River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1902-05-22
HIRED WEDDING PRESENTS.
Sf1verware and Other Articles of
FEnery borrowed to Make a show
at Swell Weddings.

A Si1versmith observes that he
makes more money by loaning arti-
cles than in the legitimate way of
business. All kinds of silver and
fancy ornaments are borrowed to
make a grand show in the present.
room. Many articles still in his shop
have realized their value over and over
again, and are yet in condition for
further service, says New York eN-
change.
For instance, silver teapot of an
tique design has been out over 80
times and is good as new; teaspoons,
carvers, marble clocks, ETC., are in
constant. demand, and as the goods are
merely on show for few days they
come back unimpaired.
Speaking of a recent wedding which
caused some sensation in the partlcu-
lar locality, the silversmith said: "A
description of the wedding gifts oc-
cupied half a column of newspaper
print, one-third of the articles being
borrowed from my establishment.
Others were from different houses
and most likely dozen or so were
really presents. I saw the lot taste
fully arranged about the room, the
borrowed ones ticketed with names OF
ina ginary donors. Quite crowd had
gathered to see the wedding presents,
which made brave array. warrant
many of the young lady admirers felt
envious at the particular good for
tune of the bride. How they would
enjoy themselves if they knew the
source from which the most handsome
articles had been derived"
This is not an exceptional case, the
1oaning of wedding presents having
become quite trade.
Then there is the wedding cake
Few brides are so humble that they
cannot obtain some sort of cake for
the occasion; but the grand cake, the
huge confection with its lofty orna-
ments and orange wreaths, its Cupid
and silver leaves, is the one that is bor-
rowed.
Cakes of the massive order may be
loaned, which possibly are not cakes
at all. Nothing is there genuine about
them save the icing and the sugar
Cupids. One bridecake has graced the
breakfast tables of all sorts and condi-
tions of brides, having been on the
rounds for over two years, and, with
little touching up, seems as fresh and
delectable as ever.
The "cake" is simply round of
cork, eight inches deep and about the
size of a small cheese. This is enam-
eled white and thinly iced, piles of
ornaments browning it; foliage and
flowers embellish the sides-altogeth-
er a magnificent article for purposes
of show. AS the fee for it's temporary
possession is some few shillings, it
proves a very profitable property.
Genuine cakes are sometimes hired
merely for table ornamentation.
When these have lost their freshness
they are cut up by the confectioner
for sale by the pound.
Where a dummy cake is used there
is always a small one to distribute
amongst the guests, otherwise the
handsome sham would be regarded
with suspicion. A certain confec-
toner has generally three or four i'm
posing property cakes on hand. When
a good order is given for sweets and
pastry for the wedding feast, a sham
bridecal1e may be lent free to orna-
ment the festive board.
Very rich-looking shams are even
made of paper-body, sugar-work and
flowers as well. So carefully turned
out, are they that closer inspection
than is generally granted bridecake
is necessary to discover the deception.
The paper productions are cheap and
are to be purchased-not hired. A few
shilling lit is said, will buy beauti-
full III alton of ten-guinea cake
America is responsible for their intro
duction.
Actual bridal gowns and wells mayb
borrowed-an economical proceeding
for brides who cannot afford a big
sum on dress that is intended for
a few hours wear.
Swell bridesmaids, who bring their
own elaborate dresses, are also will
ing to be hired. Their presence
amongst strangers is sure to elicit
wonder and admiratio which is ex-
actIy what those who like a snowy
wedding desire.