, 1877-04-15
NUpTIAL ETIQUETTE.


The old time fancy for distributing wedding fav-
ors is again in vogue; directly after the ceremony
and while the newly married pair, with the more
immediate relatives, signing the register. the
bridesmaids dispense them. The gifts designed for
the lady guests consist Of small bows Of white satin
ribbon tying little sprays VI jessamine; those for
the gentlemen are spray OF oak-leayes and acorns
without ribbon, while the bridesmaids favors have
some distinctive mark, such as spray Of forget
me-not Their bouquets arc the GIFT Of the BRIDE
groom and are sent before the ceremony with the
1ockct or other souvenir which he presents them.
He also furnishes the bride with her flowers for the
occasion.
When the service takes place in church the cere-
mony is generally performed entirely at the COM
muulon-ra Out m nisn ehurenes Inc actual eeIe
body OF the church, and the braal party. preceded
By the officiating clergy, moves on into the chaucel
rangements " to fees, etc., are conidcd to the
best n,.n; while the chief bridesmaids duty is to
take The BRIDES bouquet and gloves when the serv-
ice begins.
The interval between the arrival Of the guests at
the house and the breakfast is generally employed
in an inspection OF the wedding presents, which
tables-one for plate, another for jeselrY. one for
Ghiua one for glass ornaments ETC., each gift be-
ing accompanied by n slip Of paper, bearins the
Wedding breakfasts are now often arranged on
the plan or bsll supper with several round tables
and i long buffet, where The majority Of the com
appropriated to the relatives Of The bridegroom and
the principal guests. Frequently, however, the
old custom OF sitting down breakfast Is adhered
to, and If it is the weddins-cake is placed in the
centre OF the table and the bride and bridegroom
take their places opposite to it, In the former
plan the cake il placed in the centre Of the buffet
When breakfast il announced, the bride and BRIDE
groom lead the way to the dining room, the BRIDES
father follows with the bridegroOms mother, and
sents himself next to his daughter; The bride
and places her beside tho bridegroom. Very fire.
qnently the bridesmaids all ait opposite to the
bride, accompanied by the gentlemen who
hsve been desired by the hostess to tnke
them down; the best man invariably tax
now condncd-when there are any at
ALTO the health Of the bride and bridegroom pro-
posed in few words-the fewer the better-by the
gentlemen OF the highest rank present The BRIDE
groom in returning thanks sometimes proposes the
hcnllh OF the bridesmaids. for whom the best mun
briefly responds There should be no other toasts,
and even these may be well dispensed with. Tnc
cut before the drinking Of the healshs and It Is cx-
pected that every one will cat small piece for
.-good luck"
When the bride comes into the drawing room in
her travelling dress 10 say good-ey, white satin
slippers and rice are thrown. the best man und
ter is showered upon the departing pair exclusively
by matrons- The fashion Of sending cards and
cAke has yonc entirely out OF style.
When widow marricS the wedding differs in
several points. There are neither bridesmaids nor
favors, aud the lady is debarrcd wearing white, u
wear bonnet, according 10 English etiquette. II
young lady, however, maFrtes widower, there
is no difference made between the arrangements
for her wedding and those described.