Is Your Wedding Budget Worth It? Reflections on Wedding Spending and Future Investments
Weddings, especially in India, are considered a significant milestone that brings immense joy and celebration. However, with the rising costs and changing trends, many begin to question the value of their investments in wedding expenditures. Let's explore the key aspects of wedding spending, discuss the pros and cons of various expenses, and ponder about the future implications of our decisions during this grand occasion.
Reflections on Wedding Budgeting
Deciding how much to spend on your wedding is a personal choice that many couples face, but it often leads to a mix of excitement and anxiety. The story of a friend who spent a mere Rs. 7,000 on sarees and blouses highlights the potential for significant regret if expenses are not managed wisely.
Many people, by the time 2 to 3 years have passed, look back with disappointment, as the blouses become unsuitable due to body changes post-pregnancy, and the intricate aari work fades. This reflects the importance of making smart choices and investing thoughtfully in items that will serve you well in the long run.
Comparing Weddings to the 90s
Back in the 90s, the expenses for a wedding were vastly different. With a total of Rs. 4,000,000 (4L) for a two-day function, the average cost per day was around Rs. 2,000,000 (2L). In today's context, spending this amount might seem modest compared to contemporary trends.
The standout expense was on the bride's jewellery, reflecting her significant fondness for it since a young age. Despite the emphasis on showy elements, this individual found the 70% spent on meaningful items and the 30% on display to be justifiable. This suggests that while ostentatious displays are prevalent now, there are still conscientious approaches to celebrating the union.
Personal Experiences with Wedding Lenghas
One couple's experience with wedding attire is particularly noteworthy. An expensive wedding lengha that cost around Rs. 40,000, along with additional costs for makeup, hairstyling, and jewellery, has led to a critical reevaluation of priorities.
The lengha, although lavish, was not worn often and now remains unused. By contrast, a blazer and dupatta from the same lengha, repurposed as light wear for a cousin's wedding, continues to be a valued possession.
This story illustrates how weddings marked with excessive extravagance can sometimes lack the expected longevity and utility. It prompts questions about whether such investments are truly worthwhile and if a more thoughtful or practical approach would be more beneficial.
Wedding Expenditures and Future Implications
In conclusion, weddings can indeed be an expensive affair. The tendency to spend a disproportionate amount on showy elements, such as venues, clothes, gifts, and music, is concerning. In an average 10L wedding, 7-8L is typically spent on unnecessary displays, highlighting a need for careful budgeting.
Investing in simple, traditional pieces like silk sarees or handloom sarees can provide both the charm and comfort without the long-term financial strain. Similarly, renting an outfit for the event could be a lighter and more sustainable alternative.
Ultimately, the key is to balance tradition with practicality, ensuring that the wedding remains a celebration without compelling financial regrets in the future. As couples continue to plan their weddings, they should reflect on the true value of their celebrations beyond the present moment and towards a secure future.