[56970] The Wedding Trend in Turkey: Excessive Demands and Recommendations for Financial Savings

Wedding Costs in Turkey: Between Excessive Demands and Economic Pragmatism

On May 12, 2026, the wedding world in Turkey is occupying social media with two stories showcasing the economic and cultural gap surrounding the institution of marriage.

According to a report by Haber Gündem, an unusual and extraordinary dowry demand was recorded during a religious wedding ceremony. A bride asked her groom for a "summer villa in Italy" as a dowry (Mahr). According to the channel, despite the Imam's warnings regarding the couple's financial situation, the groom chose to meet the ambitious demand, which caused astonishment among those present at the ceremony.

On the other hand, the famous singer and presenter Seda Sayan chose a more pragmatic and economic approach. According to Son Dakika Haberler Gündem, Sayan called on young couples to avoid holding expensive weddings that create unnecessary debt. Sayan stated: "Cancel the wedding, send an IBAN in the invitation. Forget about wedding affairs. It costs more than the benefit, and in any case, it is impossible to please anyone."

The report in Haber Gündem reinforces Sayan's position, emphasizing that she specifically addressed couples who save money or take out bank loans to finance lavish ceremonies. The channel notes that Sayan's words on her YouTube program created a great resonance among the Turkish public dealing with the cost of living.