What does "making the sheets" mean?

Question

my gf asked me to find about it; she wont say more, other than it was an english custom. and i think she mentioned about a having little dowry to give.. i'm puzzled but i don't want to offend her, and i would like to know her culture. can you help discuss these things?

Answer 1

It is like 17th century slang for having s*x, I think. I'm guessing.

Answer 2

Alright i'll tell you.

what it referred to was the old custom of marriage, where there had to be proof of fidelity of the virgin wife

"No blood on the sheets? No marriage"

Answer 3

My husband is British, and he's never heard of this term. Why don't you just ask your friend what it means?