DAR ES SALAAM, July 2 -- THE father of the groom is deeply preoccupied. He has been scratching his bald head like it owes him answers. His eyes are fixed on the two cows in the compound, the unlucky candidates he might soon sell or serve to guests.

The cows chew grass lazily, throwing the occasional knowing glance his way as if to say, “We heard about the wedding too.”

His mind wanders to the long list of wedding plans: The endless meetings, the hungry relatives and the ever-growing budget.

Didnt a certain man of God once say big weddings arent necessary—especially if your wallet is still recovering from Christmas? He chuckles quietly, then smiles as his thoughts drift to the grandchildren the newlyweds might bless hi...