In the U.S. people are free to choose their own mates. Once a couple has decided to get married, the man gives the girl a diamond ring. The (1) of a ring comes from the ancient custom of using a ring to settle an important agreement. When the wedding (2) is decided upon, the girl sends wedding announcements or invitations to friends and relatives. It is supposed to be (3) luck for the bride and the bridegroom to see each other on the day before the wedding. Before the wedding day the bridegroom always chooses a “best man” , a good (4) to help him and stand beside him during the wedding ceremony. The custom of (5) a “best man” is thought to have come from the ancient times. when a strong friend helped the bridegroom escape from the bride’s (6) . When a couple gets married, the groom gives a wedding ring. Many marriages (7) double ring ceremonies — that is, the bride and the groom exchange rings. The wedding ring is a simple plain gold band. The roundness of the ring symbolizes eternity and announces that the couple is united for (8) . The wedding ring is worn on the (9) finger of the left hand. People believe that a vein from the third finger runs directly to the heart. Near the end of the reception, the bride throws her bunch of flowers to unmarried (10) . The lucky girl who catches it is supposed to be the next one to be married.