In an effort to cut through the frills without sparing the thrills, thrifty Chinese couples are saying “I do” in naked weddings. This new Asian trend has a social message. The couples who chose this ceremony say that it is one way to reject modern Chinese values that place greater value on money than love choosing this way to disavow the traditional trappings of marriage.

A “naked wedding”, according to the Chinese is not one where you get married in the nude. Instead, it refers to materialism. This means that the wedding does not come attached with a dowry or exchange of houses, cars, even ring.

The idea has been gaining more ground since the global financial crisis in 2008 and is part of a greater “naked” culture.