Ever since the commencement of the Sinamale Bridge project- then named China Maldives Friendship Bridge- the government has been promoting it as the best venue for wedding ceremonies.
While the housing ministry began issuing application forms for those who wish to get married on the bridge on Sunday morning, it noted that the government will be funding these 'bridge weddings', including bride and groom's wedding outfits as well as the bride's beauty preparations.
However, these costs were slashed from the package hours later.
Housing ministry's spokesperson Ahmed Fazaal told local news outlet 'Mihaaru' that they were forced to do so 'due to the overwhelming response'.
He said that they had physically issued over 250 forms at the ministry before afternoon, adding that more had gotten their forms online.
Fazaal said that the reason the government decided to cover these expenses was because they had 'planned to give the opportunity to a limited amount of people' but that it was changed to give more people the opportunity as well.
Following this decision, the government will now fund the wedding preparations, catering and photography. The bride and groom can only invite 50 guests to the wedding.
While the housing ministry has also declared five themes for the weddings; Maldivian, Chinese, Floral, Sunset and Vintage, those getting married can choose up to two themes.
These wedding ceremonies are to be held from 1st to 5th September, and applications are open from 5 – 13 August.
