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What is an Engagement Proposal? A Guide to its Procedures and Preparations

The engagement ceremony is a pivotal event where the families of the soon-to-be-wed couple meet to formalize their union. This ceremony is a significant step in the wedding process, and both the groom's and bride's families need to be well-prepared. So, what are the essential things that need to be arranged for this occasion?

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7 August, 2024

– Betrothal ceremony – are the sequences that every bride and groom must go through. Depending on the characteristics of each region and locality, the engagement ceremony may differ slightly. In this article, Bach Hoa XANH will answer your questions about the engagement ceremony, including what it is, how it is performed, and what needs to be prepared. Let’s get started!

1 What’s the difference between a betrothal and a wedding ceremony?

What’s the difference between a betrothal and a wedding ceremony?

Unlike the wedding ceremony, the betrothal ceremony, or engagement ceremony, is the first official meeting between the groom’s and bride’s families to discuss the couple’s future marriage and what needs to be prepared for the wedding. After a period of courtship, if the couple feels that they are compatible and want to commit to a long-term relationship, they will inform their parents to proceed with the wedding ceremony.

Compared to the past, today’s wedding customs are becoming simpler and more suited to the modern lifestyle. Brides and grooms no longer have to go through the six traditional marriage rituals that used to span three years. Instead, couples only need to go through three main ceremonies: the betrothal, wedding, and engagement ceremonies.

2 What needs to be prepared for the betrothal ceremony?

What does the groom’s family need to prepare for the betrothal ceremony?

What does the groom’s family need to prepare?

Similar to how Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh brought betrothal gifts to woo Mi Nuong, the groom’s family will also prepare gifts for the betrothal ceremony. Compared to the wedding, the gifts for the betrothal ceremony are much simpler. Typically, the gifts include: betel, areca nut, tea, fruit, cake, and a tray of betrothal gifts, which can be purchased from wedding event package stores. Alternatively, if someone in the groom’s family is crafty, they can prepare the betrothal gifts themselves, following the customs and procedures of their region.

What does the bride’s family need to prepare for the betrothal ceremony?

The bride’s family needs to clean and decorate their home to make it look its best and prepare to welcome the groom’s family warmly. They should also clean and arrange flowers at the family altar and invite the ancestors to witness the betrothal ceremony with both families. Additionally, when the groom’s family arrives for the betrothal ceremony, the bride and groom will offer incense at the family altar together. Therefore, decorating the family altar is essential and cannot be overlooked. The bride’s family can prepare a meal to treat the guests, which doesn’t have to be too elaborate but should be sufficient to foster friendship between the two families.

3 Sequence of the betrothal ceremony

Sequence of the betrothal ceremony

On the agreed-upon day, the groom’s family will bring the betrothal gifts to the bride’s house and perform the necessary rituals.

A representative from the groom’s family will stand up and introduce all the family members present for the ceremony. They will then present the betrothal tray, containing the prepared gifts, to the bride’s family altar. Next, they will ask for permission for the bride and groom to officially get to know each other and move towards marriage.

The bride’s family will also appoint a representative to respond to the groom’s family’s speech. This representative will stand up, express gratitude, and introduce the bride’s family members present at the betrothal ceremony.

After greetings and conversations, the future bride and groom will offer incense and present the gifts to the ancestral altar.

The two families will continue to discuss and agree on the date for the next ceremony, as well as the gifts that need to be prepared for the wedding ceremony, including any specific requirements or expectations from the bride’s family that the groom’s family should be aware of.

The bride’s family may invite the groom’s family to stay for a meal after the betrothal ceremony. If time and circumstances do not permit, the bride’s family can offer refreshments, fruits, and sweets instead of a full meal.

4 Tips for preparing for the betrothal ceremony

Tips for preparing for the betrothal ceremony

The betrothal ceremony will be held at the bride’s home. As first impressions are crucial, it is essential to prepare thoroughly and meticulously to create a good impression on the groom’s family. Therefore, the bride’s family should pay attention to every detail and ensure that everything is in order. In addition to cleaning and decorating the house, they may need to set up additional tables and chairs to accommodate both families during the ceremony.

In addition to carefully preparing the betrothal ceremony procedures, the speech for the ceremony should also be well-prepared: The speech should be prepared at least a week in advance, assigned to a good writer, and delivered by a confident speaker. It should be concise and emotionally balanced.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about the Betrothal Ceremony

Do we need to choose a lucky day for the betrothal ceremony?

Do we need to choose a lucky day?

While the choice of timing and lucky days is not too strict, some families still consider it important and choose auspicious days to ensure a smooth process. It is best to avoid holding the betrothal ceremony on unlucky days or during the hours of the Co Than and Qua Tu stars.

What should be the dress code for the betrothal ceremony?

What should be the dress code?

Unlike a wedding, the dress code for the betrothal ceremony is not too elaborate, and the bride and groom do not need to wear formal attire. However, they should choose comfortable, simple, neat, and well-groomed outfits. Similarly, the attire for the extended families of both sides should be respectful and appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

An engagement proposal is a formal agreement between two companies to work together on a project. It outlines the scope, expectations, and responsibilities of both parties involved.

The key elements of an engagement proposal include a clear definition of the project scope, deliverables, timeline, budget, and payment terms. It should also include a detailed description of the services provided, as well as any expectations and responsibilities of both the client and the service provider.

To prepare an engagement proposal, start by understanding the client’s needs and goals for the project. Clearly define the scope and deliverables, and outline the timeline, budget, and payment terms. Provide a detailed description of the services you will be providing, and set expectations for both parties involved.

An engagement proposal provides clarity and sets expectations for both the client and the service provider. It helps to ensure that both parties are on the same page and reduces the risk of misunderstandings or conflicts down the line. It also helps to establish a professional relationship and build trust between the two companies.

While both documents outline the terms of an agreement, an engagement proposal is typically less formal and more flexible than a contract. It is often used as a starting point for negotiation and can be amended or updated as the project evolves. A contract, on the other hand, is a legally binding document that is typically more detailed and stringent in its terms.