Counsellor, cleric, relationship expert caution on extravagant weddings
NAN-ELS-6
Weddings
By Justina Auta
Abuja, April 21, 2017 (NAN) Counsellor, Cleric and a relationship expert have cautioned would-be-couples against extravagant wedding ceremonies.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, Mrs Patience David, a marriage counsellor said such couples should focus on building financial stability for themselves in marriage.
“ It is so uncalled for in most cases where such couples take out loan or rely on others to fund their elaborate weddings.
“ It is so sad that some would be couples prefer to task people to buy or contribute to their weddings instead of celebrating it within the limit of their financial capabilities.
“ It is not right to ask others to shoulder your responsibilities, even if they are your family members,’’ she said.
“There is the need for young couples to host moderate weddings, rather than elaborate ones to impress their friends and the society.
David attributed the increasing rates of divorce and separation to inability of couples to meet their financial obligations, adding that couples should handle their finances with care from the onset.
Similarly, Mr Elijah Dauda, a Christian cleric advised couples to plan their weddings according to their available finances, and depend on others for assistance in whatever form.
“ I know it is difficult to host a wedding during this period without little support from people, but the trend in which some people decide to have elaborate weddings, and solicit for assistance from people is alarming.’’
“Because `Mr and Mrs Bs’ wedding was so elaborate does not mean yours should be so; they may be financially capable while you are not.
“You do not have to rob a bank just to impress; people should learn to be contented and live within their means to avoid falling into temptation of corruption,’’ Dauda said.
Also, Mrs Rita Princewill, a relationship expert, advised that spending should be moderate on engagement, marriage and naming ceremonies.
“ The fact is that your wedding can never be the worst or the best in the society, all you need to do is to concentrate on building a stable home with little or no challenges.
“ When you spend all your money or borrow to host an elaborate ceremony it ends there. But when you build a home, it will remain there for a long time.’’
She further advised such couples to be focused on building their homes, making their marriage work and ensure financial independence from family members.
“ When you rely or depend on people for financial assistance in your homes, especially family members or in-laws, it is likely to be the beginning of your problems at homes.
Princewill stressed the need for couples to also ensure that they were emotionally ready before marriage. (NAN)
JAD/MO/EAL
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Edited by Morayo Omolade/Ekemini Ladejobi