distress. One fails to understand why weddings have become more about social pressure than personal happiness. According to a Gallup Pakistan survey, 70 per cent families overspend on weddings just to avoid criticism from society. Social media has further intensified this pressure, turning weddings into spectacles rather than meaningful commitments.
One more major factor is the commercia-lisation of the wedding industry. According to a report, Pakistan’s wedding industry generates over $5 billion annually. Wedding planners, luxury banquet halls, celebrity makeup artists, and destination weddings play a role in promoting the idea that a wedding must be grand. Middle-class families are taking loans to keep up with this unrealistic standard.
Furthermore, cultural expectations and gender norms make the burden even heavier for the bride’s family. A 2021 United Nations Women Pakistan report stated that 60pc families start saving for their daughters’ weddings from childhood because they know it will be a massive financial strain. Families that fail to afford luxury expenses are often labelled as ‘misers’ or judged by society negatively.
Influencers, celebrities and community leaders should promote modest weddings. Countries like Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offer financial incentives for simple weddings.
Pakistan can implement similar policies. Parents and children must understand that unnecessary expenses need to be avoided. A wedding should be a personal decision, not a display of social status. But, are we ready to break this cycle?
MARIA HAMEED
KARACHI
