t or two previous to the event, to make sure each will be
familiar with his or her part.

The Best Man's Duties.--The best man has charge of the ring. At the
conclusion of the ceremony he disappears into the vestry, where he places
the wedding fee, enclosed in an envelope, in the clergyman's hands. He
then hastens to his carriage and is driven to the house, where he assists
in the reception of the guests, and takes the maid-of-honor or the
bridesmaid to luncheon. Or he may escort the maid-of-honor from the
church.

The best man also sees to it that the agitated bridegroom's clothes are in
order, packs his suitcase, orders the baggage to be called for, buys the
tickets for the wedding journey and sees that they are in the bridegroom's
possession, and orders the carriage in which the newly wedded pair drive
to the station. He takes as many of the details of the affair as possible
off his friend's mind and hands, and stands by manfully to the last. The
best man should fully acquaint himself with the duties of his position
before assuming it The sexton of the church takes the groom's hat from the
vestry to the vestibule, and hands it to him at the door.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 739]

Duties of Ushers.--An usher escorts each lady to her seat, giving her his
arm. The guests should stand during the ceremony, rising as the procession
enters, and remaining in their seats until it has retired. The ushers
often pass ribbons along their seats, not removing them until the bridal
party and the relatives have left the church. Having seen the bridal party
to their carriages, the ushers return to escort the relatives to theirs,
and then hasten to the house, where they meet the guests on arrival and
escort them, severally, to the receiving party. The bride's mother
welcomes them first; they are then presented to the newly married pair.
The bride offers her hand; the guest wishes her much happiness,
congratulates the bridegroom, shaking hands the while, greets the
maid-of-honor and the bridesmaids with a smile and bow, and passes on,
making way for the next.

The Wedding Reception.--The wedding reception follows the ceremony, guests
coming at once from church to the house. There should be no undue haste in
presenting one's self; the party requires a little time to arrange itself
in proper order for receiving. At a day wedding reception women lay aside
wraps, retaining their hats. At an evening reception they remove both, and