MW:
I harbor no jealousy of those whose weddings are bigger and fancier than mine. I am quite satisfied with the norm. The issue at hand is whether this extravaganza is a positive thing for Klal Yisroel or not. I do hear that some should have these large scale simchos. I may not agree, but I do get it. There is a point of extremes when we witness the sheer number of paid advertising on YWN for chassanim and kallahs who are in positions of poverty, destitute, orphaned, etc., who are unable to fund their weddings. So they are sentenced to their tzuris while huge volumes of money are spent on pomp. The disparity here is begging for attention.
The other point is that Chassidus, from its earliest days, involved a considerable amount of פרישות, where the indulgence in the physical world was greatly minimized and limited, while there were large amounts of generosity to insure that the poor were supported. Today’s picture appears opposite of that.
Do we notice the photos (particularly of Chassidishe Rebbes) that include large silver objects, fancy tablecloths, signs, etc.? Did the Baal Shem Tov live this way? Did any of his talmidim live like this? No, I am not preaching austerity for all. But the opposite extreme stands out, and is in sharp contrast to the heritage that the Rebbes’ ancestors passed down from their ancestors.
We have moved from the Klal Yisroel that is invested in Emunah, Bitachon, Taryag Mitzvos, Midos Tovos, to where we prioritize our hero worship. That does not have the precedent for Klal Yisroel that shines a candle to Matan Torah. It may be worth a glimpse, but cannot be allowed to become an עיקר for us. That’s a dangerous road.