The government is concerned about rising ‘bride prices’ in particular – a goodwill gesture between the two families, when the groom’s family pays a dowry to their future relatives. Another issue is that couples invite celebrities and influential people to their big day to show off in front of guests.
To battle such practices China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs convened a special meeting in Jinan, Shandong province, last week, where officials from various parts of the country ruled that marriage etiquette needs to be reformed.