Question: What is your opinion of the large dowers and expensive parties and honeymoons that cost a great deal of money? Does the Shariah approve of such things?

Response: Having very expensive dowers and extravagant wedding parties is something that goes against the shariah. The marriage that has the greatest blessings is the one with lesser financial burden. Any time the burdens are lessened, the blessings are increased. This is a matter that is many times caused by women. Women are the ones that often insist upon their husbands to set a very high dower [for their daughters]. If a lesser dower is offered, they will say that their daughter is deserving of such and such. Furthermore, expensive and luxurious wedding parties are prohibited by the Shariah. They fall under the command of the verse,

"But be not extravagant. Verily, He loves not those who are extravagant" (al-Anam 141).

Again, many times it is the women who force their husbands to do such things. They say that in so and so's party they had this and that. However, such gatherings must be according to the Shariah. The person should not spend what is beyond his means. He must also never be extravagant for Allah has prohibited extravagance.

"Verily, He loves not those who are extravagant" (al-Anam 141).

Honeymoons are worse and even more evil. This is because they are an imitation of non-Muslims. They also are a waste of lots of wealth. It also leads people to being lax with respect to their religious duties when such honeymoons take place in non-Muslim areas. The people come back with customs and behavior that are harmful for them and for the Muslim community. This is something that is to be feared for the Ummah. However, there is no harm, Allah willing, if a man travels with his wife to make Umrah or to visit Madinah.

Shaikh ibn Uthaimin

Islamic Fatawa Regarding Women - Darussalam Pg.193-194