Indian weddings are full-blown celebrations, known for their deep-rooted traditions, exotic venues, designer outfits, extravagant menus, and, of course, lots of fun. Families often save for years and spend
lakhs to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But a wedding guest at a five-star hotel in Jaipur has ignited a conversation about whether the grandeur is worth the price.
In a now-viral video, the attendee reveals that the couple signed a staggering Rs 37.4 lakh bill for just a four-hour wedding function, with each plate priced at Rs 3,440 including tax, even though most guests barely ate. He admits that he himself consumed only “250 grams of food” all evening, which included a small portion of moong dal halwa, one papad, and broccoli-almond soup.
While payment was scheduled for the next morning, what stunned him most was not the bill itself but the contrast between the lavish expenditure and the uncertainty of how long the marriage may last.
Urging families to keep weddings simple and meaningful instead of spending crores on a single evening, he said, “Invite people who stand by you in your sad times. Shaadi ko puri life event banakar rakho, ek din ka event nahi hona chahiye, ye ta zindagi chalna chahiye (Make the marriage a lifelong event, not the wedding day.)”
People in India really need to understand this
by inThirtiesIndia
How Are Social Media Users Reacting?
The clip has triggered widespread discussion, with many supporting the guest’s perspective. A few added that sometimes the lavish weddings are for their parents’ happiness and social circles.
“Absolutely! Rather give money to your daughters and sons to take entrepreneurial bets, try different experiences in life, travel to see different cultures and ways of thinking, pursue courses for passion, pursue different skill sets… much more!!!” read a comment.
Another said, “Even if the marriage lasts forever, such expenditure is pure waste.”
“The wedding itself is a big industry, a whole business ecosystem is built around weddings, providing lots of jobs. A valid point is that one can spend according to one’s financial condition. Don’t go over the limit,” wrote a user.
An individual stated, “I’ve had a decently lavish wedding (per my town’s standards), not as per my wish, but because my parents wanted their lifetime of connections & friend circles to be there on their day of joy. Despite spending on the events, they attended to all guests with warmth and love, and people still have fond memories of my wedding after many years.”
“I mean, it makes sense for people who’ve similar thought processes. I would want a simple temple wedding because an extravagant ceremony makes no sense to ME. But that doesn’t mean everyone has to think like that,” commented another.
A user shared, “One of my friends did a court marriage. Simple gathering at home and rest of the money she and her husband spent on vacation.”
“Exactly. Totally agree with this. That’s a wonderful message you’ve shared,” echoed a few.
Guests’ Advice For The Families
Calling extravagant spending a misuse of money, the guest urged parents to invest such funds in their daughter’s future instead. “Feed us less—our stomachs are already full. Give that money to your daughter, make an FD for her,” he advised, emphasising that the true value lies in supporting loved ones, not showcasing wealth.
