A number of young people in Kabul say that the rising costs of wedding ceremonies, along with economic problems and reduced financial capacity of families, have made marriage difficult for many of them.

Young people who are on the verge of marriage tell Taneen that hall rentals, food costs, bride and groom’s clothing, decorations, photography, and other expenses related to holding a wedding ceremony have pushed the total costs of this event to a level that is difficult for families with limited income to afford.

Ahmad Aziz, one of the young people whose wedding ceremony is approaching, told Taneen that he works at a pharmaceutical import company in Kabul and earns a monthly salary of 15,000 Afghanis.

According to him, in a situation where job opportunities and income for many young people are limited, holding an expensive ceremony can confront families with more financial problems.

He added questioningly: “Can a ceremony be held with this 15,000 Afghani salary?”

Sameer (pseudonym), another young man in Kabul, also says that many families are forced to take loans to hold wedding ceremonies, and repaying this money may continue for a long time.

He, who held a wedding ceremony two years ago, said that he has not yet been able to pay off all the debts of that ceremony.

Meanwhile, some families are calling for simplifying wedding ceremonies and reducing extra costs, saying that social standards and competition among families, in some cases, encourage young people to hold expensive ceremonies.

The issue of wedding costs has become a concern for young people at a time when economic problems, lack of sufficient job opportunities, and reduced purchasing power are among the challenges that parts of Afghan society are facing.