XV. Find pairs of synonyms. Give suitable translation of the more colloquial word in a pair.

To propose; left-handed; wedlock; wife; to get hitched; husband; spouse; married; better half; to pop the question; morganatic; maid of honor; to get married; matrimonial; marriage; hubby; squaw; bridesmaid.

XVI. Which of these words would most likely replace the italicized parts? Choose between: wed, elope, break up, propose, get hitched, annul, left-handed, out of wedlock. Translate the sentences.

1. I don’t think he has given her any reason to dissolve their marriage.
2. Their marriage contract was declared invalid last month.
3. Yesterday he came to ask Julia for her band in marriage.
4. Nowadays fewer couples get married.
5. She secretly left her home at midnight to get married.
6. The child was born when they were not married.
7. And they contracted morganatic marriages after the princely fashion of those days.
8. Men are April when they woo, December when they get married.

XVII. Choose the correct word from the choices offered. Retell the text. Say a few words about the responsibilities and rules of the wedding ceremony and reception after it in Russia.

The bridegroom’s parents/ the ushers/ the bride’s parents are responsible for the bride’s dress, flowers in church. The bridesmaid/ the bridegroom/ the bridegroom’s parents pay for the bouquet for the bride, for the ring and the wedding license, fees to the clergyman, and anything else concerned with the service. The bride’s mother/ the bridegroom/ the bride’s father gives her away. The chief bridesmaid/ the best man/ the bridegroom takes the bride’s bouquet during the wedding ceremony, and hands it back to her before she goes to the vestry to sign the register. The best man’s/ the bridesmaid’s/ the bride’s father’s duty is to hand the wedding ring to the groom in the church. The bridesmaids/ the ushers/ the marriage brokers are to stand inside the church and place friends of the bride on the left of the aisle and friends of the groom on the right. After the ceremony the couple go into the vestry to sign the register. Then the bride and groom walk down the aisle followed by their parents and those who have signed the register. The bride’s mother walks down the aisle on the left of the bride’s father/ the groom’s father/ the best man and the bridegroom’s mother walks down on the left of the groom’s father/ the bride’s father/ the bridesmaid. The bride/ the groom/ the bride’s mother cuts the wedding cake which is an important part of the reception. The toast to the bride and groom is usually proposed by the bride’s father/ the best man/ a relative or a friend of the bride. The bride/ the groom/ the groom’s friend replies with a few words of thanks.