A wedding is more than just a union between two people; it’s a celebration deeply rooted in culture, community, and tradition. From the intricate customs of the Aawambo to the vibrant OvaHerero attire, these ceremonies often showcase heritage and commitment. 

However, beneath the beautiful traditions and festive atmosphere, a growing problem is casting a shadow: the pressure to host an extravagant wedding that can push couples into crippling debt.

The high cost of weddings in Namibia has become a significant concern. Stories of lavish tents, imported decorations and extensive guest lists have created societal expectations that a wedding must be grand and expensive to be considered “good.” 

This pressure, partly fuelled by social media, leads many couples to take out loans to fund their big day, which can have devastating long-term effects.

The desire for a perfect wedding is strong, but it’s a trap many fall into. Couples are pushed to spend money they don’t have, borrowing from banks or even family and friends to meet community expectations. 

This financial strain often results in a cycle of debt that can haunt a marriage for years, causing stress, conflict and hopelessness.

This “debt depression” silently destroys relationships. The joyful memories of the wedding day are replaced by the stress of monthly loan payments. Arguments about money become common, and the base of the marriage erodes due to financial worries. It’s a sad reality that the very event meant to strengthen a couple’s future can be the first to threaten it, sometimes leading to broken homes and divorce. It’s time for a societal shift. We need to re-evaluate what a wedding truly signifies.

A wedding is not a measure of a couple’s love or happiness. It’s a promise to build a life together, and that life should be founded on financial stability, not debt. Historically, Namibian weddings weren’t about lavish spending. They were modest, community-centred events focused on uniting two families. Today, however, we see a shift where weddings have become symbols of social status and class differences. This change has made it harder for many ordinary Namibians to afford marriage, coining the term “struggle marriages” to describe the financial hardships couples face. It’s a vicious cycle—the more extravagant the wedding, the more pressure on the next couple to follow suit, leading to more debt and broken homes.

This is more than just financial advice; it’s a call to change how we think. Saving for a wedding teaches families crucial life skills such as financial discipline, teamwork, and setting long-term goals. An intimate wedding paid for with savings is a more genuine celebration of a couple’s commitment. It reflects shared values and their ability to build a stable future.

Let’s be the generation that breaks this cycle. Let’s redefine the Namibian wedding not by the size of the loan but by the strength of love and wise financial choices. Let’s say “I do” to financial freedom, not a lifetime of regret and debt. 

Let’s stop succumbing to society’s expectations of what a wedding should look like. A small, meaningful ceremony with loved ones is just as beautiful and valid as a large, costly one. 

The focus should be on the lifelong commitment, not just a one-day event. This is a call for Namibians to prioritise their future over fleeting displays of wealth and to choose a path leading to financial freedom and a lasting, happy marriage.

*Kautotwa Eugenia writes in her personal capacity.