Hanoi communists face ban on ritzy weddings

HANOI (AFP) - Vietnamese authorities have banned Communist Party members in the capital Hanoi from organising lavish wedding parties, following a public backlash over extravagant nuptials.

The number of guests is limited to 600 for both families and expensive venues such as five-star hotels should be avoided, according to a notice on the Hanoi city's official website seen on Monday.

Lavish weddings organised by party members have "caused anger among the public and badly hurt the personal prestige of party members", it said.

Vietnam's authoritarian government, which has launched an anti-corruption campaign in recent months, is struggling to contain growing public discontent over a weak economy and a string of scandals involving high-level officials.