What is the ruling on the people of a village setting a limit on the amount of the mahr (bridal gift) and clothing, and the number of guests invited to the wedding ceremony?

Question:
He says: We are the people of the village, and we have noticed the high cost of mahr (bridal gifts) and wedding expenses, which has led young men to shy away from marriage. So we gathered and decided to set a limit on the mahr (bridal gift) and clothing, and to limit the number of guests to eight. Whoever does not comply with this will be boycotted by the people of this village. Is this limitation and boycott permissible?

Answer:
If this is done by way of compulsion, it is not permissible. It is not permissible to compel people to do something that is not obligatory upon them by the Shari'ah. However, if this is done through mutual agreement among you, and reconciliation among you, there is no harm in it. If everyone is satisfied with this, there is nothing wrong with it, because this is cooperation in good and facilitating marriage. If it is by the mutual consent of everyone, there is nothing wrong with it. But if it involves compelling anyone, then it is not permissible.