 Although it is uncommon in the West these days, the parents of the couple may make a marriage arrangement, preceding or superseding the proposal.Arranged marriages were common between members of royal families throughout most of European history; such marriage contracts and proposals were made at great distances and often without first-hand contact between the parties prior to the engagement.Other customs of initiating a marriage may include formal introduction of the partners to each other, such as the Japanese traditional custom of Miai.