The Washington times., 1909-02-16
Functions for Brides Fam
lily and Bridegroom
Strictly Defined.
BRIDE CHOOSES
THE COLOR SCHEME
Decorations of Church Paid by
Father - Ceremony by
New Husband.

The bridegroom has a series of obi
cations TO III connected with the we'd
ding ceremony. He presents each brides
maid with an article OF jewelry chosen
by himself and tho bride some days
previous to the wedding.
He sends them their bouquets on the
morning OF the marriage: he also pre-
sents the bride with hers. He has to
produce the wedding ring at the mo
ment in the service at which it is re-
quired. He has 10 provide the bridal
CONVEYANCE, whether carriage or motor
car 10 convey himself and his bride
from the church 20 the reception, II
the marriage takes place IN town. In
the country the father or the bride
usually does this.
He pays the fees connected with the
ceremOnZ the one 10 the vicar Of the
church and TO the OrganlSt, etc. II a
full choral service takes place the eX-
pense is usually betrayed by the bride s
father. TIE same may be said with re
gard 20 fgral decorations; these also
are paid for by the father, unless by
special arrangement with The bride
All that relates 70 the home Of the
bridal pair is provided by the bride
grOOm-furniture, plate, household linen,
etc, The part relatives take In this IS
auite optional and Is not tn be counted
upon. the custom in England being for
the bridegroom TO provide all OF the
household necessaTies here mentioned.
Bride Chooses Dresses.
The bride chooses the bridesmaids and
also decides upon the style and colors
OF their dresses. but her parents are
rot expected to defray the expense Of
the same; in each case il is borne by
the mother of each bridesmaid
The head bridesmaid takes charge or
the brides bouquet and gloves during
the ceremony. She follows next 10 the
bride In the procession up the nave II
there are no children or pages 20 pre-
cede her. She usually walks with one
or the bridesmaids
Il depends upon the number how the
procession is formed, but tiny brides
maids and little pages always 90 before
the older bridesmaids. The bridesmaids
frequently distribute the wedding Ia
Vors in the church. The head brides
maid signs the register as rule, but
the others are not asked 10 DO this.
On leaving the veSIry the bridesmaid
follow the bride and bridegroom down
the nave in the order IN which they
previously walked. AT the reception
there Is no ceremony observed as re-
CARDS going in 20 luncheon or tea or
grouping around the bride. The brides
maids do not surround the bride when
she shakes hands with the guests. on
their arrival but gather together IN
the hail on her departure 70 bid her
farewell.
Choir IN Lead
Not unfrequently the choir and. clergy
precede the bridal procession from the
entrance Of the church TO the chancel.
the choir meanwhile singing an appro-
pirate hymn chosen by the bride. They
head the procession Immediately before
her arrival. The bride, on her fathers
arm. follows next 10 the clergy, then
follow the bridesmaids.
The brides mother arrives AT the
church slightly before the hour fixed Tor
the ceremony. She either takes her seat
a. once In one OF the front pews or
chairs allotted 20 the friends Of the bride
on the LETT hand side or she awaits the
brides arrival with the Bridesmaids and
follows next 10 them I'm the procession,
q relative walking by her side
She stands az the left hand side Of the
bride during the ceremony. Sometimes
she conducts her daughter up the nave
and gives her away when she has 10
male relative 10 perform the office. She
leaves the church after signing the reg
lister Immediately the bride and bride
groom have done so (some times befOreJ
that she may be- i'm readiness to receive
the guests at the reception She snakes
hands with all as their names are an
nounced, but she is not expected to do
this on their departure