Deafening music, a long succession of singers, excessive menus and spending for social prestige are turning some Azerbaijani weddings into financial burdens for families and exhausting events for guests.
The issue was examined in the “Xəbərin Olsun” television program, which looked at costs that begin accumulating before the celebration itself.
The program said bridal makeup by popular Baku makeup artists can cost 500 to 600 manats, while a dress worn for five or six hours costs at least 600 to 700 manats.
Families may also pay to decorate a car, apartment, building entrance or courtyard, as well as the wedding hall and tables. Those expenses can push people toward bank loans before married life begins.
Guests Complain About Noise and Waste
People interviewed for the program said excessive music volume was among their main complaints. Some also said weddings had lost their former intimate atmosphere as guests increasingly used celebrations to display wealth.
They criticized the large amount of food placed on tables, saying much of it becomes waste.
Mugham singer and ghazal performer Aqil Malikov said hiring too many singers creates another problem. Performers often sing over conversations, clattering dishes and general noise, while guests pay little attention.
Malikov recalled one event where invited musicians did not get a chance to perform because the program included too many singers.
“How many singers can there be at one wedding? A wedding should have one, or at most two, performers,” he said.
Social Competition Leaves Debt Behind
Sociologist Uzeyir Shafiyev said weddings have become increasingly commercialized. A family event once centered mainly on emotion and tradition is now often treated as a source of revenue by parts of the wedding industry.
Businesses offer additional decorations and services that increase costs, while families compete to avoid appearing less affluent than neighbors or relatives.
Shafiyev said some people take out high-interest bank loans to demonstrate status even when they cannot afford the celebration. The wedding ends, but the debt remains and can contribute to family conflict.
He said questions about waste, wedding programs and excessive music volume have periodically been raised in parliament. However, he argued that public example may be more effective than administrative restrictions.
“I believe society should regulate these issues to a greater extent than administrative measures,” Shafiyev said. “It would be good to show examples of modest wedding ceremonies.”
AZE.US