Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-16
ADVICE FOR BRIDES
ETIQUETTE FOR CHURCH AND
QUIET HOME WEDDINGS.
How the Expenses Are Shared by
the Brides Family and
Groom.

Etiquette for even the simplest weddings
is so strictly defined that with little
thought one may be conducted on the most
approved lines without in any way adding
to the expense or making extra trouble.
In my opinion too much care cannot be
taken at such times to observe all the
rules of polite society, for only In this way
can one avoid giving offense where it is
least intended, or avoid committing faux
pas.
The bridegroom has apparently little
responsibility at his own wedding. He has
no expenses but the ring and the fee to the
clergyman, which is put in an envelope
and handed the minister after the cere-
mony by the best man. If the wedding Is
a large one the bridegroom furnishes the
ties and gloves for his ushers. He also
gives the bride the flowers she carries. and
those of the bridesmaids are sent by him.
1t is customary for him to give his ushers
a souvenir, such as scarf pin. cuff links or
the like
The only carriages that the bridegroom
provides are those for his ushers and the
one he uses going to the church, which
after the ceremony takes away the bride
and himself. He does not provide car
riages for the bridesmaids the brides fam
lily or any except those specified.
1t Is upon the brides family that the ex-
penses Of the Wedding fall. They pay for
the church, send carriages for the brides
maids. gay for the luncheon or supper,
thing. They do not, however. provide
carriages for the bridegrooms family.
It is the small details of arranging a
wedding that one finds puzziing. and a
quiet one Is sometimes i-arder to make
quite correct than a large affair.
For example, custom now dictates that
il the bride is married in white dress the
sleeves shall be short. that is to say. elbow
rt,a lnt nj f.n
theory being that the hand clasp during
the ceremony Is more sincere without
gloves. Should she wear them the left Is
removed during the ceremony and Is not
put on again.
If the bride is married in a travelling
dress. hat and gloves are essential 1t 10
not good form for her to carry flowers
then, and she is not supposed to have
bridesmaids. If widow Is marrying again
the best form demands that she should
not wear white or a veil. but a pearl shade
or light gray X not a travelling frock. With
either a light or travelling costume she
wears q bonnet IL the ceremony Is at q
church. At home she may leave OF the
hat.
A bridegroom does not wear a swallow
tair' unless the wedding is full-dress
evening affair For noon or afternoon
service he wears frock coat. white duck
or pique waistcoat, double breasted: trou-
sers of a dark striped material. patent
Leather Shoes white silk Ascot and q
laS,e boutonniere. II he prefers. the waist
coat may be Of the same material as the
coat. He should not wear gloves IL the
bride does not.
At morning wedding, with the bride IN
travelling dress, he may wear cutaway
instead Of frock coat gray trousers, q
colored tie and tan or gray gloves.
Directly after the ceremony II there Is
to be a reception, the newly wed should be
congratulated.
For a large reception the bride and BRIDE
groom stand in line, and next them are
the bridesmaids. Near to them are the
brides parents. and beside them those OF
the bridegroom The ushers take each
guest In turn down the line, the guest say
ing word or merely bowling to all the re-
ceiying party. The guests then may 80 at
once to the dining room. leaving space IN
the drawing room for others yet to ar
rive
The refreshments for an afternoon we'd