The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-03-18
BRIDESMAIDS IN ENGLAND.
Chang es That Have Been Made Recently
-MatrOns OF Honor.

The autumn and winter season Of we'd
dings has confirmed the suspicious Of tho
observant that the bridesmaid has rather
been lettering IN her throne of late. An
exaggerated train of attendants-to wit,
ten or a dozen-has not been fashionable,
because it has been perceived that the be-
wildering fascination presented by such
a garden of girls has initiated against the
supreme interest that should centre round
the bride.
The experience OF tiny maids of two years
old or SO has also been abandoned, because
of the stern refusal of one couple to act
their Fart when the critical moment ar
rived, and the piercing, shrill manner in
which. their obstinate denial was pro-
nounced.
More than one bride has actually pro-
oeeded TO the altar absolutely unattended,
says the London DdiyAlfGH, and has be-
lieved those who have assured her that
the effect she produced upon the onlookCr7
was most striking ard interesting and
just one maid in waiting. to take the gloves
and bouquet of the bride at the important
moment Of putting on the ring. SO 1t
will be conceded hat the bridesmaid ques-
ton is one upon which there are divers opin-
ion at present. ~
But the most salient innovation has vet
to be mentioned. 1t is the introduction
Of the matron Of honor. The plan Of ask
ing one or more charmingly pretty young
matrons to head the procession Of maids
Ia no new one in America: but in London
1t was tried for the first time this winter,
and met with such success that another
element OF disturbance enters into the
discussion of the bridesmaid and her posi-
ton. Will she maintain her proud suprem-
acy, or is she to be abandoned as well as
the groomsman?
The question Of the bridesmaids' dress
is a most serious one, and if favoritism Is
| to be shown and the first bridesmaids likes
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 prevailing 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 bridegr,oom's
nationality, is fixed upon by the bride:
What prettier for an April wedding,
when the Easter season of marriages be-
gins-a short one, it is true, because May
Is still considered by man. brides an un-
lucky month for a marriage-than an adapoo
tation Of the now so modish Empire vogue?
1t is possible to indulge in little eccentri-
cities that would not be permissible were
the toilette one for ordinary outdoor wear,
n 30 TO emphasize a new and pretty
idea.
An alternative scheme. and one that is
most suitable for a spring wedding, has
already been tried with triumphant sue
cess. bridesmaids of medium size were
chosen by a certain young bride who is her
self OF mignon proportions, and, indeed,
it is only girls of medium height and slight
build that the voguescould suit.
The maids were dressed as country
wenches in lowered silk and white NOUS
seine, With hunched up paniers over short
skirts, and fchus tucked into lace che
misettes. They are supposed to have been
out gathering wild flowers in the woods,
some Of which they nave 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.