2012淘金英语专业四级听写 上海外国语大学 请从正文部分开始听写
The period of engagement is the time between the marriage proposal and the wedding ceremony. Two people agree to marry when they decide to spend their lives together. The man usually gives the woman a diamond engagement ring and places it on the third finger of her left hand. It is thought that a blood vessel or nerve in that finger goes directly to the heart. Americans generally are engaged for a period of about one year if they are planning a wedding ceremony and party. During this time, friends of the bride may hold a party. Women friends and family members give the bride gifts she will need as a wife. These could include cooking equipment or new clothing. Friends of the groom may have a bachelor party for him. This usually takes place the night before the wedding. Only men are invited to the bachelor party. It is considered the groom's last night out as an unmarried man.