Weddings are supposed to be about love. But in reality, they are about food, relatives you barely know, and the silent competition of who can burn more money in fewer days. In this ultimate face-off between Desi weddings and American weddings, let’s see which culture has perfected the art of financial overkill.
The Big Fat Desi Wedding
Indian weddings are less about two people getting married and more about two families staging a Bollywood production.
- Average cost in metros: $50,000 – $200,000 (₹40 lakh – ₹1.5 crore).
- Guest list: 500 to 2000 people (half of whom you will never meet again).
- Food: 100+ dishes, because God forbid someone doesn’t get their favorite dal.
- Events: Haldi, Mehndi, Sangeet, Cocktail, Reception, and at least 3 extra rituals your dadi insists are “tradition.”
The All-American White Wedding
In the US, weddings are marketed as “personal and intimate,” which is hilarious considering the bills.
- Average cost: $30,000 – $40,000.
- Guest list: 120–150 (and yet someone still complains they didn’t get invited).
- Food: Chicken or fish, maybe a salad, and one sad vegetarian option that makes Desis cry.
- Events: Rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception. Done. Efficiency that would make Indians suspicious.
Who Wins the Money-Wasting Crown?
| Factor | Desi Weddings | American Weddings |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | ₹40 lakh – ₹1.5 crore | $30k – $40k |
| Guest Count | 500 – 2000 | 120 – 150 |
| Events | 5 – 7 days | 1 – 2 days |
| Drama Level | Bollywood | Netflix drama |
If the question is about absolute money, Desi weddings win hands down. If it’s about money wasted per person, Americans give tough competition. Both cultures prove one universal truth: weddings are less about two people and more about showing the world how much debt you can carry with a smile.
Final Thoughts
Desi weddings are marathons of extravagance. American weddings are sprints of overpriced simplicity. So who wastes more money? Let’s call it a tie. Because whether it’s in Delhi or Dallas, the industry around “the big day” is designed to squeeze every cent, rupee, and ounce of sanity out of you.
