Thelma Osatohanmwen
Social media activist, Reno Omokri has addressed the rising cost of weddings in Nigeria in a post titled #RenoNuggets on his X page.
He disclosed that the issue has sparked debates on marriage expectations as it has led to a high cost of weddings in Nigeria along with financial responsibilities within relationships.
According to him, many women in the country find themselves unmarried, not due to a lack of suitable partners, but rather because of the daunting financial burden associated with elaborate ceremonies.
The prevailing expectation for grand traditional weddings followed by extravagant white weddings and lavish receptions has led to financial strains for many families. The desire for a societal court registry to conclude the celebrations further adds to the financial complexities.
Omokri also said that in some cases, women and their families, despite limited means, express a preference for opulent weddings, placing the financial responsibility on the prospective groom that these expectations, while deeply rooted in cultural practices, may contribute to the perpetuation of financial liabilities within marriages. The insistence on luxurious weddings without mutual financial contributions raises concerns about the sustainability of such unions.
Omokri also revealed that the comparison to simpler weddings of high-profile figures, such as Mark Zuckerberg, adds an interesting dimension to the discourse. Wealthier individuals opting for more modest ceremonies challenge traditional notions of opulence tied to marital celebrations.
Hence, the societal pressure to conform to these expectations has led some to question the practicality and sustainability of entering into marriages with significant financial strains. The emphasis on the prospective groom to bear the financial brunt of the wedding expenses, coupled with the expectation that the bride’s family should be catered to, highlights systemic issues within marriage traditions.
