Bishop,I feel you. I really do. As I speak,a friend of mine is wedding in June 20th,2009. The guy has only a salary for the month of May,which is like 25K,to pump into the wedding. Well,he has taken dowry and parents have given him an OK( almost 100K spent). According to the culture where I belong,the guy is now considered married. Infact,the woman should be in his house by now!
Now,with the coming of Christianity,the guy now wants to do a wedding. His budget,235,000. His contribution is 25,000 and the chic contributes 15,000.
To realize his aim,the guy has collected all 'friends' and friends plus all the acquitances,not forgeting the collegeas at work. Church members are there in plenty,and for close buddies like me,its a must to be part of the committe. If I refuse,then I could see fire. Call it bloodless robbery . He has employed the game of numbers. Invite everybody,let them pledge like 1K,2K,3K,or even 10K. Collect this cash in a period of like 2 months and have the thing done!
In the church where I go to: The pastor allows a church wedding,in the same manner an alter call is made. After the church service,you walk to the alter,with you wife,the whole church prays for you and blesses you and then people can jienjoy with some pilau. Believe me,the total cost will not go beyond 30K. This is also an option.
Kuzaa sio kazi,kazi ni kulea mwana! Wahenga husema hivyo. I can tell you that wedding is not everything,marriage is! Talk with the chile. Talk really well. Its very hard I know. All chics want a floss-mode kind of wedding. I wonder why.
When all is said and done,brother,I wish u well,in your marriage life. My blessing to u bro!
But you shall remember the LORD your God,for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth,that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers,as it is this day. Deu 8:18