Getting married in Rwanda is crazy! Huge expenses, several people to impress and a lot of pledges to collect as well as, cheques to dish out.

Therefore, the thought of marriage is a horrific nightmare for some and a pleasant fairytale for others—as long as money is involved.

This is street talk on why a sober person would opt for the ‘Beauty and the Beast syndrome’ and get married anyway.

"Love without money is like tea without sugar. If I am not capable of doing something, why should I limit my chance to get married to someone who is better off than me, if I want to have a better future.”

Elyse Byiringiro, Nyamirambo Resident.

"I can only marry someone because of their money if I am caught up in an emergency situation where I can’t make myself and other friends happy. In this case, a bail-out from someone rich is ideal.”

Patrick Muhire, Designer at Inkanda house.

"Although some people opt to get married to unattractive people as a last resort, it should not be the culture of our young generation because you can be poor today and get rich the next day; the reverse is true. At the end of the day,  you become a married looser.”

Ruth Nirere, a.k.a Miss Shanel, Rwandan Musician and Actress.

"Money is something but not everything. So when you marry someone because of their finances, it becomes a big problem when the riches you got married to disappear.”

Harunah Niyonzima, Amavubi Striker.