Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-17

march begin, when the ushers start down
the center aisle in procession, the audience
rising simultaneously. As the bridal party
makes their way to the chancel, the guests
turn in their seats to face them and remain
thus until the bride reaches the altar steps.
The marriage ceremony is SO short now
that every one in the church remains stand
ing. simply bowling heads during the few
short prayers and at the benediction. AS
the bride passes out of the church, the au-
dience turns again to watch her progress.
Once the bride and groom are in their car
-iage, the ushers return to escort relatives
of the family to the door, after which the
remaining guests file out with greetings to
those near them whom they may know
When the ceremony alone is attended, a
tailored suit with dressy hat and light
gloves comprises the proper costume FOR
woman, while for men, frock coat and tail
hat or the regulation business suit is cor
rect. AT an evening wedding, full dress
suits essential for men, and light
gowns with suitable headgear are worn by
the feminine contingent.
Be Sure to Reply.
If card of invitation to the wedding re-
ception accompanies the church invi cation,
or if the invitation is to the reception clone,
note of acceptance or regret should he
sent at least week before the appointed
date. The acceptance to such an invitati ton
should read a follows:
Mr.. Henry Glrard
accepts with pleasure the kind invitation of
Mr.. and Mrs. Edward Bowman
to the wedding Of their daughter
on Saturday afternoon. December the
fifteenth, at four O'Clock
The envelope is addressed 10 Mr. and Mrs
Bowman and should be inscribed on white
or cream paper of superior quality When
the reception follows directly after the cere-
mony, guests go at once to the brides
home.
After removing wraps in a dressing room
provided Tor that purpose. guests stand in
line first to pay their respects to the mother
and father. who are stationed lust inside
the door of the reception room They then
pass on to shake hands with the bride and
groom ana express simple wishes for hap
Ply future. These greetings are very sbort
Where bridesmaids are in attendance they
speak with guests as they file past and
direct them to the room where refresh
ments are being served
There Is general tendency to remain
longer at wedding receptions than at any
other formal function. If the house is not
oVercroWded many stay until the bride
taxes her departure In her travelling frock
a W9ra Is always spoken with the moth
ef and father before donning wraps AS
guests pass through the front hall on their
way out two cards--one for each parent
are left on a silver tray near the outer
door. On the same stand are piled boxes
containing wedding cake. one of which Is
taken up by each person or presented by
the butler, whose post Is near the door, A
short call within fortnight is a neees-
sary courtesy to the hostess after being
entertained at the wedding reception.
When to Come.
Should the ceremony and reception take
place in the brides home guests should ar
rive at least fifteen minutes In advance of
the hour set in the Invitations. The outer
wraps are removed. ladies retaining their
hats The guests gather In the large
drawing room downstairs. and just be rore
the bride appears two ushers stretch satin
ribbons from end to end of the room. maxi
ing an aisle, on either side of which the
guests are grouped All remain standing
during the ceremony, and as soon as the
clergyman leaves the room or steps among
the guests TO converse each person makes