there is no interdict as regards others who may wish to testify to their
interest in the bride in this way. An ostentatious gift from a person not
in the family is in bad taste. The words "No presents" on wedding
invitations are in the worst possible form.

An invitation to a church wedding and not to the reception precludes the
necessity of making a gift; indeed, it would be thought rather "pushing"
to send one.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 743]

What to Give.--The flat silver is generally given by the bride's family.
In order to avoid duplicates, it is best for the friends and relatives to
consult together in regard to their gifts. It is not thought good form to
offer articles of wearing apparel. Anything the bride's immediate family
has to offer in this line is best included in the trousseau. Cut glass,
silver, bric-a-brac, napery, books, pictures, fans, rugs, clocks, handsome
chairs and tables, are things that may be chosen with propriety.

The question of the correct form of marking silver and napery often comes
up. The rule is to have it engraved with the initials of the bride's
maiden name--not the single initial of her family name, as is sometimes
ignorantly done--because it is her own private property. If a wife dies,
the silver bearing her name is packed away for the future use of her
child, especially if it is a girl. The second wife would be forbidden by
good taste and convention, from using the first wife's silver.

Acknowledgments.--Wedding gifts are usually packed where they are bought,
and sent direct from the shops. The card of the donor is enclosed, within
a tiny envelope. It is a rule that the wedding gift must be acknowledged
immediately, before the marriage, and by a personal note from the bride.
This is not always possible, but the note should be written at the
earliest moment the bride's engagements will permit. Such notes are always
in the first person, and should be pleasant and cordial. The writer must
be careful to render thanks for the article sent. Amusing mistakes
sometimes happen; thus a lady who had sent a pair of handsome candlesticks
was mystified by expressions of gratitude for a silver berry spoon she had
not sent.

A cordial form of acknowledging a gift is this:

12 Canton Avenue.
My Dear Mrs. Bruce:
The beautiful cut glass vase sent by you and Mr. Bruce has just
arrived, and I hasten to thank you most sincerely for your