Q 2: We are complaining about the spread of hiring extremely expensive wedding halls, which some fathers stipulate for the completion of their daughter's marriage. This complicates marriage and burdens the bridegroom with expenses beyond their ability. Please advise.
A 2: There is no doubt that it is an act of the Sunnah not to exaggerate the amount of Mahr or make lavish wedding banquets so that young men can afford to marry. Furthermore, the groom and the bride's families should not exaggerate the marriage expenses or the amount of Mahr in order to encourage young men and women to marry.
It is certain that such wedding halls and lavish banquets burden the groom and bride with what they can not afford.
All concerned parties should be moderate with regard to this matter. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, The best dowry is the easiest to pay, and the best of women are those causing the least financial burden. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) should be the main concern of all, as he (peace be upon him) said to `Abdul Rahman ibn `Awf: "Give a Walimah i.e. banquet, even
The Prophet (peace be upon him) held a Walimah if only with one sheep."
when he married Zaynab with bread and meat and he called people to it.
To explain: Wedding banquets are permissible but the Muslim should be moderate, and should not prepare extravagant food which will eventually be thrown in the trash, and not given to the poor and needy. It is even more preferable to make a Walimah according to one's ability. You should not invite a lot of people, because the priority here is to announce the marriage, hold an acceptable Walimah even with one or two sheep, and invite some relatives. This is more convenient and affordable for both families of the bride and the groom.