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

ms way to offer congratulations to the
groom and best wishes to the bride.
In the matter of presents an invitation tn
| the church alone does not demand an an.
probation of this sort. 1t is however.
perfectly proper to send to the bride some
unpretentious token OF friendship When
person Is invited to the brides home a
wedding gift should be dispatched to the
bride week or two before the day of the
ceremony, with the sender's calling card
inclosed Men who have known the bride
intimately usually send some personal gift
ike a bit OF jewelry, a fan or dainty
parasol. friend of the groom gives
something In the way OF home furnishings.
Whatever it is, the present should be in
keeping with the doner's income rather
than his or her good wishes Extravagant
gifts from friends whom she knows can
not afford them bring to bride more re-
gret than joy.
Minds the Bride
The girl who is invited to serve as maid
of honor consults the brides wishes in all
| matters Of dress, though it has become
quite general for the bride to furnish the
entire outfit for the girl friend who waits
on her. Other bridesmaids also have their
wedding flocks made in accordance with a
design selected by the bride No jewelry
is worn save the necklace or other token of
the occasion. Hats, gloves and shoes are
occasionally furnished by the bride.
one rehearsal at least Is nscess lry be-
lore the WeUUlflS, ana all bridesmaids.
Guiding the maid OF honor, should not fail
10 be on hand At church ceremony the
maid of honor follows the line OF ushers up
the center aisle while the bridesmaids
walking in couples, bring up the rear. With
the men. they form seml-circie in front
of the chancel rail, an even number of girls
and men standing On either side of the
bride.
maid of honor steps forward. assists the
bride to remove her glove from the left
hand and takes the bouquet from her 10
hold Until the end of the ceremony. AS
soon as the--benediction has been said the
bouquet is returned to the bride and the
maid of honor lifts the veil from her face
Following the bride and groom rom The
chancel, the maid of honor Joins the best
man In the procession down the aisle, the
bridesmaids falling in behind.
The Best Man.
The duties of the best maj. are more
complicated than those OF the maid of
honor. for where the bride has her mother
and sisters. man depends solely upon his
AID. 1t IS, therefore, well for the best
man to famliarize himself with the we'd
ding ceremony that he may be ready to
prompt his friend who is invariably me
most nervous member of the bridal party.
| With the ring in one of his vess pockets
and the minister's fee in the Other the best
man follows the groom. who In turn is
led by the Clergyman to the foot OF the
ehancel steps Immediately the signal is re-
csived in the vestry room that the bride
Is ready.
When the groom turns to him during The
ceremony, the best man shoul1 not fail TO
have the ring cut of his pocket After
passing out 10 the pestibule with the pro-
cession and seeing the bride comfortably
In her carriage, he returns az oaee 10 give
the fee to the clergyman.
Ills furthr duties at the reception, as we'll
as those of the maid of honor. are 10 be
watchful OF the interests of the bride and
/ groom rather than of any of the guests
| Il Is very bad form for either or these
assistants to become engrossed in their
own pleasures until after the friends are
safely out OF the house and on their way.