Controversial Ghanaian relationship counsellor Cyril Lutterodt has sparked fresh debate after blaming churches for what he describes as the escalating cost of white weddings in the country.
According to Lutterodt, many churches have turned wedding ceremonies into overly elaborate events by imposing strict requirements and expensive protocols that place financial pressure on couples. He argued that beyond the spiritual aspect of marriage, some religious institutions demand payments for counselling sessions, documentation, choir performances, venue decorations, and other ceremonial arrangements.
The outspoken counsellor maintained that these added expectations often push couples to overspend in an attempt to meet church standards and societal perceptions of a “proper” white wedding. He suggested that what should be a simple and sacred union has evolved into a costly production driven by image and institutional demands.
Lutterodt further advised couples to prioritize the essence of marriage over the glamour of the ceremony, stressing that long-term stability and mutual commitment are more important than an extravagant celebration. He called on churches to reassess their role in the growing financial burden associated with weddings and to make ceremonies more accessible and affordable.
His remarks have triggered mixed reactions, with some agreeing that wedding costs have become excessive, while others argue that couples ultimately choose how much they wish to spend on their big day.
