Chinese Marriage Traditions - Letters
The Chinese groom's family formally asks in the form of a letter for the hand of the bride.
Both families have to agree that the couple is a good match for each other. Importance is placed on the horoscopes of both the groom and bride. Also, the actual date of the wedding is discussed as to avoid unlucky days.
If negotiations were successful, a gift letter is send to the bride's family, and the groom will bring the bride's family a variety of food and other traditional items. The couple is now engaged.
The bride prepares a dowry. A dowry includes clothes and other daily necessities. At the day of the wedding, the dowry is brought to the family of the groom.
The groom's family sends a wedding letter, officially acknowledging the bride into the family.