chinese goh-dai-lai offerings?

d0hboy

Hello, folks.. just wanted to know what people were being asked to give for a chinese wedding gift from the groom's side to the bride's side.

The exact makeup of the offering is pretty shrouded in old traditions that nobody seems to know exactly.  Therefore, how would we know?

I'm not expecting anybody to give exact lists. Does the family give it, or does the groom?

sources:
http://jedrantsagain.blogspot.com/2008/11/goh-dai-lai.html
http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/grand.htm
http://www.chinabridal.com/etiquette/dowry.htm

monki618

Traditionally, I think it's a number of gifts brought over to the bride's house prior to the wedding day but nowadays, due to logistics, etc. I think the groom just brings it along with him when he picks her up in the morning.

From my experience, and this could vary depending on which chinese region your family is from, the gifts could include,

- wine
- tea leaves
- coconuts
- wedding pastries
- any luxury items such as sharks fin, birds nest, etc.

Hope that helps.