Marriage ceremonies will never be the same again in Jammu and Kashmir. The state government has brought nuptials of all religious hues under the Essential Commodities Act to prevent wastage of food at wedding feasts.

This Act empowers officials to regulate the number of guests and menu at any marriage ceremony.

"The ECA of 1955, which was notified in September 1973, has been re-invoked in view of the huge wastage of food involved in marriage feasts across the state," Minister for Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Taj Mohiuddin told reporters.

The order stipulates that not more than 45 kg each of rice and meat must be consumed at a wedding. The bride's side must not invite more than 75 guests, including 25 baratees. The groom can invite 50 guests, Mohiuddin said.

The minister said extravagance at marriage feasts has often led to a rise in prices of essential commodities, especially in the wedding season.

A special team of consumer affairs department and police will monitor marriage functions to ensure implementation of the new order.