Are Naga Weddings Becoming Too Expensive?

With the rising costs of weddings, an increasing number of couples are opting for elopement rather than hosting a large celebration.

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Weddings are a special time, a celebration of love and unity, where two individuals come together to start a new chapter in life. But in recent years, the simple joy of weddings among the Nagas has evolved into something more complex—something more lavish, grand, and undeniably expensive. The question that many are beginning to ask is: Are Naga weddings becoming a little too extravagant? Has the focus shifted from a heartfelt union to a showcase of wealth and status?

From the choice of clothes to the food, decorations, photography, videography, luxury cars, and even gold and diamonds, the wedding industry in Naga dominated areas has witnessed a dramatic rise in expenditure. What was once a community-driven event has now turned into one of the most costly ventures a family undertakes. And this raises another critical question: Are these lavish weddings creating pressure on those who may not have the means to afford such grand celebrations?

Weddings as a Status Symbol

For some, weddings have become a way to exhibit wealth, not just to friends and family but to the entire community. What began as a sacred ceremony has transformed into a full-scale event, often resembling something more akin to a spectacle than a simple celebration. From high-end designer outfits to multi-course meals and elaborate décor, there seems to be an unspoken competition—each wedding trying to outdo the last.

Golds, diamonds, and luxury cars have now become almost essential parts of a Naga wedding. The pressure to match these societal expectations can be overwhelming. What happens to families that cannot afford such luxuries? The sad reality is that some of the poorer sections of society feel embarrassed or even ashamed to host a wedding because they simply cannot match the grand displays of wealth that have become the norm.

Elopement and Debt: The Darker Side

With the rising costs of weddings, an increasing number of couples are opting for elopement rather than hosting a large celebration. Elopement used to be an option for couples deeply in love and eager to start their lives together, but now it has become an escape route for those who feel they can’t afford the societal pressure of a grand wedding. In some cases, it’s not about love, but about survival.

Some families are even going to the extreme of borrowing money just to keep up with the wedding extravagance. The result? They are left with significant debts that take years to pay off, all for a celebration that lasts just a few hours. Instead of starting their married life with happiness, these couples and their families often begin with financial stress and anxiety.

The Need for Reflection

This brings us to a crucial point: Do we need to reassess how we approach weddings in Naga society? Should we allow weddings to become a lifestyle of grandeur, or should we return to the basics—where love, family, and the union of two people are the primary focus?

Weddings, at their core, should be about the couple and the families coming together to celebrate love and partnership. While it is natural to want a beautiful wedding, is it really necessary to splurge on gold, fancy cars, and expensive decorations for just a two-hour event? Is it worth risking financial stability to keep up with societal expectations?

A Conversation Worth Having

The team at OurTimes has done some research and discovered that this is a topic worth reflecting on. Should the focus of a wedding be about showing off wealth, or should it be about the love shared between two individuals? With the rise of extravagant weddings, it’s important for families, couples, and communities to think carefully about what truly matters.

Weddings should be memorable, not for the amount of money spent, but for the love, joy, and connections they bring. As we move forward, perhaps it’s time to think about how we can bring weddings back to their roots, making them more about the union and less about the price tag.