Chinese marriage was classified into custom in the Warring States period (402-22 B.C.). Due to the vast expansion and long history of ancient China, there are different customs to follow in different states and places, although most of them are the same.

In ancient China, it is important to follow these basic principles of the Three Letters and Six Etiquettes.

The Three Letters are the Betrothal Letter, Gift Letter and Wedding Letter. The Betrothal is a formal document of engagement. The Gift Letter is a list of quantity and gifts for the wedding and the bride’s identity. The Wedding Letter is prepared and given to the bride’s family as a formal acceptance of the bride into the bridegroom’s family

The Six Etiquettes are: Proposing, Birthday and Hour matching, Presenting betrothal gifts, Presenting wedding gifts, Picking auspicious wedding date and the Wedding ceremony.

There are other customary practice such as preparing the bridal bed, dowry, hair combing ceremony and etc which are meant to ward off negative and bless the couple with good fortune, happiness and abundant descendants.

Today, many traditional customs are being simplified or not in practice but some customs such as the picking auspicious dates, formal gift ceremony, bridal bed set up, tea ceremony, lighting up the Dragon and Phoenix Candle and hair combing ceremony are still observed. And all these are meant to give the new couple a jump start in the happily ever after.