Re: Why oh why!
I'd like to share just one more thought.
If you can afford to buy a $25,000 bridal dress and splurge $50,000 in jewelery, SPLENDID MASHALLAH. No body has any right to direct you on how to spend your hard-earned money. But, why do you think people, who disagree with this kind of expenditure, are trying to point finger at you. They are only stating their viewpoint that just happens to be opposite of your opinion.
However, regardless of the fact that I can afford to go that way, I would not do it and Chanda is trying to say the same, I think. I do not know about anyone else here on GS but I do know that there are quite a few people in my family in Pakistan, maids, servants, etc. who can put this kind of money into a way better use. Not every family in my relatives is multi-millionaire and there is a big possibility for girls of those families to experience inferiority complex and I don't blame them for that. It's just human nature.
^Agree, and why make it just about clothes and jewelry- it should apply to everything including hotel/venue, decorations, stage, favors, etc etc. If moderation is the way, it should be done in every aspect. Why have a wedding at a hotel when you can easily do it at a smaller place, even masjid? That seems to be a norm too, booking the best hotels, spending thousands on decor, lighting, flowers, dj, etc etc. That's one of the traditions besides dowries that promote extensive spending and should be cut down on.
And the brides here who already had a wedding- how much did you spend on your dress, jewelry, venue, decor, etc etc? What did you do yourself to make sure things are done in a simple way without spending thousands, like this thread is addressing? Im sure any tips shared would be great and helpful for the rest here.