Wow! In the USA there are people from so many different countries, cultures and religions, that there is not really a standard or custom. I found a neat website that talks about world wedding traditions. http://www.worldweddingtraditions.com/ It says this about U.S. Weddings: "The United States has few wedding traditions that are totally unique to the U.S. Virtually all U.S. wedding traditions and customs have either been taken directly from a wide range of other countries and cultures – primarily European – or they have evolved from traditions in other nations."

Australian traditions have changed over the years. The long white wedding dress is still traditionally worn by brides in Australia and she is attended by her bridesmaids, reflecting a custom which dates back many centuries. A Bible is sometimes given as a wedding gift, which is kept as a precious souvenir for future generations. The traditions which are known and loved in the western world are all present here - the wedding cake, small gifts for guests, the exchange of rings and the reception with friends and family. Some people get married in a church, others are married by a marriage celebrant in a park, garden or on the beach. Australian weddings will often bring together extended family members from different cultures, and a couple's marriage will provide a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate the start of their new life together

In my country the nuptial ceremony is a big event... You celebrate it with your family and friends. Of course if you are a religious person you have a benediction in a church. It is a really nice day to remember for the rest of your life.

I don't know, since gays can't marry in my state. :(