The Most Blessed Marriage is the Least Expensive One

Question :

What is your opinion regarding excessive dowries and extravagance in marriage celebrations, especially the preparations for what is known as the honeymoon, because of the heavy expenses involved therein. Does the Islamic Law allow this?

Answer:

Extravagance in dowry payments and wedding celebrations are all in conflict with the Islamic Law, because the most blessed marriage is the least expensive one; and the more the expenses are decreased, the more the blessings are increased.

And in most cases, this is a matter which falls upon the women, because it is the women who impose excessive dowries on their husbands. If a simple dowry is offered, the woman will say: "No, our daughter should have such-and-such." Likewise, extravagance in wedding celebrations is one of those things which Islamic Law has prohibited, and it is included in the Words of Allah, Most High:
"but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance)"

and many women impose this upon their husbands, saying:
"In the party of so-and-so, such-and-such, this took place." But it is obligatory in a matter such as this that it be in accordance with Islamic Law, and a person should not exceed its limits nor be extravagant, because Allah, Most High has prohibited extravagance, saying:
"certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifun (those who waste by extravagance),"

As for what is said regarding the honeymoon, it is more evil and more hated, because it is imitation of non-Muslims, and a great amount of wealth wasted by it. It also causes loss in many religious matters, especially if they spend it in non-Islamic countries, because they return with habits and customs which are harmful to them and to their society. These matters are causes of anxiety for the (Muslim) community. However, if he traveled with his wife to perform 'Umrah or to al-Madinah, there is no objection, Allah Willing.

Source:
Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 5 Pages 300-301