hira,
I am going to be abit of KPO about the "chinese tradition" matter.
I do have some views on it.
I feel in this century, as husband and wife, we should share out the load of $$$$. Wedding is indeed an expensive affair.
However, some chinese culture and tradition has to stay intact its a Asian country afterall.
To me it is important for a man to have his own backbone, then I know I can rely on him if one day I cannot cope with something
Woman always have some sort of weakness no matter how strong we may want to be seen with
I also agree with you that "MAN'S pride is as vulnerable" or rather whose pride is not vulnerable, would you like your hubby to go around telling people what he did and put you down while doing it? I think the answer would be no. It is important to spare a thought for your love ones, if not why marry?
Just my thoughts ... ...
Hope you don't mind me putting my thoughts into it
cheers!