Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-08
BRIDESMAIDS IN ENGLAND.
Changes That Have Been Made Re-
cently-Matrons of Honor.
From the London Mail.

From the London Mail
The autumn and winter season or wei
dings has confirmed the suspicious Of the
observant that the bridesmaid has rather
been lettering on her throne OF late. IN
exaggerated train of attcnda nts-to wit, ten
or dozen-has not been fashionable. De-
cause il has been perceived that the bewil-
derlng fascination presented by such ga--
den OF girls initiated against the su-
preme interest that should center round the
bride.
The experience Of tiny maids of two years
cid or so has also been abandoned. becau 50
of the stern refusal of one couple 10 act
theft part when the critical moment ar
rived, and the piercing, shrlll manner IN
which their obstinate denial was
Hounced.
More than one bride has actually pro-
ceeded to the altar absolutely unattended.
and has believed those who have assured
her that the effect she produced upon tho
oElcokers was most striking and interest
ing. and others have arrived at the church
with just one maid in waiting, to take ths
gloves and bouquet of the bride at the I'M
portaut moment OF putting on the ring. So
1t will be conceded that the bridesmaid
question Is one upon which there are divers
opinions at present.
But the most salient innovation has Vet
70 be mentioned. Ii is the Introduction or
the matron of honor. The plan of asking
one or more cLarmingly pretty young ma
irons to head the procession Of maids is no
new one IN America. but in London Il was
tried for the first time this winter and
met with such success that another eIe-
ment OF disturbance enters into the discus
sion OF the bridesmaid and her position.
VIII she maintain her proud supremacy or
is She to be abandoned as well as the
groOmsmau?
The question OF the bridesmaids dress
IS a most serious one. and If faVoritism IS
10 be shown and the first bridesmaids likes
and requirements are TO determine those
OF the rest, then It Is very necessary to
choose the maids on a pattern. For what
suits the tall will not become the short.
As a rule the REVEALING fashions OF the
day are passed In review when a decision
has to be made. and the one that has a GER
tain amount of bearing upon the season OF
the year or the brides or bridegrOom's ma
tionality is fixed upon by the bride
What prettier for an April wedding. when
the Easter season OF marriages begins-a
snort one, II Is true, because May IS stllI
considered by many brides an un,ucky
month for a maria ge-than an admiration
OF the now so modish empire vogue? II Is
possible to indulge In little eccentricities
that would not be permissible We're thu
toilet one for ordinary outdoor wear. and "a
TO emphasize new and pretty idea
An alternative scheme and one that "a
most suitable for a spring wedding, has
already been tried with triumphant success.
bridesmaids OF medium size were chosen
by certain young bride who is herself or
misnon proportions, and. indeed # is only
girls OF medium height and slight build
that the vogue could suit
The maids were dressed as country
wenches in Powered silk and white NOUS
seine, with punched up paniers over short
skirts, and hchus tucked into lace che
m.settes.- They are supposed TO have been
out gathering wild flowers in the woods
some of which they have tucked into the
ribbon snoods upon their heads while the
rest they have carried home in their big
rustic Leghorn hats. the ribbon strings OF
which serve as handles.