The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-27

trials of those who only stand and wait. Nevertheless, the note of hope is donli- nant in the war wedding. and even on these solemn occasions there are fewer tear-dimmed eyes than used to bo seen at marriages solemnized under the sun niest auspices. when it was always con sidered due to the occasion to weep pro- fusely.
 One of the most touching sights seen just after the declaration of war vas q beautiful girl one early morning in all the glory of white satin and lace veil. crowned and wreathed in orange blos- soms. standing alone and absolutely 'in- conscious of passers-by on the step of great London hotel, taking a last look at her bridegroom, who at that moment was being borne away in motor car In this case the wedding was solemn.zed in all probability, on or very near the day destined for it when war was the least expected contingency. and the bridal toi,- ette was therefore available. But in any instances, dress is. of course, a very sec ondary consideration under the clrcuni- stances, though in those cases where the bridal robe has been on order it has been hhlsned quickly so that it might be worn at the appointed hour.
 This Is course quite in accordance With the rule made before the war for quiet weddings. at which the bride ap- peared in the full beauty of the conven- tional white robe decked with lace and orange blossoms, and was followed by | the usual train of attendant maids 10 make the occasion as much as pos sible normal has been the rule at war weddinss, but the attendance at the church has naturally been confined in n large number of cases to the immediate l relatives and closest friends of the con l tracting parties.
 One bride and bridegroom were married ! before very small congregation, but, as 1t happened, only 10 days or so before the date fixed for their wedding. There was no time to ante-date the invitations that had gone out for the ceremony and tie reception afterwards, and the brides mother did not attempt to do so Dut the previously invited guests very much appreciated the communications that eventually reached them to the effect that, although the wedding had already taken place owing to the war, the recep- tion to which they had been bidden woula still take place, on the wedding day as at first appointed.
 At this reception the bride was present, but not the bridegroom. who had gone
 
 her wedding gown, which she had not been able to put on upon her marriage day because it was not then finished She stood by her mothers side at the recep- ton and was the object of universal affec- tion, and her bridesmaids appeared also clad in all their pretty gala raiment
 A different arrangement was carried out in the case of another young couple, who literally parted a. the church door, so very short a time was there available on the bridegroom's part for the wed iirg, In this case the bride wore at the church what would have been her going away toilette, for she felt that 1t was more s lit- able to the early morning service and yhe inevitable good-by.
 But in the afternoon she stood bravely in her place, representing her husband and herself at the reception her mother gave in keeping with the first plans made for the wedding, and wore all her lovely raiment, even to the bridegroom's pres- ent, medallion representing a doubl. ring of diamonds. interlaced sung on q, platinum chain And tho bridesmaids had donned their festive attire of rose and white with the regimental badge ss brooch gifts from the bridegroom.