he chancel until the first notes of the wedding march notify
them of the presence of the bride. The best man must see before the
ceremony that the bridegroom's top hat, as well as his own, is sent to
the entrance of the church to be handed to the respective owners on
their exit.

When the bride, on the arm of her father or guardian, approaches the
altar, the bridegroom and best man walk out from the vestry, either
together or the best man in advance. In the latter case the best man
steps back at the chancel rail, and allows the bridegroom to pass before
him. The bridegroom stands on the right-hand side of the altar or
reading desk and the best man on his right. The bride is on the
bridegroom's left, and her father or guardian a little behind her on her
left.

To avoid confusion, the ceremony is generally rehearsed an evening or
two before. Much depends on the liturgy of the communion to which the
couple belong. The best man has charge of the ring, and must produce it
and hand it to the clergyman at the time it is demanded.

At the conclusion of the ceremony the best man precedes the bride and
bridegroom in the procession, escorting the maid of honor, unless the
_cortege_ has been differently arranged. In that case, he makes his way
either through the vestry or down one of the aisles to the church door,
where he superintends the filing away of the bridal carriages and party.
At the reception he goes in to breakfast with the maid of honor, or with
a near relative of the bride's family. He may use the bridegroom's
hansom from the church to the house, or he may go with one of the
family. There is no rule for this. The bride and bridegroom use the
bride's carriage.

The best man is intrusted also with the paying of the clergyman. The
bridegroom will give him a check for this purpose. As already stated, he
also inserts the marriage notices in the newspapers, the funds for which
are also provided by the bridegroom. He pays his own personal expenses.

The ushers meet in the church about an hour before the ceremony. The
bridegroom generally puts carriages at their disposal, but that is not
in the least obligatory. They can take hansoms or cabs, or for that
matter go to the rendezvous in the car or stage. The ushers stand at the
foot of the nave or aisle and busy themselves escorting guests to
seats. An usher offers his right arm to the lady he escorts up the
aisle. Even if a lady should be accompanied by her husband or esco