Sometimes I receive solicitations for Hachnosas Kallah funds, and when they describe what they provide the kallah with, I find myself musing, hmmm, I didn’t get this, nor this, and not so many of that, etc. I feel strange donating to these places.
And since tzedaka is humiliating and a last resort, shouldn’t they be aiming to cover costs of just basics?
I’m obviously talking about your average needy kallah. I understand that for a yesomah or girl from a troubled background, it would mean a lot more to them if they could at least get married with extra nice things.