The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-06-13
Good Taste
Today
nv EssvxD nA1-
BY EMILY POST
REMAIN SEATED

Over month ago when answer
ing an inquiry on the subject, I
said that | had never been present
at Tor heard of a Protestant
marriage ceremony during which
the congregation remained seat
ed. But since this question has
often been asked. in turn asked
any Of my readers who might
have had contrary experience, IL
they would tell me the denomina-
ton of the church in which 1t was
permitted that people remain seat
ed. In reply / received the fol-
lowing letters.
This first one is from a clergy
man: I'm the Presbyterian church
there is no religious reason why
the congregation must remain
standing. In the Book OF Com
mon Worship, there is a notation
at the beginning of the service
twedding) that the people are
SNnihhkf bub ~ IN nut Nitdf
whether this is intended simply
for the opening address to the
congregation, or for the entire
service. In any case. 1t is clearly
stated that the whole Book OF
Worship is for voluntary use, and
not binding. Therefore, when l
am asked to officiate at a we'd
ding i always ask whether it is
preferred that the congregation
remain standing or be seated. II
the latter, this is done by passing
the word on to the families of
the couple. When they sit down
all others behind follow them"
A second clergyman writes: TN
my own church tPresbyterisn) the
stands as the we'd
ding march starts. and continues
TO do so. The same is true of the
Episcopal service. But feel that
the question Of standing or sitting
is optional since II is not one that
has to do with religious ritual"
A third letter says: 'In our
Reformed church the congregation
seated throughout the
sntire wedding ceremony, the
and recession included.
might also add that ] have been
10 three weddings in churches of
,ther denominations recently and |
he same procedure was followed. |
am glad that this plan is grow
ng in popularity because it is
much plessanter to be able to see /
what Is taking place. as everyone
an when seated and that no one
AN when the congregation
tands."
This letter IL from bride: For
ny wedding l was determined not
o let people stand. Our pastor
lidn't want the guests to remain
eated. however; not because OF
practice, but because. as
he stated, it is just not etiquette. |
L seemed to me very foolish for
'nyone to 60 to all the fuss and T
Expense of dressing a large group
md decorating a church. If none
tut those in the first rows can
zee. And so ! solved the problem
o my own and my pastors salts
action by having the ushers tell
he guests that at the request of |
he bride land not the churehl |
he guests were to remain seated |
throughout the ceremony, simply |
Using for the prayer. Everyone
poke OF the pleasure they had in
having a perfect view-which is
Why am hoping. dear Mrs. Post,
hat you will please use your
'ery great influence in having a
'eated congregation at least made |
To this l can only answer that |
( 1t is permitted in your denom-
nation then II is Of course proper,
md has, agree, many advantages.
N the prayer book of the Epis-
opal church (my own the direc-
ion TO stand is plain: THE per-
ions to be married with their |
friends and neighbors; are there
standing together. etc" |
Copyright, 1887