White weddings have become increasingly popular in Zimbabwe over the years, but there is an ongoing debate about whether they are necessary or merely societal pressure. Some people say it is better to have a small wedding or none at all and use that money to secure land or save it. It is also worth noting that white weddings are not originally part of Zimbabwean culture, and the majority of people in the country do not have the financial means to afford extravagant weddings.

Zimbabweans are also known to have very large weddings with up to 500 guests and this would obviously burn a large hole in anyones wallet. Although this trend has begun to die out as more people are opting to have smaller weddings , even at the expense of side eyes from uninvited distinct relatives.

Recently, a breakdown of wedding expenses was shared on Twitter, shedding light on the average cost of a wedding in 2024.

“Average cost of a Wedding for 2024 in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

Decor – $800 usd

Venue – $90 -200 usd depending

Catering – &700 usd

Lightning & effects – $50 usd

Planning & coordination – $50 usd

Hair & make up – $60 – 120 usd

Videography – $300 usd

Photoboot – $360 – 500 usd

Cake – $300 usd (depending)

Dj – $200 usd

Beverages – $250 usd

Photography – $400 usd

Bouncer – $40 usd

Ushers – $40 usd

Total – around $4k – 5k usd

Do y’all thing weddings are necessary or its just waste of money to impress other people?”

These figures raise the question of whether spending such a significant amount of money on a wedding is necessary or simply a way to impress others.

On one hand, proponents of white weddings argue that they are a symbol of love and commitment. They believe that weddings create lasting memories and are an important celebration of the union between two individuals. White weddings are often seen as a traditional and formal way to declare love and embark on a lifelong journey together. Many people view weddings as a once-in-a-lifetime event and are willing to invest their hard-earned money to make it special.

On the other hand, some argue that spending thousands of dollars on a single day is excessive and unnecessary. They believe that weddings have become overly commercialized, fueled by societal pressure and the desire to have a picture-perfect event. They believe that the money spent on weddings could be better utilized elsewhere, such as investing in a couple’s future.

It is important to consider the financial realities of many Zimbabweans. The average person in the country does not have the means to afford a lavish wedding, and prioritizing the spectacle of a white wedding can lead to financial strain and debt. This raises the question of whether society’s expectations around weddings are putting undue pressure on individuals and couples to conform to expensive trends.

Ultimately, the decision to have a white wedding or not is a personal one. Some couples may choose to have a small, intimate ceremony that aligns with their financial capabilities, while others may decide to opt for a traditional Zimbabwean wedding that is more rooted in their culture. It’s important to remember that the love and commitment between two individuals are what truly matters, regardless of the size or cost of the wedding.

In the end, the question of whether weddings are necessary or a waste of money to impress others is subjective. It is up to each couple to decide what suits their values, beliefs, and financial circumstances. What do you think about having a wedding?