NAOMI SELF

June is the most popular month for weddings, followed by August and September

The average engagement lasts 18 months

19% of all engagements occur in December

About 15% of weddings include ethnic customs

64% of couples live together before their vows are said

According to Hindu tradition, rain on your big day is good luck

59% of grooms got down on one knee

Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye

In China, couples may consult a fortune-teller to find a favorable wedding date derived from their birth dates

Moroccan weddings can last up to 7 days

Brides carry 'something old' on their wedding day to symbolize continuity with the past

'Something blue' symbolizes purity, fidelity and love