Weddings in the United States vary(改变) as much as the people do. But many weddings, no matter where or how they are performed, include certain traditional(传统的) customs.

　　Before marriage, they become engaged(订婚). And then invitations are sent to those who live nearby, their close friends and their relatives who live far away. When everything is ready, then comes the most exciting moment.

　　The wedding itself usually lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. The wedding party enters the church while the wedding march(结婚进行曲) is played. The bride(新娘) carrying a bouquet(花束) enters last with her father who will “give her away”. The bridegroom(新郎) enters the church from a side door. When the wedding party is gathered by the altar(祭坛), the bride and bridegroom exchange vows(誓言). It is traditional to use the words “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish(珍爱), till death do us part.” Following the vows, the couple exchange rings. Wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is an old custom.

　　After the ceremony there is often a party, called a “reception(喜宴)” which gives the wedding guests an opportunity(机会) to congratulate the newlyweds(新婚夫妇).

　　The car in which the couple leaves the church is decorated(装饰) with balloons, streamers(彩色纸带)and other things. The words “Just Married(新婚燕尔)” are painted on the trunk or back window. The bride and bridegroom run to the car under a shower of rice thrown by the wedding guests. When the couple drives away from the church, friends often chase(追赶) them in cars. And then the couple go on their honeymoon(蜜月).

　　(文/周昆；英语辅导报新目标八年级版04—05学年度第17期；版权归英语辅导报社所有，独家网络合作伙伴新浪教育，未经许可，不得以任何形式进行转载。)