Nowadays people are spending too much money to celebrate personal and family events such as weddings, birthdays and so on. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give your opinion and examples.

Nowadays people are spending too much money to celebrate personal and family events such as weddings, birthdays and so on. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Give your opinion and examples.

It is commonly perceived that, today, spendings on personal and family events have surged phenomenally. I agree with the notion: I feel that many are using even the small occasions to help strengthen relationships and create memories.  

One of the reasons fueling this trend is the fact that in concurrent times most live in nuclear families and all relatives live far from each other, which makes it difficult for them to meet regularly. Therefore, they usually organise huge events, to help relatives and friends to congregate, and enjoy together. This may result in higher expenditure, as hosts feel the need to arrange elaborate events, but it helps create nostalgic memories.

Similarly, the influence of social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook, persuades many to spend substantially on events just to showcase their celebrations in a grand and appealing way: organizing events at luxury venues, using expensive decorations, and  sporting designer outfits, among others, just to impress others. For instance, many weddings include pre-wedding shoots and many other unnecessary events, and it is commonly admitted that this behavior is driven by social media influencers.

Another significant factor is the growing tendency to emulate the elite. Many families aspire to replicate the lifestyle showcased by public figures, believing that grand celebrations reflect success and social prestige. They tend to emulate them and celebrate like them. Consequently, they often lavish money on weddings and parties. Moreover, companies in the event management and fashion industries constantly promote the idea that bigger celebrations are better, pushing even middle-income families to overspend to host opulent events.

In conclusion, celebrations have always been deemed essential for strengthening relationships, and the growing tendency to spend excessively is largely driven by the intent to create lasting memories, and also respond to social pressure and expectations.