Why are Memons so extravagant?

I used to know a man who had attended my parent's wedding in 1943. He said that all the Muslims and many Hindus in Savar Kundla had been invited. There were many days of feasting, and he particularly remembered that my maternal grandfather had showered all guests with gold coins (called "ashrafees"). 

My father, on the other hand, was very careful with his money. Perhaps it was because he had not been born in a rich family, or maybe because he had to struggle for years to make both ends meet. There were only about a hundred guests at my wedding dinner, and most of them were close relatives. The dinner was served exactly at eight, and all the guests had eaten by nine. The whole affair was over by ten. This kind of thing would be unthinkable today. 

Last night I made the mistake of going to a Memon's wedding, the son of my wife's niece. I knew it would be midnight before I got home (as on such occasions dinner is served late). But I should have known better. I had eaten about an hour before leaving my house, as I cannot remain hungry for long. The eating and splurging began just two minutes after midnight, and I already had a headache due to the loud music being played, with girls and boys yelling and shouting and dancing on the stage. When we got home it was two o'clock. My wife said it would be five in the morning before the groom and bride went into their room.

I calculated that at least ten million were spent on last night's dinner alone, and there have been other dinners. I admire the Bohris, who spend very little, their wedding dinners are held in their 'jamaatkhanas", and only one dish is served. But Memons will never learn, even though they see many of their own becoming paupers.