Hindu

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  In Hinduism, people believe marriage binds the family together for the next seven births. Thus Hindu men and women frequently engage in arranged marriages. In most cases the bride and groom agree to a match chosen by their parents. Parents or family members assisting in the search for an acceptable spouse look at criteria such as horoscope matching, religion, education, employment, caste, financial status, family education and work history and reputation. The aim of arranging marriages in Hindu societies is to find a prospective match who is compatible so arguments and family disharmony do not arise.
  
  

Sikh

• The Sikh religion still actively participates in arranged marriages, though they are not mandatory. Whether or not to seek out an arranged marriage in the Sikh culture is decided by the bride or groom before a suitable match is sought. When the family seeks out the match, the bride and groom must agree to marry. When seeking a match for their son or daughter, Sikh parents use religion as the most important factor followed by age, family reputation, education and employment, along with the bride's and groom's personal wishes for a partner.
  
  

Buddhist

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  Buddhist cultures still practice arranged marriages based on the belief that parents have more life experience and therefore are able to find a more suitable partner for their children. Buddhist culture believes that the marriage not only joins the bride and groom but also both families. Arranging the marriage involves consulting an astrologer and verifying health, wealth and social status of the prospective mate. Inevitably the bride and groom must agree to the match and then the astrologer is again consulted to determine the wedding date.
  
  

Jain

• Though mostly practiced in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, arranged marriages are an option in Jain cultures. Marriages are arranged based on the bond between the families, cultural backgrounds, social status and economic factors. The marriages are never forced, and the bride and groom are expected to discuss their fears, concerns and desires for the marriage with their family. The marriage does not take place if the bride and groom do not agree. Typically, the parents seek out prospective partners then narrow the choices to a short list of those who would make the best match before introducing them. During the pre-selection process the parents of both potential mates engage in negotiations, similar to an interview process, for what is expected during the marriage.
  
  

Muslim

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  There are two types of pre-arranged marriages in Muslim societies. In one type, halal, the parents accept suggestions or recommendations on a potential mate. Matches are made between prospective bride and groom based on benefits to both families and reputation of the bride or groom. The couple consent to the marriage before arrangements are made. The second type, haram, is where the parents exercise full control over the pairing of the couple; the bride and groom have absolutely no say. Brides are chosen or given away based on the benefit to the family, the girl or mutual agreement between the families.