REFRESHMENTS.
WEDDING RECEPTIONS. The refreshments are placed on tables, and the guests help themselves or are helped by the bridesmaids. The groom and bride are waited upon by the guests.
REGISTER, SIGNING OF. This is sometimes done by
the bride and the groom. This takes place
in the vestry, and the best man signs as chief
witness and some of the guests as witnesses.
REHEARSALS, WEDDING. Rehearsals should be held
even for a quiet home wedding, and at a sufficiently
early date to insure the presence of
all who are to participate.
REPORTERS AT WEDDINGS. If such is the wish of the family of the bride, the best man attends to the reporters, and furnishes them with the names of groom, bride, relatives, friends, description of gowns, and other suitable details.
RESIDENCE, CHANGE OF—WOMEN. After a change of residence, the cards of the entire family should be sent out as soon as possible.
RESTAURANTS. If at a table, and a woman bows, the man should rise and bow in return. If a man is one of a party sitting at a table, and a woman with her escort stops to pass greetings, he should rise and stand until they depart.
One man introduced to another who is surrounded by male friends should rise to acknowledge the honor of the introduction.
When a man is with a woman he should exercise great care in recognizing male acquaintances who may be in doubtful company. He should avoid being in such company himself when in such places.
Smoking in restaurants is a general custom.
The rules of the house govern this.
All fees to the waiters should be paid by the one who pays the bills. If a woman is paying her own bill when with a man, it is in order for her to fee the waiter.
RIBBONS AT CHURCH WEDDINGS. One way of distinguishing the pews reserved for the family, relatives, and dearest friends of both families is the placing of white ribbons at the dividing pews. Before the arrival of the bride, the ushers, in pairs, at the same time, untie these ribbons, and stretch them along the outside of these pews, and thus enclose the guests and bar further intrusion.
If these ribbons are used, it is a good plan to enclose in the wedding invitation a card giving number of pew.
The advantage of not using ribbons is the avoidance of any possible discrimination.
RICE AT WEDDINGS. The throwing of rice is to be discouraged; but if it is to be done, the maid of honor should prepare packages of rice and hand them to the guests, who throw it after the bridal couple as they leave the house for their wedding trip.