Wedding traditions vary among cultures. In the United States, many couples incorporate sev- eral basic traditions that have almost become syn- onymous with the wed- ding event. Each of these traditions has a fun origin story:

- Engagement rings and the exchange of rings. In 1215, Pope Innocent III established a mandatory waiting period between engagement and marriage. The wealthier population began the tradition of the engagement ring at this time. The pope established a law that all weddings had to be held in church and an exchange of rings would symbolize the unity.

- Rings worn on fourth finger. It was once thought that the vein located in the fourth finger on the left hand was a direct link to the heart. For this reason, engagement and wedding rings were placed and worn on that finger.