ordinary reception, save that it is usually at an earlier hour and
is more frequently a "sit-down affair."

The guests all go into the refreshment room at the same time, even
though it sometimes happens that the assembly is so large that no one
but the bridal party and immediate relatives are provided with seats
at small tables. In this case, the gentlemen help the ladies and
themselves from a long table in the center of the room, the whole
affair, under these circumstances, being simply a cold collation.
Gentlemen leave their hats in the hall; ladies retain bonnet and
gloves.

After the usual greetings to the bridal pair and a few minutes general
conversation, the repast is announced and the guests proceed to the
appointed room in the usual fashion--bride and groom, bride's father
and groom's mother, groom's father and bride's mother, "best man" and
maid of honor, other bridemaids and gentlemen appointed, usually
ushers, etc.

A "stand-up" breakfast has many things in its favor. It is more easily
served than one where all the guests are seated at a table that, in
everything but name, is a dinner table; it is less formal and
therefore pleasanter, and far more guests can be accommodated. The
refreshments are the same as for a reception.

Departure.

After mingling with the guests for a short time the bride quietly
withdraws to don her traveling garb, and soon descends the stairway.
She is met at the foot by her bridemaids, who part and form in line on
either hand, through which dainty pathway she passes to join the
groom.

Quick good-bys are said, the carriage is entered and whirls rapidly
away, followed by showers of rice and cast-off slippers, and the
pretty scene is ended.

Home Weddings.

Home weddings are attended with much less trouble, fatigue and expense
than fashionable church weddings. The clergyman enters the room and
stands facing the people; the bridal couple follow and stand facing
him. Hassocks are provided for kneeling, if desired. The father, or
some near male relative, stands ready, in sight of the clergyman, to
give away the bride. He should simply bow his affirmation when the
question is asked.

There are many additions that may be made to this simple ceremony,
such as a troop of pretty children holding white ribbons each side to
mark the path the bridal pair must walk to reach the minister, while
the sweet strains of a hidden band of musicians may accompany their
footsteps.

Flora