ubordinated to
the main interest; that is, they should not be too elaborate, take up
too much room, or do other than furnish a fitting background for the
bridal couple. The decorations usually follow some definite color
scheme, although simply the white flowers with green foliage are
appropriate and symbolic for a church wedding. A few palms, simple
bouquets of flowers arranged naturally and gracefully, with foliage to
contrast and fill the corners, will decorate an altar or make a
pleasant bower. When costliness rather than beauty is the effect of
flowers, the display is vulgar.

An awning should be stretched from the house or church door to the
sidewalk, so that the guests and bridal party may not be subjected to
the gaze of curious passers-by as they leave the carriages. An
attendant should be stationed at the sidewalk to open the doors of the
carriages, and to give to the coachmen and guests numbers by which
their carriages may be speedily called.

While the provision of the carriages belongs with all other things to
the bride's family, the carriages for the bridegroom and his family
are provided by them.

CHAPTER XII

THE CONDUCT OF A WEDDING

IN cities at present the most fashionable hour for the ceremony is
"high noon," following the English custom, and in remembrance of the
long-standing tradition which placed the wedding early in the day,
before the night's fast had been broken.

The afternoon is a suitable time, as it enables friends to gather more
conveniently from the distance, and as the reception with refreshments
is much more easily arranged for than is a breakfast. For an afternoon
wedding, three o'clock is the proper hour in the winter, four o'clock
in the summer.

The evening was at one period the fashionable time, and it still
retains its popularity and long will among the middle class of people
and in the country, because a larger gathering of friends can be
expected at that time, as all are free from business and household
cares.

_The Church Wedding_

For the church wedding special arrangements must be made for the
seating of the guests. A certain number of pews in the center front
of the church are reserved for the families and intimate friends of
the bride and bridegroom. The reservation is indicated by a broad
white ribbon barrier across the aisle, or a garland of flowers. The
family of the bride is seated on one side of the aisle, and that of
the bridegroom on the other.