o is to take a father's
place in giving her away. Occasionally young brothers, mere boys in
age, are permitted to assume this touching duty.

At the altar steps the ushers separate and pass to the right and left,
the bridemaids also separate in a similar manner, leaving space for
the bridal couple. The groom, having come from the vestry, accompanied
by the "best man," should be standing in readiness to advance, take
the bride by her right hand and turn to the clergyman, who proceeds
with the marriage formula sanctioned by his faith.

At that point in the service where the question is asked, "Who giveth
this woman to be married to this man?" the father, or whoever takes
his place, should bow, and then in a moment leave the group and seat
himself beside the bride's mother in the front pew at the left.

In a ritualistic church the bride and groom at once kneel before the
officiating clergyman, who will signify to them at what point of the
service to rise. Hassocks should be provided for the occasion.

The first bridemaid, or maid of honor, takes her stand close to, and
slightly back of, the bride, that she may be ready to take her
bouquet, if she has one, remove her glove, or, as is the better custom
in this day of many-buttoned gloves, to turn back the neatly-ripped
glove-finger that the ring may be adjusted, and to hold her bouquet or
prayer-book when necessary. In the meantime, it is the "best man" who
hands the ring to the clergymen in readiness for use.

After the Ceremony.

The service over, which may or may not have been accompanied by low,
slow music, the clergyman shakes hands with and congratulates the
newly-wedded couple (kissing being no longer permissible), the groom
draws the bride's right hand within his left arm and conducts her to
the carriage, taking the center aisle if the church have one; if not,
taking the opposite from that by which they entered, the bride, her
veil over her face, neither recognizing nor paying the slightest
apparent heed to any one in the church. The organ peals forth, the
procession re-forms and follows to the door, first the bridemaids,
next the ushers. If there have been choristers, they lead the line,
chanting as before, until their voices die out of hearing in the
vestibule. Often, too, the child-bridemaids precede the couple as they
leave the church, scattering flowers before them, the whole forming a
very pretty pageant to the eye. The church may have been richly
deco