A wedding celebrates the beginning of a civil union or marriage. Wedding customs and traditions vary between cultures, religions, countries, ethnic groups and social classes. In some culture, countries and religions, the act of marriage begins during the wedding ceremony. In others, the act of marriage occures at the time of signing a legal document or marriage license, the wedding is then an opportunity to perform a traditional ceremony and celebrate with family and friends. A man taking part in the ceremony is called a bridegroom, a woman is called bride, after the marriage ceremony they become wife and husband.