The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-11-06


else, every faculty is devoted to 1t, and 1t would
no more DO for flaw to exist in toilet, which
will be critically examined by every lady acquaint
ance the wearer may meet, than 1t would in the
armor of q knight Of the elden times. In both
cases, the chances Of meeting an opponent would
be the almost certainty Of being vanquished-a
cost to somebody else, the American young lady
insists upon guarding against. The great tho
roughfares, therefore, from u in the morning to
O'Clock in the afternoon, are thronged with beau
tifuly dressed women, nearly all OF them young,
most OF them unmarried, who seem to have no
object in life but to put on elaborate attire, and
go out and display 1t.
The spectacle on q clear, bright day Is brilliant
IN the extreme, but to me, it is sad and scken-
ing sight. There is little more trace of gentleness
or womanliness about these daily promenades
than among the painted but less bedizened crea-
lures who walk there at night. They are bold in
look loud in speech, obtrusiye in manner, and
measure every woman they meet by the cost OF
the material Of her dress or the number OF yards
OF trimming that she wears. They are connoH-
seurs In everything, and like the fools OF every
generation, rush in where angels fear to tread.
Less preparation and care expended on the
Streets and more upon details OF home, would De
infinitely more creditable to US. Some idea may
be obtained Of the money expended on street and
visiting dresses from the cost OF some OF the short
suits exhibited by the large houses during the
present season: One OF these was composed Of
blue silk and blue velvet, and .was trimmed with
sable. Its value was one thousand dollars. An
other was Of silk and velvet, with trimming OF
the silk; this was three hundred and seventy-tve
dollars. Another was of black velvet, trimmed
with thick corded silk; this was three hundred
and fifty dollars. poplin suit, change2ble green
and black, rather elaborately made, and trimmed
with black corded silk, not at all an expensive
looking dress, was two hundred and fifty dollars.
From January till October the bill for dress
making for two young ladies, daughters of
hardware dealer In this city, was fifteen hundred
dollars. This sum represented the making OF
thirty-five dresses, in most cases without trim
mings or material, and three.fourths OF these
"walkingn dresses. This case is not given as an
extreme by any means, but as representative
case.
GRAND wEDDINGs.
The autumn is the favorlte season OF the year
for weddings in this country, and particularly In
New York city. The reasons are various; but one
ia undoubtedly to be found in the fact that o
series OF receptions and entertainments being ex-
pected, the late fall and early winter following is
the most convenient time for them.
A large number OF fashionable weddings have
taken place recently, but none 30 complete or
that attracted so much attention and admiration
ter OF principal member of an old well-known
and highly respected firm In New York, who be-
longs to that rapidly disappearing class OF mer-
chants whose word is as good as their bond. The
details Of this wedding may serve as guide TO
some fair and expectant readers, and therefore
give some Of them. The ceremony, cards FOR
which had been previously sent out, emo cards"
is now dreadfully vulgar slang and obsolete,) took
place at Trinity Chapel at ~ P. II. The recep-
ton at the house Of the parents OF the bride was
announced from O'Clock till 10. The spectacle at
the church was magnificent. 1t was brilliantly
lighted; all the ladies were in full evening dress,
and the odors OF perfumes and bouquets, compos-
ed Of tube roses and the rarest eXOtcs, were al
most overpowering. The bride was dressed ID
white satin, trimmed with the richest point lace.
Her vail was Of tue, and was attached to "shep-
herdess" wreath or orange blossoms. 1t COM
pletey enveloped her. She wore o superb dia-
mond necklace and earrings, and carried large
bouquet OF tube roses, and other white fragrant
flowers, in o silver dlagree holder, surrounded
with heavy silk fringe.
There were four bridesmaids, all dressed alike;
oil handsome girls, and all striking brunettes,
quite a novelty In the age OF blondes. Their cos
tunes were composed Of white tule, trimmed
with white satin folds and piping, white satin
panniers and crimson natural mowers (gera-
niums) In their dark hair. Their toilettes were
decidedly the most becoming and perfect brides
maids dresses that have been seen this season.
THE RECEPTION.
The reception occupied about three hours, and
was attended by probably eight hundred people.
thousand invitations were issued; the carpet
was, as Is usual at all grand entertainments, lad
down the steps and across the Sidewalk ana h the
back room on the second floor, not to "lay on
yneir things,' az one unsopnlsticnted fndy, who
did not go in carriage, supposed, put 10 inspect
the bridal presents, which covered the long taDes
lining three sides OF the room. The multiplicity
OF gorgeous silver-ware rich jewelry and costly
ornaments exhibited was absolutely enormous.
Two generations could not possibly use them all.
Everything that could be mentioned In the way OF
rich silver table furniture was duplicated several
times, and there were many articles Tor wnlcn
one could not find name. Among the most use.
full gifts was complete set OF dinner, tea ana
dessert china; elegant bronze chronometer Clock
with side pieces; groups Of skeleton mowers, rlch-
ly mounted and enclosed in beautiful glass
frames; complete assortment OF preserved fruits
in glass Jars and O fine set OF table linen and
damask. There were also several complete sets
OF Jewels and one OF point lace, besides quanti-
ties Of rich fans and handHerchlels. After view
ing the gifts, the people filed back again down
stairs to the door Of the great drawing and recep-
ton rooms, where they were met by ushers, one
of whom took charge OF the ladies, the other OF
the gentlemen, to present them to the Drldal
party, who occupied convenient space between
the front windows At the right stood the ratner
and mother OF the bride, to whom the guests also
paid their respects, and then were at liberty 10
lind out their friends or retire, as they pleased
siance-where many old friends are expected a
grand supper Is prepared; but this is not c0nsld-
cred necessary for 4 wedding reception. some
times the cake and wine are served from table
in another room, and sometimes the guests come
and 20 without any refreshmcnt at oil.
TIE ToILETTES.
These were really magnificent. never saw as
many handsome dresses together upon any one
occasion. Not one but looked fresh, and was
costly In material and makeup. One OF the slmp.
lest was composed OF the new short SILK, striped
with satin. 1t was made with dem-traln, q
round pannler, open heart bodice, with tulle
handkerchief laid in folds on the inside, sleeves
cantiuue with lace rufles, and an immense DOW at