The trousseau, breakfast, and wedding-cake, are given by the bride's family.

The bridesmaids are chosen, and the bridegroom's "best man," and the guests are invited.

The number of bridesmaids varies from two to eight. The bride generally dictates their dress, which should be all alike. If the bride is young, the bridesmaids should be young also; if the lady be middle-aged, her bridesmaids may be any age.

A widow has no bridesmaids. Widows and ladies past their first youth generally wear bonnets. A young bride should wear a veil, confined round the head by a wreath of orange-flowers, or lilies of the valley.

As soon as the carriages are at the door, the bridesmaids and members of the family set off for the church. The bride goes next with her father; in some cases the mother remains at home, but ladies now generally attend their daughters to the altar. If the bride has no father, her nearest relative, or the friend "who gives her away," accompanies her in her carriage.

The bridegroom, and his best man, and the bridesmaids ought to be waiting in the church-porch. The father of the bride gives her his arm, and leads her to the altar. Her bridesmaids follow, and cluster behind her. The chief bridesmaid holds her gloves and bouquet at the altar.

The bride's bouquet should be formed of white roses - if in season - azaleas, white camellias, and a very little orange-blossom, or whatever white flower may be obtainable.

The bride quits the church with the bridegroom, and returns home with him alone.

The breakfast follows; sometimes the bride and bridegroom do not remain for it, but usually they are present.

The wedding-cake occupies the centre of the table - at each end are tea and coffee. The viands are cold, and may be as many and as costly as you please. The wedding-cake is cut by the nearest gentleman, and handed round.

The clergyman who performs the marriage ceremony is always invited to the breakfast.

The father proposes the health of the bride and bridegroom; the latter is expected to return thanks. The bridegroom's man gives the health of the bridesmaids - for whom the bridegroom rises to return thanks. The health of the bride's father and mother is generally proposed by the bridegroom's father. The speeches are made as short as possible.

Gentlemen do not remain after the ladies at a wedding breakfast. The bride retires and changes her bridal attire for a travelling costume. This should be good but plain, like a handsome dress for morning-calls.

Presents are usual from the bridegroom to the bridesmaids. The bride also will generally bestow some souvenir upon each.

The evening commonly concludes with a ball. Cards may be sent or not, as preferred; if not sent, the omission should be announced (with the marriage) in the Times.

Wedding Breakfast In Summer

Cold Fore-quarter of Lamb.

Wedding Cake.

Veal Pie. Chicken Pie.

White Grapes.

Cold Salmon. Pigeons in Jelly.

Cherries. Cream. Strawberries.

Hams. Epergne. Tongue.

Flowers.

Cold Ducks. Galantine de Veau.

Lobster Salad. Blancmange. Lobster Salad.

Jelly. Apricots. Peaches.

Pigeons in Jelly. Purple Grapes. Cold Salmon.

Sponge Cakes. Wine Jelly. Whipped Cream.

Cold Chickens and Tongue. Tea and Coffee.

Wedding Breakfast in Winter.

Soup.

Cold Fowls.

Jelly. Cream.

Pheasant. Sponge Cake. Pheasant.

Oranges. Pigeon Pie. Venison Pasty.

Vase. Ham. Tongue.

Wedding Cake.

Tartlets. Cheesecakes.

Veal Pie. Vase. Game Pie.

Candied Fruits. Partridges. Partridges.

Blancmange. Cutlets, or Pate de fois gras.

Jaunemange.

Pressed Beef.

Tea. Coffee. etc.