Weddings in Pakistan have a host of unnecessary and wasteful traditions attached to them. Mostly, middle class families of Pakistan can’t imagine abandoning these traditions. If someone opts to do this, they have to face the resentment of their family and ridicule from a section of society.
Lavish functions of “Barat” and “Valima” are celebrated. It is a tradition that these two functions have been celebrated separately. But if both functions are merged into a single one, then it would help in saving time and resources for all participants. This trend is being followed by some in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi for the last couple of years. And most people have admired its efficacy because it is less hectic and economises on resources.
Moreover, a lot of pomp and show is now associated with weddings and more money is spent on every aspect of the wedding than is needed (from invites to décor to locales etc). One such example is the bridal dress. Any amount from Rs 25,000/- to Rs. 800,000/- is spent on a dress that the bride will never use again. Whereas the option of inexpensive dresses (even rental dresses) is available, many people still opt for spending an exorbitant amount. Moreover, a lot is spent on gold jewellery even though the prices are sky high. Why not opt for silver or platinum jewellery or goldplated jewellery? Because of the pressure of social customs, of course. Due to the regalia that have now become the norm in weddings, even people who can’t afford it feel compelled to spend an inordinate amount of money to keep up with the Joneses and to save face.
It is time that we must change our attitude and adopt a more practical approach.
To promote new trends, everyone has to play the role. The media in particular can play a vital role regarding educating people to switch to these economical traditions. But as of now, the media is doing the exact opposite. It is recommended that media should adopt some code of ethics rather than promoting a materialistic approach. It is also the responsibility of government agencies to encourage people to adopt a realistic approach towards these functions. Austerity laws might be able to curb the amount of spending that takes place on weddings.
SADAF SOHAIL
Lahore