It all begins with the engagement.Traditionally,a young man asks the father of his sweetheart for permission.If the father agrees,the man later proposes to her. Often he tries to surprise her by"poppinh the question"in a romantic way.Sometimes the couple just decides together that the time is right to get married.The man usually gives his fiancee a diamond ring as a symbol of their engagement.They may be engaged for weeks,months or even years.