Africans rethink big, bountiful weddings as pandemic bites

Children follow the proceedings at a traditional marriage ceremony in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe Saturday, March 6, 2021. Many people across Africa are rethinking big, bountiful weddings amid the economic ravages of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic is forcing change in communities where family can mean a whole clan and weddings are seen as key in cementing relations between communities. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Bridesmaids dance while attending a traditional marriage ceremony of a friend in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe Saturday, March 6, 2021. Many people across Africa are rethinking big, bountiful weddings amid the economic ravages of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic is forcing change in communities where family can mean a whole clan and weddings are seen as key in cementing relations between communities. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Bridesmaids share a joke as they dance at a traditional marriage ceremony in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe Saturday, March 6, 2021. Many people across Africa are rethinking big, bountiful weddings amid the economic ravages of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic is forcing change in communities where family can mean a whole clan and weddings are seen as key in cementing relations between communities. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Children watch bridesmaids as they check their phones at a traditional marriage ceremony in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe Saturday, March 6, 2021. Many people across Africa are rethinking big, bountiful weddings amid the economic ravages of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic is forcing change in communities where family can mean a whole clan and weddings are seen as key in cementing relations between communities. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Brian Ngona, left, and Mitchelle Musaraure, pose for a photo after their traditional marriage ceremony in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe Saturday, March 6, 2021. Many people across Africa are rethinking big, bountiful weddings amid the economic ravages of COVID-19 and the coronavirus pandemic is forcing change in communities where family can mean a whole clan and weddings are seen as key in cementing relations between communities. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)