Mail order brides have captured the imagination of many Western men seeking foreign wives. But is the mail order bride industry still a thing? In this post, our team of international dating experts will answer all your burning questions about mail order brides online. If you’re curious about pursuing a foreign bride, read on!
What Is the historical origin of the term ‘mail order bride’?
The phrase mail order brides goes back to 19th century America. Back then, as the American West was being settled, there was a shortage of eligible women in frontier towns. Enterprising matchmakers would recruit women, often from the East Coast or even from abroad, to move out West and marry the pioneer men.
Men would often select their mail order wives from printed catalogs with photos and biographical information. Once a match was made, the woman would travel across the country or even from another country to meet her new husband. The term “mail order bride” came about because the process involved a lot of letter writing and sending photographs back and forth via the mail.
How has the mail order bride industry changed?
Today, the old-fashioned mail order spouse process has evolved with the times. International matchmaking is alive and well, but it mostly takes place online nowadays. Singles around the world connect through international dating websites that specialize in helping Western men meet foreign women. Instead of printed catalogs, men browse online profiles. Instead of letters sent by mail, communication happens instantly via Live chat with voice messages, file attachments, and video calls. The end goal is still finding a wife from abroad, but the means of connecting have gotten much more high-tech and efficient in the Internet age.
Many international dating sites now offer a full suite of additional services to facilitate cross-cultural relationships, such as:
- Gift delivery: Men can send flowers, chocolates, or other romantic gifts to their love interests through the dating site’s local delivery partners in her home country.
- Romance tours: Agencies organize group trips for men to travel to a foreign country and meet mail order brides at organized social events.
- One-on-one meeting arrangements: When a man is ready to visit his online love interest, some sites will help arrange the travel logistics and even provide a local guide or translator.
- Fiancée visa assistance: Once a couple is ready to marry, specialized services can guide them through the complex process of obtaining a K-1 fiancée visa to bring a foreign bride to the US.
Which countries are the most popular for finding a foreign bride?
When it comes to foreign mail order brides, some countries are perennial favorites among American men and are leading in terms of visa approval rates:
- Ukraine: Known for their stunning fair-haired looks, Ukrainian women are highly sought after. Ukraine has a large population of beautiful, well-educated women who are eager to meet Western men.
- The Philippines: Filipinas are popular mail order brides due to their exceptional beauty, strong family values, and proficiency in English. Filipina women are known for being exceptionally loyal to their husbands.
- Colombia: Colombian mail order brides are famous for their sensual beauty and warm, affectionate personalities. Medellin, Colombia is an especially popular city for finding a Latin bride.
- Thailand: Thai women attract American men with their exotic Southeast Asian looks and gentle, caring natures. Thai brides are known for pampering their husbands.
Why do foreign women seek American husbands?
You may be wondering what motivates real mail order brides to seek marriage with American guys. Some common reasons include:
- Attraction to American culture: Movies and TV shows have created an appealing image of the American lifestyle around the world. Many foreign women grew up admiring American culture and dreamed of having their own American love story.
- Preference for Western men: Some foreign ladies simply find the personalities and looks of American men more attractive than their local dating prospects. They believe American husbands will treat them better than men from their own countries.
- Desire for a better life: Many brides come from countries with limited economic opportunities for women. They see marrying a Western man as a path to a better life for themselves and their future children.
- Quest for true love: Above all, most foreign women are looking for their soulmate – a loving, loyal partner to share their life with. They hope casting a wide net and looking internationally will help them find that person.
What are the benefits of pursuing a mail order spouse?
There are some real benefits to international dating and marriage:
Expansive dating pool: Using a foreign dating site opens up a whole world of romantic possibilities. You’ll connect with stunning women from a variety of countries and cultures.
Traditional values: Foreign women, especially from more traditional societies, often prioritize getting married and having a family over fooling around.
Appreciation for Western men: Compared to local men who are spoiled by a big choice of beautiful women, and take them for granted, many foreign women sincerely appreciate the qualities of a mature, protective Western husband.
Opportunity for travel and cultural exchange: Pursuing a foreign bride gives you a built-in reason to travel, explore new cultures, and expand your horizons. It can enrich your life even beyond dating.
How can I get started with the mail order bride process?
If you’re interested in pursuing a foreign bride, here are the basic steps:
- Choose a reputable international dating site. Look for one that specializes in the region or country you’re most interested in and has a large, active user base.
- Create an appealing online dating profile. Showcase your best qualities and be clear about your hopes for a long-term relationship and eventual marriage.
- Start connecting with mail order brides online who interest you. Take advantage of translation services and video chats to overcome any language barriers.
- Once you’ve built a relationship, consider traveling to your love interest’s home country to meet in person. Most international dating sites offer guides or tours to facilitate this.
- If the in-person meetings go well, begin seriously discussing engagement, marriage, and the K-1 fiancé visa process for bringing your bride to the US.
Remember that while technology has changed, the mail order bride process still requires effort, patience and a leap of faith. But for those willing to take a chance, it can be an incredibly rewarding way to find lasting love.