(CL) -- The manner in which a man requests a woman's hand in matrimony is very important and shows the kind of respect, accord and communication on which the foundation of marriage will be constructed. The value of this first ceremony of marriage is almost as palpable, one may say, that it transcends many cultures.
Why? Due to the fact that this ceremony constitutes an act of integrity where a bride's parents are put on a pedestal and informed of the couple's future wedding plans-plans that in the majority of cases have the bride leaving her parent's home to start a new life with her husband and raise a family of her own.
Requesting a woman's hand in matrimony is a very ancient and international tradition. In the past, this ceremony-besides bestowing the respective honors - occurred in order to examine the economic interests of both families. Nowadays, the basic elements behind this act remain the same: the parents of the groom are introduced to the bride's parents; they get together and are informed of their children's decision.
Although it seems pretty simple, everyone who has lived this moment knows that (unless parents of both parties know each other for years or that the bride and groom have dated for such a long period of time that the parents already know each other) this is a very tense and formal ceremony.
What to keep in mind
Both the bride and groom should understand that the act of requesting a woman's hand in matrimony would make their already accepted commitment more formal for both families. Each family has its own custom so it is very important that these traditions are taken into account in order to avoid offending anyone.
The parties should also take into account the main objective for this reunion, which is their children's intense love that for one reason or another had led them into matrimony. The parents of the bride should be thanked for the protection and guidance they have given their daughter; it has made her into the woman with whom the groom wants to share the rest of his life.
Advice
The bride and groom should set a date for this ceremony that is at least two weeks in advance and communicate it to their parents.
The ceremony should not take place too late in the day, since this is a sign of disrespect to both parties. It is also a custom that the groom sends a gift to the bride and future mother-in-law that morning (flowers for example).
Stay calm and avoid succumbing to the obstacles that may arise that day. Avoid discussing petty issues.
Attire should be formal, the groom must wear a suit and tie and the bride should wear an elegant dress.
Keep in mind that a wedding comes filled with expenses and the ring is one of the most indispensable. Do not hold back with this token and do try to surprise the bride with the ring. It's important to know the size of her ring finger. Imagine ruining a beautiful dinner and lovely speech with a bride who is trying to fit a tiny ring on her finger or a ring that is so large that it is double in size.
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Until Next Time!
Jasmine
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