Baku, August 8 – Azerbaijan’s recent official restrictions on extravagant meals at funeral gatherings have sparked a new debate: should similar limits apply to weddings, long considered untouchable in the country’s social traditions?
The funeral reforms aim to curb waste, uphold religious customs, and promote social equality. But many citizens now question why weddings — often far more lavish — remain exempt. “If the goal is to fight extravagance, weddings should also face limits on excessive menus, endless courses, and costly show elements,” critics argue.
MP Elnara Akimova believes that fairness demands applying the same standards to both events.
“If we are restricting funeral banquets to prevent waste, then weddings should be addressed as well,” she told Bizim.Media.
“Today, overspending is more common at weddings than funerals. Several writers called for boycotting extravagant weddings five or six years ago, but it had no effect. Now that we’re succeeding in limiting lavish funeral spreads, I believe similar measures will come for weddings.”
Akimova warned that wedding spending often drives families into debt, with some taking out loans to finance large-scale celebrations — a burden that discourages many young couples from marrying.
Critics note that these wedding “arms races” reflect a broader problem in Azerbaijan’s social culture — a tendency to measure personal worth by public display rather than by sustainable living. Lavish, debt-fueled celebrations may last one night, but the repayments can haunt families for years, undermining financial stability and fueling a consumerist mindset that prioritizes image over genuine well-being.
She suggested promoting a more aesthetic, minimalist approach to weddings through public awareness campaigns and cultural dialogue, along with light legal regulations to guide spending.
“Celebrations should not be about excess,” Akimova said. “We need to preserve the joy of the occasion without the financial strain.”
