You're probably not up to speed with the cultural expectations of the ceremony itself in the modern U.S. In terms of social signaling, an elaborate, extravagan

You're probably not up to speed with the cultural expectations of the ceremony itself in the modern U.S. In terms of social signaling, an elaborate, extravagant ceremony, preceded by presentation of an outrageously expensive conflict diamond, is REQUIRED. Even if not in real reality, in the "reality" of social mores and expectations.