Jaipur, 1 December: A video posted by a wedding guest at a five-star hotel in Jaipur has reignited debate over the skyrocketing costs of Indian weddings, drawing attention to what many see as extravagant and wasteful celebrations.
The man in the video revealed that the wedding he attended spanned only four hours but resulted in a staggering bill of ₹37.40 lakh (approximately ₹40 lakh), including charges of ₹3,440 per plate (tax included). He confessed that he had consumed barely 250 grams of food consisting of a papad, a small portion of moong-dal halwa, and some broccoli-almond soup calling the meal “wasted money.”
Addressing viewers in the video from inside the hotel, he asked bluntly: “You tell me four hours, ₹40 lakh. How long will the marriage itself last?” He used the shocking spending as a platform for a larger message: “Keep the wedding function simple. Invite only those who will stand by you in difficult times. Make the wedding a life event, not a big event.”
Adding an impactful suggestion, he advised families to instead invest such sums into their children’s future: “Don’t feed people who are already full. Give this amount to your daughter as an FD she will live her life.”
The video has resonated widely on social media, especially as India enters its 45-day peak wedding season a period during which an estimated 4.6 million weddings are expected to take place. Many commenters have supported the guest’s call for modest celebrations and better financial priorities. Some have noted that instead of spending lavishly on a single day, families could invest in their children’s education, skill-development or long-term security. Others, however, argue that big weddings are often about fulfilling societal expectations and giving parents their moment of pride.
As opulent weddings become increasingly common, critics say it’s time to reconsider whether a few hours of grandeur and display and a bill that rivals a small investment justify the expense. This viral rant could be a wake-up call for many to re-evaluate the cultural and economic cost of “celebrations” in modern India.