Party Marriage Engagement Wedding Events Special Proposal Bridal

Long before "wedding bells begin to ring" (a wedding happens), many events take place that "lead up to" (come before) "the big day" (the special event, usually a wedding). These include the marriage proposal, the engagement, the engagement party, the bridal shower, the rehearsal dinner, and the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

After a man or woman says "yes" to a marriage proposal, the "couple" (two people in a romantic relationship) is "engaged" (promised to be married to each other). During their engagement, they continue "to get to know each other" (become more familiar with each other's characteristics and interests), but much of the engagement is spent planning for the wedding. Some couples have an "engagement party" to officially celebrate their engagement to each other.

A few weeks before the wedding, there is usually a "bridal shower," which is organized by the "maid of honor" (the best friend of the "bride" (the woman who is getting married) who has special duties during the wedding). A bridal shower is normally attended only by women. Everyone gives presents to the bride, and sometimes the presents are only "lingerie" (beautiful, delicate, and sexy underwear).

One or a few days before the wedding, everyone in the "wedding party" (the people who play a role in the wedding) "runs through" (practices) the ceremony. Afterward, they enjoy a "rehearsal dinner," eating together in a nice restaurant and saying nice things about the bride and "groom" (the man who is getting married).

Finally, the night before the wedding, the groom traditionally has a "bachelor party" with his closest male friends. More recently, the bride has a "bachelorette party" with her closest female friends. These parties can be "wild" (crazy; without restrictions) and are supposed to be a way to say goodbye to life as a "single person" (a person who is not married).