Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-12-10
WEDDING FASHIONS.
WHITE THE MEMORABLE HUE or THE
BRIDES ATTIRE.
A Gown OF Ivory satin with Pearl En-
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Gown Displayed
Rich Cascades Of Lace--Notes.
Correspondents OF The DIspatchJ

Correspondence Of the Dispatch.)
NEW YORK. December 9.-This is not
exactly the fashionable time OF year for
weddings. but Hymen Is not. after all.
very careful observer OF seasons; and al
though perhaps the larger percentage OF
his dcvotees nowadays elect 10 be Joined
together In the merry month OF June.
marrying and giving In marriage still
go on all around the calendar.
The modern wedding Is made so largely
mere question OF dress that the only
subjects OF interest connected with the
ceremony are. frat, what the bride wore;
second. how the bridesmaids were dressed,
and lastly, were there any striking tot
lettes among the guests?
Much greater latitude and variety are
possible in the make and fashion Of the
weddinggown nowadays than would have
been thought entirely proper by the elder
generation In their youthful days. But TIE
memorable rule which prescrlbes white as
the hue Of the brides attire prevails. here.
as In every other quarter Of the world.
except China. Celestial brides wear the
most vivid Of reds on the interesting &C.
casion.
RULING MODE.
At a recent English wedding-and as
we are following English fashions closely
this winter It Is needless TO say that the
mode is a ruling one-the bride wore ivory
satin. ornamented with elaborate pearl
embroiderles ard trimmed with chiffon.
The gown was exceedingly handsome
and with novel features, the bodice being
somewhat full In front. girdled at the
waist by band of pearls. mingled with
silver embroidery; above. on the bust.
were two very wide. laring revers OF
the satin edged with the silver-and-pearl
ornamentatlon. About the shoulders and
falling over the very full sleeves, were
triple rufiles of snowy chiffon. adding an
effect of so much grace to the costume
that It IL safe to find imitators. The skirt,
made with complete train. was plain with
the exception of an edging Of the embroi-
derry. No Duchesse flOunces, such as the
brides mother. in ali probability had
worn on the occasion Of her marriage. In
fact. this was a wedding-gown from
which lace was conspicuously absent. the
veil being Of tulle.
ANOTHER COSTUME.
Another bridal costume, somewhat more
conventional. displayed rich cascades OF
lace down either side OF the skirt. meet
ing a full hounce Of the same around
the front. The skirt proper was OF white
satin, but the superb train was Of silver
brocade. falling from the shoulders in
stead Of from the waist. The result was
an appearance OF somewhat imposing rich
ness From the knot Of oranBe-blossoms
on the couture fell a full veil of genuine
Duchesse. its beauty blending with that
OF the train.
What was II bridesmaids wore before
we had these lovely crepons? | have for
gotten, having become accustomed for
the past three or four seasons TO the ap-
pearance Of the attending maidens In these
pretty fabrics. with as much certainty as
the bride comes forth in white satin.
BRIDESMAIDS DRESS.
Yellow is the prevailing color for the
dresses of the bridesmaids, though II IL
not obligatory. Primrose and amber are
the tints. a pretty exception to the rule
was lde at a recent uptown ceremony,
when the four companions of the bride
wore white silk crepon, with tiny yellow
polka-dots. The gowns were made with
Marie Antoinette fichus of white chiffon
edged with lace, hats of white lace with
yellow-ribbon trimmings and gold orna-
ments; bouquets OF white and yellow
roses.
"Gong-away' frocks are almost always
fur-trimmed at present, and constitute
the very subllmation OF the travelling
dress. In fact, a bride with any regard
for her tr6usseau would not subject her
going-away gown to n very lengthy eX-
perience OF raiway-travel-so dainty ana
SO elaborate has the costume become OF late
years. .,.,.,.r,
Christmas shopping is absorbing every
ones attention, and even fashion cohqe-
scends 10 walt on Santa Claus.
The little case Of many-colored bars OF
sealing-wax re-appears on my lady's writ
ing-table. in obedience to recent COM
mand Of the puissant goddess. ones
epistles must again be sealed. and one
must observe strictly the rules governing
the use Of the significant wax
The Christmas-card is to experience a
distinct resurrection. and there are some
very handsome ideas displayed.
Black is worn by the most carefully
dressed woman for street frocks white
AS the companion color, has given away,
however. 10 other combinations, as the
season has advanced.
Lace is the passion of the hour Tot
trimming. and is applied with or Without
appropriateness 10 all manner OF gowns
not excepting those worn for the AFTER
noon outdoor toilette.