Marriages hit 5-yr high as COVID-19 provides ‘discount weddings’ :: Mmegi Online

While COVID-19 and its protocols wreaked havoc on nearly all aspects of society and its norms, the requirement for smaller gatherings has helped more couples cut the cost of getting married. Recent figures from Statistics Botswana show that more than 6,500 couples tied the knot last year, the highest in five years. Mmegi Correspondent, NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE writes

Culturally, weddings are the height of social extravagance and even community prestige, with couples and their families typically spending tens of thousands of pula in putting on a memorable event for guests.

By some conservative estimates the average wedding, conducted over dual ceremonies at the bride and groom’s respective home villages and involving the white tent, baemisi (bridal party), full catering, music, videography and other related running costs, can cost north of P200,000.

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