China is trying to put the brakes on a trend towards increasingly lavish weddings and pre-wedding pranks which can often become violent or sexualised.

Axar.az reports citing BBC.

Authorities have said modern weddings are both too extravagant and against Chinese and socialist values.

The traditional "hazing" rituals couples are put through have also often been getting out of control.

Beijing's suggested answer is to try to standardise ceremonies to a more traditional and simple format.

People in China, as in many countries, have increasingly found themselves competing with neighbours and friends over weddings, and caught up in spiralling spending as bigger weddings become the fashion.

That means expensive receptions, elaborate outfits and overseas wedding photo shoots, pulling out all the stops no matter the cost.

Guests are also expected to bring ever more lavish gifts.