The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-04-04

forms for wedding invitations. but
space will not permit their being given
here. When in doubt the remedy Is at
hand-consult an authorized book on
etiquette or state your case to the FASH
ionable publisher.
Announcement cards are employed
when a marriage has been celebrated
very quietly at the brides home. or in
church when only a few persons have
been invited. They are mailed on the
day of the wedding with little boxes Of
wedding cake to all intimates to whom
the event is of moment. The announce
ment copies in paper and engraving the
wedding invitations, and except for the
necessary changes of a word or two it
is identical to the other in form.
To the receivers of wedding invita-
tons. a word.
In the event of a home wedding. with
a breakfast or luncheon to follow, the
invitation Is worded as for the church
ceremony. with the exception of the sem
tence, honor of your presence The
pleasure Of your company" or pres
ence" is substituted and almost invari-
ably the letters R. S. v. p. are put at
the left-hand corner of the sheet, these
polite hieroslyphics Indicating that the
favor of a reply is requested.
1t is absolutely essential that invita-
tions bearing these letters be answered.
as they concern the number of persons
to be expected, and the feast prepared
for them. All persons invited to a home
wedding are also supposed to send some
species of gift. to dress with a degree of
elegance and to congratulate the groom
alone. Sentimental tradition has long
ago made this distinction obligatory
the groom is the happy man." The
bride is the one for friendly and silent
hugs. kisses. tears. perhaps; for who on
earth has ever seen a dear girl married
without tears! The first note Of the SOL
emn and beautiful wedding march itself
Is enough to start fountain! However.
don't cry too much. And il you can
avoid 1t. don't cry at all. Merely say .
nice word for the groom, who rarely APP
pears in a flattering light. and prepare
yourself for the beaming aurevoir which
marks the start for the honeymoon.
One might dwell on the wedding break
fast. with all the graceful appointments
Of fine linen. FURNISHED silver. sparkling
crystal, flowers and gay ribbons. But
only a general word as to the good taste
for moderate fortunes is possible. II the
brides family IL hampered in means. II
Is the worst possible taste to splurge in
the usual way. An afternoon or MORN
ing wedding can be made as charming
the little spread provided at home for the
intimate few may with taste take on
special ,exquisiteness through Its very
reserve. Artificial light lending partic-
ular charm to gala effects, have the big
table, which Is to hold refreshments In
the dining-room, so lighted. Candies
Ming pretty glow. particularly II shad-
ed with faint pink. and II is not aoso-
iutely necessary for the trimmings OF a
brides luncheon or tea table to be In
white. though the general prejudice Is
for this. II the table II gracefully deco
rated-candle shades. ribbons and flowers
all in one tone-any little bite and sup
are enough to show good feeling. sim
pie buffet bite or afternoon tea frequent
iy follows a wedding instead OF the usual
more elaborate breakfast
At this there may be . big bowl OF
claret or champagne and fruit punch.
sandwiches Of several sorts. fancy Cakes