The recent wedding events of influencer Rabeeca Khan have generated significant discussion across Pakistan, not simply because of the celebrations themselves, but due to the extravagant and visibly excessive spending showcased throughout the festivities. What could have been a simple, graceful union turned into a multi-day spectacle filled with themed functions, elaborate décor, luxurious designer outfits, and a level of spending far beyond what the average Pakistani family can afford. While influencers have every right to celebrate their special moments, such public displays of excess raise serious concerns about the message being sent to the masses, especially young people who consume this content daily.
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have altered the perception of weddings. Once private, meaningful events have now become curated spectacles designed to impress audiences rather than honour the essence of marriage. The problem is not that Rabeeca chose to celebrate in her own way; the deeper issue lies in how these grand displays create unrealistic expectations among millions who cannot afford them. Most families in Pakistan struggle with rising inflation, tight budgets, and financial instability, yet the pressure to replicate celebrity-like weddings often pushes them into debt or unnecessary stress.
For many viewers, weddings like Rabeeca’s unintentionally promote the idea that a successful marriage must begin with extravagance. This is not only harmful but also socially damaging. Families with daughters feel immense pressure to spend beyond their capacity because society has normalised lavish, over-the-top celebrations. Parents often sacrifice their savings, sell assets, or take loans just to match a standard set by people with completely different financial realities. Such expectations distort the true meaning of marriage, shifting the focus from the relationship itself to the decorations, the number of events, and the public display of wealth.
What gets lost in these glamorous portrayals is the understanding that the beauty of a marriage does not lie in its mehndi stage or luxury photography but in the foundation the couple builds together. Respect, compatibility, emotional understanding, long-term planning, and mutual trust are the elements that truly matter ,yet these hardly receive attention when weddings are treated like performances. The temporary visual appeal of expensive décor fades quickly, but the financial strain caused by overspending lasts much longer and often affects families for years.
A quiet yet meaningful trend is emerging across Pakistan where many couples are choosing simpler, more intimate weddings. This approach prioritises emotional value over display and ensures financial stability for the couple’s future. Such weddings are not only more realistic for the majority but also more aligned with cultural values that emphasise modesty and wisdom. They set a healthier example for society, especially for young people who are influenced by what they see online.
In the end, a memorable wedding does not require lavish décor, countless events, or viral videos. It requires two people who understand each other and are committed to building a life together. The celebration should reflect love, not financial pressure; sincerity, not showmanship. As society becomes more influenced by digital content, it becomes even more important to remind ourselves that marriages are not meant to be performances. They are sacred partnerships, and their value should not be measured by the money spent on ceremonies but by the strength and depth of the relationship itself.
