sorry to hear of your problem, but if you guys are chinese then I agree it is your responsibility on the wedding bill, if you want the girls side to pay then marry a eurasian

Dowry 3k considered cheap

Photoshoot 2k considered cheap

wedding dinner 5k also considered cheap, and as mention you can ROI on this the same night, if lucky you may even make money

Conclusion, dont complaint, your future wife considered very very kind to you.

Your quote

"2. I am simply complaining cause its gonna burn an entire years worth of savings on an event of only 1 day. I can see much better use for the cash."

A woman's life time ambition is to get married and start planning from the age of 5, the way you put it like it's a waste, You said I can see much better use for the cash, are you telling me your wedding on her is a waste?? Only money minded people talk like that, other occasion you talk like that I don't mind but TS, it's your wedding!! The way you answered you have the money but it's a waste, 12k is a waste and you agree it will cost way way more. You say it will all be spent in a day, Funeral also costs RM30k-40k in a few days, guess that is a waste too?? Registering for marriage also in a day but lifetime commitment, but signing it is just in a day. So what if it's in a day only??

If that person is my daughter he marrying, I terus reject the guy, I tell him, you can keep the money to yourself and I have back my daughter, too expensive, all lost in a day,  hope that RM12k will last you a long long time, since it's too expensive don't bother. My daughter can marry someone else who will love and care for her.