Somalia couples save money with joint weddings

The global economic slump is being felt in Somalia, where 21 couples are saving money on the traditional lavish celebrations by having a joint wedding, according to a Reuters story.

The wedding was Tuesday and was arranged by a company that employs the bridegrooms.

The expense of a traditional wedding is driving some young Somalis to leave their homeland, according to the story.

"One of the reasons why youth migrate is weddings are expensive, and I appeal to the community to simplify marriage by reducing the cost," Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omar Dinir, a prominent religious leader, told guests.

Because the Horn of Africa region is staunchly Muslim, the men and women celebrated separately.