Etiquette to be Observed.—At the close of the ceremony the clergyman congratulates the pair and steps aside. They face about and the bride's mother is the next to offer her good wishes, then the groom's parents. The guests then extend felicitations. It is thought in better taste to wish the bride happiness and congratulate the groom, it being supposed that he is the most fortunate in having been able to secure such a prize.
It is no longer customary for everyone to kiss the bride; she is not compelled to suffer to that extent.
The best man assists the ushers—whose first duty is to remove the white ribbons—in escorting guests to the bride and groom. His duties are the same as those of the best man at a church wedding.
The maid-of-honor stands at the bride's left as she receives.
The bride and bridegroom lead the way to the dining room, the best man offering his arm to the maid-of-honor.
The bride's father escorts the bridegroom's mother, the guests follow in such order as is convenient, and the bride's mother and the bridegroom's father are the last.
[742 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
If only twenty-five or thirty guests are present the wedding breakfast is preferably served at small tables. The clergyman and his wife, who should always be invited, are seated at the bride's table. So also the maid-of-honor, the best man, the ushers, and the parents of the pair, with sisters and brothers if convenient. Or, the bride's table may be reserved strictly for the bridal party.
The bride may cut her own cake if she chooses, or the wedding cake may be dispensed in boxes as at the reception following a church wedding.
The departure of the newly wedded pair is on the order already indicated.