Inner Mongolia Issues Guidelines to Simplify Weddings and Funerals

A photograph captures a newly married couple at a marriage registration office in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, on May 20, 2025.

In Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, the Tumd Left Banner has introduced advisory standards for weddings, funerals, and celebrations. These guidelines aim to simplify procedures, shorten event durations, limit gathering sizes, and reduce banquet expenses. The region, with a population of 370,000, issued these trial advisories on August 15th. The goal is to streamline local customs while respecting traditional culture.

The standards advocate for minimizing large banquets and simplifying ceremonies, encouraging modern approaches over outdated customs. Strict controls on the number of guests at weddings and funerals are emphasized. Frugality is encouraged for wedding vehicles, band performances, fireworks, and the exchange of wreaths, with the aim of phasing out these practices.

The advisory standards also address unhealthy practices, such as uncivilized wedding pranks, excessive bride prices, and ostentatious displays, aiming to restore the true essence of traditional customs. Arranged or commercial marriages and any practices that infringe on marriage freedom are prohibited. The standards promote alternative wedding ceremonies, such as group, charity, and travel weddings.

The guidelines recommend capping bride prices and discourage borrowing for weddings, particularly placing financial burdens on families. Frugal spending on wedding banquets is also suggested, with detailed considerations for costs like drinks, fruits, and cigarettes.

For funerals, the standards call for smaller-scale events, shorter durations, and the prohibition of disruptive memorial activities. Funeral meals should be frugal, with buffet-style arrangements encouraged to minimize food waste. Limits on the number of dishes, drinks, and other items are also outlined.