WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CEREMONY?
EXCHANGE OF GIFTS.
Hand Request Ceremony Ceremonia de Petición de Mano
By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com
WHAT IS IT?
The Hand Request ceremony is when a man formally asks for his fiancèe's hand in marriage.
It is when a couple receives the approval of their families, and is considered the appropriate time to join the two families so they can get to know one another before the wedding.
The cost of the Hand Request Ceremony is generally the responsibility of the family of the fiancèe. Dinner is generally a part of the celebration.
The date of the wedding is announced.
There are no specific words or format, but usually the father of the groom-to-be, or the fiancè, formally requests of the father of the bride-to-be, the hand of the bride, that is, permission to marry her. Tradition requires that the hand request is sealed by the exchange of gifts between the engaged couple.
The traditional gifts are a ring to the bride, and a clock to the groom.
Some men give a gift of flowers to their future mother-in-laws.
Suggested Reading
Explore Marriage
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Your last name may reveal a compelling story about your family history. More >
Is someone in your life passive aggressive? Find out why and how to handle it. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.