The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-10-19

Al liOinc,
Tuesdays in November,
AGA- Grand Street

It is very difficult and delicate task to
make out list OF invitations for we'd
ding, no matter how large or small. If a
small affair, there are always some sensitive
persons who feel that the ties of blood or
co2sanguiuity might have been strained to
include them. In large wedding Omis-
sions and mistakes are very apt TO occur,
which are not so readily overlooked in
wedding as in other social events. since
THE SIGHTED PARTY
Is apt to, and has right to, take il rs an
nJimatiOn that their acquaintance is no
longer desired. Great care should therefore
be exercised in the preparation of the list.
Etiquette requires that these invitations,
whether accepted or not, should be ac-
EnOWledged within ten DAYS after the we'd
ding by call upon tie brides family and
upon the bride and groom if they DO not go
away. Ii So then upon their first reception
day after their return.
The groom pays all of the expenses at the
church attendant upon a church wedding,
the sum demanded for the opening Of the
church. the sections fee, the minister's, the
oTganiSt'S and the chor'S and for she
decorations If lie proposes them. 1t IS the
duty OF the best man to sea to all of this
and tn see that the church Is well warmed
and lighted for the rehearsal which usually
precedeS the Wedding one night. Whether
il is a home or church wedding the groom
provides the carriages and the flowers FIR
the bride aad bridesmaids and favorS for
the ushers. In the latter case white rib
b0ns or flower claims stretched across the
aisle Should mark the pews allotted for the
near relatives Of the couple.
Concerning carriages, the usherS are usu-
ally conveyed to the church, two in each
carriage. Willie like number of Carriages
are sent for the bridesmaids, one for the
bride and her maid Of honor and one for tie
parents Of the bridA. The ushers having
arrived al the church at least half an hour be-
40 linn Cd 10
proceed at once in their duty Of seating tie
guests. At the door he ofIelS his arm to each
lady as she enters; inquiries ii she Is a If end
of the bride or groom. Ii OF tine former size
is seated on the hight, if If the groom she is
seated on the left, without or within the
ribbons as the case may be-. If she has
an escort he follows up the aisle.
As each lady is seated her escort
seats himself beside her, the ushe
bows slightly to them and returns to the
entrance to continue his services The
groom and best man arrive IN the first car
rage, but enter the vesIy by a side door;
then the father aad mother, who enter the
main body OF the church and are escorted
to the front and seated nearest the wedding
party, where the father is conveniently
placed to give the bride away, IN case he
does not accompany her up The aisle. Then
comes the bridesmaids; then the pages CT
flower-girls, and lastly the bride aud her
maid of honor. They are met at the
atar-rails by the gr,om and his best man,
who have entered from the yestry, and
stand facing the procession.
1t is customary TO decorate tie chancel
and altar with plants, sometimes with
flowers, all Of which makes pretty setting
for the tab.eau. Sometimes
TIE BETROTHAL SERVICE
Is read before entering the chancel, and the
marriage service, which concludes the cere-
mOny, at the foot Of the altar. In going cut
IL,
times carry with them a ribbon drawn the
entire length Of the aisle, imprisonng thus
the guests in the pews until the cortege shall
have passed ont The bride and groom 90 out
first, followed by the best man with the maid
of honor, and then the bridesmaids, either
paired off with the u>hcrS or together. If
there are pages they precede the bride and
groom. The brides family then follow, the
guests in front of The ribbon by courtesy 60
Ing out before those back of the silken lin.
LOhengrn's Bridal Chimes" and Men,
deIssohn's wedding March are usually
played as professional and re eSsioua, the
chorus sometimes sung with happy effect by
Il full choir. 1t is Of the utmost Importance
that the entire party should keep step to the
music. During the service the organlst
plays softly the strains OF some sweet,
familiar sentimental air.
After the church wedding there is usually
a reception, large or small, at the home of
the bride, which is gayly decked with flow
ers for the occasion. Besides the wedding
bell there are many beautiful and appro-
pirate devices which may be used in the
floral scheme There is usually a bower
or background of foliage plants. where the
bridal pair stand with the bridesmaids
grouped about them, while the usher
receives and presents the guests. If
he does rot know the person lie is
about to present, he inquiries the name, then
prOnOunces it distinctly to the pair, for they
are not likely 10 be acquainted with all OF
each others friends. A ter few words of
congratulation the usher then escorts the
guest t. the heads of the two united fami-
lies, where the same ceremonial of pre-
sentiti0n takes place.
After all OF the guests have thus been in
troduced the usners escort them to the
breakfaSt-room, where they look after their
comfort, as refreshments may be passed by
walters among the guests from buffet if
the assemblage is large.
Wedding gifts are pleasing and valued
souvenirs. Silver is usually marked with
the brides name if it comes from her family,
and all gifts should be sent direct to the
home of the bride, where they are p 'aced in
a room set aside for that purpose not for
general display but for the inspection OF
dear friends and relatives who are inter
ested, beyond mere vulgar curiosity.
Sometimes both bride and groom present
souvenirs 10 their attendants, but this is not
always the case.
The best man accompanies the newly
welded pair to the station, or boat. where lie
looks after the luggage, and wishes them
bon voyage.
-