l be formal or
informal, at church or at home. She chooses the clergyman who shall
perform the ceremony, the bridegroom notifying him of her desire. Her
family issues--and pays for--the wedding invitations and announcement
cards. It is customary to ask the bridegroom to make out a list of those
of his relatives and friends to whom he wishes these sent. The bride names
her attendants, decides upon their number and if a bridal procession is
contemplated, consults with them as to their gowns and the accessories.
Here she is in duty bound to consider the expense to be incurred by those
invited to take part in the affair, unless she is prepared to pay for
their gowns herself; this however is seldom done. If she desires her
attendants to wear some particular adornment which will be of no use to
them afterwards, as a fancy muff or boa, she should pay for it herself.
She may endeavor to arrange with her dressmaker to make their gowns if she
can obtain a reduction on account of their being made alike, or the large
order placed. To be invited to serve as bridesmaid is often an expensive
compliment, as it usually involves a new gown and hat, the latter always
being worn at a church wedding.

If the bride decides to have but one attendant, the latter is usually
styled her maid-of-honor, and may be her sister or her most intimate
friend. If she has more than one maid she should include the bridegroom's
sister, if he has one. If a matron-of-honor is to participate, she should
be a friend or sister of the bride who has been recently wedded. The
bridesmaids are chosen from her unmarried friends.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 735]

Who Pays?--The question is often asked, "Who pays, for" this, that or the
other item.

The bridegroom provides the marriage certificate, the wedding ring, pays
the clergyman, and for the carriage in which he drives away with the
bride. He sends a gift and the bouquet to the bride; usually gives gifts
of jewelry to the bridesmaids and the best man, and often includes the
ushers.

The bride's family pays for the wedding cards, pays the florist and the
caterer, the expense of opening the church and the service of the sexton;
the music, carriages for the bridal party, in short, the bills are for the
family to pay. Where a wedding is very elaborate, the details are
sometimes turned over to a "manager," who sees to everything, and receives
a fat fee for his services.

The Wedding Gown.--Choice of a wedding