Kyrgyz weddings often involve complex ceremonies that reflect the country’s history and values. These weddings can be lavish, with large amounts of money spent by families to ensure the couple get a stunning venue, decorations, food and entertainment.

Family and relatives are a top priority in Kyrgyz culture so having everyone and their associates in attendance is very significant aspect of the wedding celebrations.

While high-end celebrations can vary widely based on individual circumstances, the average costs spent on weddings are unnecessary, especially if it places people in a difficult financial spot. According to international organisation Saferworld, the average monthly salary in 2018 was $230 USD whilst the average cost of a weddings was $9,900 USD.

Kyrgyz’s have reportedly taken out loans and placed themselves in preventable debt and stress in order to cover the costs of their special event. The social pressure of holding a wedding is made worse by the fact that the average income in Kyrgyzstan is quite low.

It may be common for many Kyrgyz couples to want a memorable celebration but the focus really should be on celebrating the love and commitment between the couple rather than trying to impress others with an extravagant event.

Thankfully, there are others who share my opinion as there have been notable examples of people swaying towards simpler ceremonies due to economic factors and changing social attitudes.

My nation is slowly but surely getting away from this expensive wedding lifestyle. Kyrgyzstan’s president, Sadyr Japarov, has repeatedly criticised the costs of traditional large-scale extravagant occasions including publicly speaking out against his niece’s ‘ostentatious’ proposal.

These costly celebrations can lead to financial strain, overshadowing the joy of the day. With changing attitudes and economic realities, there’s a way to keep ceremonies simple while still honouring cultural traditions.

It’s time to focus on what truly matters – the love and commitment between the couple, rather than the need to impress others with lavish displays. This shift can help ease financial burdens and create more meaningful celebrations.

Traditions and celebrations

The best time to get married and have a wedding celebration, known as ‘toi’ in Kyrgyz, is in the autumn or late summer, specifically in late August to November. This is a popular season for weddings across Central Asia because the weather is cooler and it’s harvest time, making fruits and vegetables more affordable for such big events.

Kyrgyz people love parties and spend exorbitant amounts of money for wedding celebrations. Before the wedding itself, the bride’s relatives should arrange ‘Kyz uzatuu’ – a ceremony of the bride’s send-off to her new family.

This is one of the most ancient traditions of the Kyrgyz people, a very moving and exciting event for every Kyrgyz girl and her parents. This party is handled by the bride’s family and therefore most of the guests are relatives and friends of the bride. The high cost of these celebrations have led to a rise of wedding loans and increased debt for both couples and families.

The main wedding ceremony, ‘Uilonuu Toi’ usually consists of more than 200 people. It blends western and local elements, with the ceremony beginning with the bride getting ready in a western-style white wedding dress, while the groom wears a black or white suit. Around lunchtime, the groom and his friends come to ‘claim’ the bride, often through playful challenges.

Upon arriving at the main hall, guests take their seats according to importance, and the bride and groom are greeted with a traditional ‘Zhar-Zhar’ song. The celebration includes multiple courses of food, dancing, and speeches from guests, starting with the elders.