Muslim weddings are traditionally grand affairs but one town in Somalia wants that to change.
Beled Hawa has banned lavish weddings in hopes of encouraging more young people to marry by cutting a major part of the cost. The town's commissioner told the BBC that the move falls in line with Islamic teachings.
"Islamic teachings indicated that getting married should be cheap," Mohamud Hayd Osman said.
The new regulations completely forbid newlyweds from hosting receptions at hotels. A maximum of three goats can be slaughtered for the festivities.
Osman also explained that no more than $600 can be spent furnishing the couple's new home and a maximum of $150 can be given for the dowry. He said this would be more than enough to satisfy the needs of a young couple in the town.
It's not unusual for a Somali groom's family to spend $5,000 on a wedding. But this is a hefty amount in the African country.
High unemployment and a drought in the area have caused many of the town's residents to avoid getting married altogether. Many have chosen to simply emigrate in hopes of better opportunities.
The town's leadership hopes the new spending restrictions on weddings will encourage young men to get married instead of simply leaving.