I find that understanding the Jewish background of some things in the Bible 
make them clearer. Jewish wedding customs are very interesting and seem to 
parallel Church history past, present and future. I believe #6 is an 
illustration of the hiding of the Church during the tribulation. 

1. Young man goes to the home of potential bride carrying money for price of 
bride, a bethrothal contract and a skin of wine.
2. Contract laid out, bride price discussed, a glass of wine is poured. If 
the father approves, then maiden is called in.
3. If she approves, then she drinks wine. They are called husband and wife 
at this time, though not fully married but bethrothed. The only way to 
dissolve this is divorce.
4. Man declares that he goes to his father's house and prepares a place for 
her. Maiden spends her time preparing to live as a wife and mother; learning 
how to please her husband. No one knows when he is coming back except the 
father of the bridegroom because he has to be satisfied that everything is 
ready before he gives his permission for the son to return to get the bride.
5. Groom gets two witnesses required for ceremony.
6. After the ceremony, bride and groom enter honeymoon chamber where the 
groom gives gifts to the bride. They spend 7 days there.
7. After the 7 days, the bride and groom emerge and there is a wedding 
feast.

(members.aol.com/gkilli/home - Greg Killian's Jewish info)

Moza