Much has changed today in the family make-up. The father still remains the strong family leader and decision maker. At a minimum, he influences the major decisions of the children. But, normally he no longer exerts absolute control. The father no longer arranges the marriage, although this still exists in some of the most traditional families and in less developed areas.
Children select their career fields, again strongly influenced by the father.
Dating does not usually begin until the early twenties and the typical chinese will date only a few people, perhaps only one, before choosing a partner. The average age for marriage is 25 to 30 year old. The bride will usually wear a long white wedding gown . The bride will not change her name. As in any country there are strong traditions around the entire process, from selecting partners to proposing to planning the wedding to the wedding itself.