WEDDINGS- THE COSTLY AFFAIR!!

Weddings in Pakistan are not simple joyous occasions. They are a statement - Statement of one’s wealth, stature, and a status symbol. Weddings traditionally last for three days to anywhere around a week, if not more. Although most of these celebrations do not necessarily fall within the purview of Islamic norms as they are heavily influenced by Hindu customs, people participate in them with passion and enthusiasm.
Ironically, most invitees attend weddings not to bless the couple, but to test the quality of the food served. A wedding is remembered not because it is a special day for the bride and the groom, but because of the type of fare dished out at the feast. At weddings frugality in serving of meals simply cannot be brooked. To do so would mean literally cutting off your nose in the family! After all, a wedding is supposed to be an unforgettable event.
And yet another issue which needs to be curbed on a war footing is the giving of dowry. Grooms are encouraged under Islamic law to give their wives a generous mehr (cash gift at the time of marriage meant to secure the bride's future). However, the amount of mehr has decreased while the modern version of dowry -- over which the bride rarely retains any control -- has gained ground.
To lessen what is considered as ‘an imminent burden on the new in-laws’, the bride’s family gives dowry comprising of cash, household goods, furniture, jewellery, car/motorcycle and even property to the groom’s family. The rich compete with each other to outdo the lavishness of other's dowries.
The insidious practice of demanding dowry from the bride’s family has left many families on the brink of suicide. Poor families work very hard and even end up taking loans against steep interest rates to ensure that the demands of the groom’s family are met.
Another ostentatious expenditure, though of a personal nature, which needs to be curtailed, is the use of expensive bridal dress, elaborate bridal trousseau, jewellery, glamorous wedding cards and reserving wedding halls.
The traditional bridal dress is very elaborate with intricate embroidery and delicate stone and beadwork. The dress is usually the focus of attention for years to come and will be discussed in minute details. The minimum price of a wedding dress ranges between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 (US $ 700-800) while according to official figures per capita income in the country is $ 847. Just a wedding dress that will be worn for a couple of hours and then stowed away for years to come can be suicidal for an average family!
All in all, weddings in Pakistan are a costly affair and getting costlier with the passage of time. The cost of just one wedding can range from anywhere near to Rs 5 lac (Rs 0.5 million) to Rs 10 lac (Rs 10 million). Isn’t it enough to get at least four to five poor girls married off respectfully? Do think about it!