a gown made with a train.

The bridegroom should acquaint himself with the rules and regulations
in regard to the marriage license some weeks ahead of the date set for
the wedding, if possible, as the rules vary in different states, and
in some a period of residence or notification is necessary.

A marriage certificate, furnishing easily available knowledge of the
legality of the marriage and its date, is often of great convenience
in the disposition of property, the probating of wills, and in the
settlement of numerous questions which might arise in minor matters.
This should be provided before the ceremony, filled out and signed
immediately after it by the officiating clergyman, and signed by
several witnesses.

The wedding ring is, by long established custom, a plain gold band. It
should be of the best gold, and the fashion now is for it to be
moderately narrow and thin rather than wide and thick. The ring, the
unbroken circle, is symbolic of eternity. The bridegroom gives it into
the keeping of the best man, whose duty it is to hand it promptly to
him at the proper moment of the ceremony. The initials and date are
engraved upon the inner surface of the ring. When wider rings were
worn some appropriate sentiment was also often engraved.

Once placed upon the bride's finger, it is her pride to see that it is
never removed. As Mrs. Sangster feelings says, "It is a badge of
honor, and, worn on any woman's hand, a symbol of her right to belong
to the ranks of worthy matrons."

It is well to rehearse the movements of the bridal procession within a
day or two of the ceremony, that there may be no flaw in the conduct
of the actors in this dramatic bit of realism. If it is to be a church
wedding, more than one rehearsal may be required. In that case the
organist should be present, as well as every member of the bridal
party, except the clergyman. The opening of the church for such
rehearsal is included in the fee which the sexton receives, which
ranges from ten to fifty dollars.

Usually refreshments, in the form of either a dinner or supper, follow
the rehearsal, the bride entertaining at her home.

If the Episcopal service is to be used, or any other service in which
the bride and bridegroom kneel, cushions for their use should be
provided. These are usually covered in white satin, with outer covers
of very sheer lawn upon which the initials may be worked.

The floral decorations of the church or home should be s