REQUIREMENTS OF THE BRIDEMAIDS AND USHERS.

Bridesmaids and ushers should allow nothing but illness or some unavoidable accident to prevent them from officiating, thus showing their appreciation of the friendship which has caused their selection to this honored position.  If by reason of sudden affliction, some one of the bridemaids or ushers is prevented from attending, a substitute should, if possible, be provided immediately.  The reasons for this, however, should be well understood, that no opportunity may be given for uncharitable comments.

BRIDAL PRESENTS.

When bridal presents are given, they are sent to the bride previous to the day of the marriage ceremony.  As the universal bridal present has fallen into disuse, this custom is not now considered obligatory, and if immediate friends and relatives desire to make presents, it should be spontaneous, and in no sense considered obligatory.  These presents are not put on exhibition as formerly, but are acknowledged by the bride in a private note to the donor.  It is not now considered in good form to talk about these contributions.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CEREMONIES.

In weddings at churches a master of ceremonies is often provided, who is expected to be at the church as soon as the doors are opened.  He arranges beforehand for the spreading of a carpet from the church door to the pavement, and if the weather be inclement, he sees that an awning is also spread.  He also sees that a white ribbon is stretched across the main aisle of the church, far enough back from the altar to afford sufficient room for all invited guests to occupy the front pews of the main aisle.  Sometimes an arch of flowers extends over the aisle, so as to divide those who come in wedding garments, from those who do not.  The organist should be early at his post, and is expected to play during the arrival of guests.  The order of the religious part of the marriage ceremony is fixed by the church in which it occurs.

THE WEDDING FEES.

There is no prescribed fee for performing the marriage ceremony.  It is regulated according to the means and liberality of the bridegroom, but no less amount than five dollars should be given under any circumstances.

THE CONGRATULATIONS.

At wedding receptions, friends who congratulate the newly married couple should address the bride first, if they have any previous acquaintance with her, then the bridegroom, then the bridemaids, and after that the parents and family of the bride and groom.  They should give their good wishes to the bride and congratulate the bridegroom.  If they are acquainted with the bridegroom and not with the bride, let them address him first and he will introduce them to his bride.