The Book of Weddings; A Complete Manual of Good Form in All Matters Connected with the Marriage Ceremony (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VI The Wedding Gown THERE is but one day in a woman's life when she may wear the orange-blossoms, and one of the secrets of happiness is to take of it what the hour brings. The memory of those fragrant blossoms, filmy veil, and lustrous satin, as she stands a bride in all the paraphernalia of her wedding finery, while her mirror makes pleasant and flattering reflections, will be treasured by a woman as long as she lives. If, then, circumstances do not forbid, by all meanB a bride should have a real wedding gown--a white frock, of whatever material, and a veil. I heard of one backwoods bride whose veil was of mosquitonetting, but who wore it in serene and blissful unconsciousness that she was not in typical bridal array From time immemorial, as all the world knows, the traditional attire for a bride is a gown of soft, rich, cream-white satin, trimmed simply or elaborately with lace, a wreath of orange-blossoms, and a veil of lace or tulle. Any white gown is permissible, however -- silk, crepe de chine and its new weave, called " panne," mousseline de soie, chiffon, lace of many varieties, moire, mull, India lawn, lingerie musline, or soft, sheer organdie. Whatever the material, the skirt should have a train. Except at an evening wedding, waists cut open, or low at the neck, or with short or elbow sleeves--unless the arms are covered with long gloves--are not approved for brides. In France a high-necked bodice, with sleeves reaching to the wrist, is de rigueur, and all the feminine world follows the dicta proceeding from that oracle. A marriage in France always takes place in a church, and propriety and reverence for a place of worship inspire the custom. The modesty of such a gown commends it and makes it fitly accompany a veil....