l of the guests
without favors. And, besides, a dinner with favors is not permissible
in these days.

_Boutonnieres_ of lilies of the valley should be also placed at each
cover. The _menu_ cards should be simple but tasteful. Elaborate _menus_
are not now in the best form. In fact, with a bachelor dinner, as with
all functions of this kind, elegant simplicity should be the
predominating characteristic; cut glass and silver are all that is
required. In the center of the table a basket, or, better, a silver
_jardiniere_ of roses, is the only floral decoration. During the course
of the dinner these flowers are removed and are sent to the bride-elect.
It is sometimes the custom--and a very pretty one--for each guest to
note a sentiment on a _menu_ card or simply his own name, and have that
sent also with the flowers.

The dinner itself can, but need not be very elaborate. I do not like a
dinner of many courses. It is usual to serve sherry and whisky and
caviare sandwiches in the anteroom before dinner, and also to have
cigars and cigarettes galore there as well as at table, although it is
not permissible to smoke before the cheese is served. I would recommend
raw oysters, a clear soup, a bit of fish with sliced cucumber--an
attractive _entree_; a _fillet_ with vegetables, canvas-back duck,
cheese and salad, coffee, and fruit.

THE CEREMONY.

On the morning of the wedding the bridegroom is called for in the hansom
or cab which has been ordered for himself and the best man. The best man
calls for him and takes him to the church. They should time their
movements so as to arrive at least five minutes before the hour
appointed for the ceremony. The same precaution should be observed if it
is a house wedding.

At day weddings afternoon dress is _de rigueur_ for bridegroom, best
man, ushers, and all male guests. The bridegroom, best man, and ushers
should be dressed alike in frock coats and waistcoats to match, trousers
of dark gray striped, patent-leather shoes, gray suede gloves, white or
pearl-colored scarfs, and top hats.

The English have allowed some latitude, and wear gray frock coats and
even colored shirts, but this fashion is not generally in vogue in
America. Evening weddings require formal evening dress. A wedding at
dusk in winter, where the bride wears traveling costume, calls for
afternoon dress on the part of the bridegroom.

The bridegroom and best man alight at the vestry. They remain in the
back of t