Is the Big Fat Indian Wedding a waste of money?

Did you opt for a low-key wedding despite having the resources to splurge?

Last week, India's Food Minister KV Thomas spoke out against the extravagance and criminal waste of food at the Big Fat Indian Wedding.

As celebrations get more lavish and indulgent and chefs are flown in from across the world to cater with 20 and 30-strong courses of food, the amount that ends up in the garbage can is appalling, especially in a country like ours where millions living below the poverty line have trouble putting together one square meal a day.

While the minister has formed a committee to spearhead a public awareness campaign that less is more when it comes to weddings, we want to ask you -- have you taken steps when it comes to budgeting your own big day?

It's not always about the money -- a lot of young couples today think of the Big Fat Indian Wedding as over-the-top and a waste of financial resources, preferring instead to secure their future with the money, give it to charity or take any other steps that they see fit.

Others do have a celebration, but on a low-key scale, doing away with invitations to save paper, or hosting the reception at a holiday home for a select crowd.

Are you among these enlightened few? Did you have a budget wedding and if so, why? What was the reasoning behind your move and was your spouse pleased with your decision?

Write in to us with your story at getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'My budget wedding') along with a photograph of your special day, if possible and we'll publish the best entries right here.

Photograph: Arko Datta/Reuters