Follow the engagement process, and don't be nervous during the formal ceremony
After a successful proposal, the next steps involve preparing for the "engagement" and "wedding" ceremonies. Generally, the engagement ceremony follows the customs of the bride's family and is often held at the bride's home or a location of her choice. Conversely, the wedding ceremony follows the preferences of the groom's side. For all the ladies preparing for engagement, let's take a look at the engagement process for both the bride and groom with ALUXE.
For families with a tradition of ancestor worship on the groom's side, it's important to begin by offering incense and paying respects to the ancestors and praying for blessings to ensure a smooth and blissful engagement. Afterwards, bring along the betrothal gifts, gold jewelry, wedding cakes, Chinese-style cakes, four-color sugar, firecrackers, and Head-to-toe gifts, and set off to the bride's home after the firecrackers are lit.
Friendly reminder: Be sure to avoid the number "4" as it is considered inauspicious.
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Dowry Collection
When the groom arrives at the bride’s home, the groom should place the betrothal gifts inside the bride's home, and the matchmaker hands over the betrothal money and gold jewelry to the bride's parents. The bride's family reciprocates with a red envelope for the matchmaker.
Serving Sweet Tea, Pressing Tea Cup
Once the betrothal gifts are arranged, the groom's friends and family take their seats according to seniority. A matchmaker guides the bride in serving tea to the groom's family members or friends, offering auspicious words of blessing. After serving tea, the bride can leave. Once the groom's friends and family finish the sweet tea, the matchmaker brings out the red envelopes placed in the teacups by the groom's side.
When the auspicious time arrives, the bride sits on a tall chair, with her feet on a small round stool. Remember not to move around once seated! The groom then presents the prospective bride with rings symbolizing "unity" – typically gold or copper rings with a red thread. When putting on the rings, the prospective bride should keep her fingers slightly bent to avoid a swift placement. After the rings are on, the roles reverse, and the prospective bride's mother puts gold bracelets, gold earrings, and other gold accessories on the groom. Following this, the groom's mother helps the bride's mother put a gold necklace on the groom. Generally, the main ceremony is completed at this point.
If the bride's family practices ancestor worship, they can inform their ancestors about the marriage before the gift exchange. Then, they can proceed with preparing the gifts! The bride needs to prepare a separate set of gifts called "head-to -toes gifts" for the groom's side. In addition, all the betrothal gifts brought by the groom should be returned.
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After the return gifts, it's time for the engagement banquet! This engagement banquet is hosted by the bride's family, who plays the role of the host in inviting guests.
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