rated with flowers and potted plants.

Where there is but one bridemaid or maid of honor, as she is then
called, she attends to all the duties necessary, but the bridal
procession is shorn somewhat of its fair proportions.

The vestibule reached, certificate or church register signed, the
bride is cloaked, and, entering a carriage with her husband, is
quickly driven home, the guests remaining in their seats until the
cessation of the wedding march, when they, too, enter their carriages.
Meanwhile the "best man" takes the shortest route possible to the same
destination in order to assist the head usher, who with, perhaps, some
of the other ushers, is supposed to be already there, in receiving the
bridal party and guests as they reach the house. The remaining ushers
busy themselves in assisting the bridemaids to their carriages and
speeding them onward that they, if possible, may reach the house in
time to receive the bride and groom.

If the church wedding be in the evening the same order will be
observed, save that the gentlemen wear evening dress.

The Reception.

At the house the ushers introduce the guests to the newly-married
couple who, together with the bridemaids, form a group to receive the
good wishes of the company. The parents of the bride stand a little
apart from this party and receive the felicitations of their guests in
behalf of their daughter's welfare. The parents of the groom, if
present, form part of this group.

If the company is very large it is well to divide the centers of
attractions by placing the young couple in one room and the parents in
another, thus compelling a freer circulation of the guests, who else
would crowd the bridal party to suffocation.

The house may be profusely decorated with flowers, and the rooms
though daylight reign without, may have been carefully darkened only
to be re-illuminated by the softer radiance of waxen candles or shaded
gas jets.

Refreshments.

The banquet may be as elaborate as desired, but is usually served in
the refreshment room from the _buffet_, guests repairing thither at
any time where they are served by attendants, ushers seeing that
ladies unattended by gentlemen are invited to partake and properly
served.

Tea or coffee is not considered a necessity, though, in compliance
with tastes that do not yield easily to fashion's decree, it is
usually to be had, but in winter bouillon, in cups, is usually
offered. Wine, of course, depends