Views differ on extravagant weddings

Russian dancers, earthmoving equipment and horse-rides were cited as signs of people splurging money on weddings, which many condemned and some justified at a session on extravagant weddings organised by Kerala Latin Catholic Women’s Association here on Saturday.

As he vehemently opposed any show of wealth at weddings, Sonal Stevenson, an MBA student in the city, referred to a recent wedding at which Russian dancers were brought to make the event glitzy. He even feels that Kerala Women’s Commission recommendation that grooms should limit their ornaments to five sovereigns a little too much. “Why should males wear so much of ornaments”, he asked.

Chairman of Kerala Women’s Commission K. C. Rosakkutty, who introduced the topic, recalled how at a recent wedding, the bride and groom were given a ride on an earthmoving equipment. She referred to the incident to highlight what she said was people going the extra mile for novelty.

Amala Mary, an MBA student, however, said that spending heavily on weddings helped circulate money as the expenses percolated down to different levels. Photographers, event managers and caterers stood to benefit from the spending, she said.

Her views were echoed by Jerome Valluvassery, a lawyer. He said that expensive weddings helped circulate money.

Besides, he said that people saved heavily to build houses and to spend on weddings of their children and it would be difficult to put a curb on their wishes.

Sherry Thomas, a lawyer, said that legislation would be of little help to curb splurge on weddings. He called for change in attitudes and awareness creation among people.

Catholic priest Yesudas Pazhampilly referred to the recent example of a groom riding a horse to the wedding venue as an example of expensive weddings, which he said should be taxed to find money for the poor.

At a session held in the city, many speakers condemn lavish weddings while some justify it stating that it helps circulate money.