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A GUIDE TO POLITE USAGE FOR ALL SOCIAL FUNCTIONSTHE BOOK OF GOOD MANNERS is a complete and authentic authority on every single phase of social usage as practiced in America. The author has compiled the matter in dictionary form in order to give the reader the desired information as briefly and clearly as possible, and with the least possible effort in searching through the pages.
ACCEPTING OR DECLINING INVITATIONS. See INVITATIONS,
ACCEPTING OR DECLINING.
ACCIDENTS. See STREET ETIQUETTE--MEN--ACCIDENTS.
ADDRESS. The address of a person may be stamped
on the stationery.
If the address is stamped, it is not customary
to stamp also the crest or monogram.
ADDRESSING ENVELOPES.
MEN. A man should be addressed as Mr. James
J, Wilson, or James J. Wilson, Esq. Either
the Mr. or the Esq. may be used, but not
the two together.
The title belonging to a man should be
given. It is not customary to use Mr. or
Esq. when Jr. or Sr. is used.
WOMEN. A woman's name should always have
the Miss or Mrs.
A woman should never be given her husband's
official title, as Mrs. Judge Wilson.
If a woman has a title of her own, she
should be addressed as Dr. Minnie Wilson,
when the letter is a professional one. If
a social letter, this should be Miss Minnie
Wilson, or Mrs. Minnie Wilson.
ADDRESSING PERSONS. Young girls should be spoken
of as Minnie Wilson, and not as Miss Minnie,
but are personally addressed as Miss Minnie.
Only the greatest intimacy warrants a man
in addressing a young girl as Minnie.
Parents should introduce their daughter
as My daughter Minnie, but should speak
of them before servants as Miss Minnie.
A married woman should be spoken of as
Mrs. Agnes Wilson, and personally addressed
as Mrs. Wilson.
ADDRESSING AND SIGNING LETTERS. All answers to
invitations should be addressed to the party
issuing them.
Letters to a woman who is a comparative
stranger may begin My dear Mrs. Wilson,
and to a closer acquaintance Dear Mrs.
Wilson.
Letters to a man who is a comparative
stranger may begin My dear Mr. Wilson,
and to a closer acquaintance Dear Mr.
Wilson.
For forms of addressing persons with titles,
as Mayor, see under that title--as, Mayor,
Governor.
The letters may end, Sincerely yours, or
Very truly yours, or I remain yours with
kindest regards.
The signature of a man should be John J.
Wilson or J. Jones Wilson.
An unmarried woman should sign social
letters as Minnie Wilson, and a business letter
as Miss Minnie Wilson. A married woman
should sign a social letter as Agnes Wilson.
In signing a business letter, a married woman
may either sign her name Mrs. Agnes Wilson,
or, preferably,
Agnes Wilson
(Mrs. John Wilson)
AFTERNOON CALLS. These should be made between
three and half-past five, and if possible on
regular at home days.
In making an afternoon call a man should
wear the regulation afternoon dress.
DRESS--MEN. Afternoon dress consists of a
double-breasted frock coat of dark material,
and waistcoat, either single or double-
breasted, of same, or of some fancy material
of late design. The trousers should be of
light color, avoiding of course extremes in
patterns.
White or delicate color linen shirts should
be worn, patent leather shoes, silk hat and
undressed kid gloves of dark color.
Afternoon dress is worn at weddings, afternoon
teas, receptions, garden parties, luncheons,
church funerals, and at all afternoon
functions.
See also EVENING DRESS--MEN. MORNING
DRESS--MEN.
AFTERNOON RECEPTIONS. See AFTERNOON TEAS.
GIVEN BY BACHELORS, See BACHELORS' TEAS.
AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL). These are very successful
as a rule, due perhaps to their small expense
and few exactions, and are given with
many purposes: to introduce young women
into society, to allow a hostess to entertain a
number of her friends, to honor some woman
of note, etc.
A formal afternoon tea is one for which
cards have been issued, naming set date.
Awnings and carpet should be provided
from curb to house. A man should be stationed
at the curb to open carriage doors and
call them when the guests leave, and another
African Teas man should be in attendance at the
front door to open it the moment a guest appears
at the top step and to direct him to the dressing-room.
A policeman should be detailed for the occasion
to keep back the onlookers, and should
receive a small fee for his services.
At the door of the drawing-room a man
should ask the name of each guest, which he
announces as the latter enters. The hostess
and those receiving with her should be just
within the door to receive the guests.
CARDS. Each guest should leave a card in the
tray in the hall.
A woman may leave the cards of the men
of her family who have been unable to attend.
Cards should be sent by mail or messenger
by those invited but unable to be present, and
should be timed so that they reach the house
during the function.
A husband and wife each send a card when
the invitation is issued in the name of the
hostess only, and two cards each when issued
in the name of hostess and her daughter. If
issued in the name of both husband and
wife, a husband should send two and his wife
should send one card.
DAUGHTERS. The daughters who have passed
the debutante age usually stand for an hour
beside their mother to receive the guests,
and afterward mingle with the guests to help
to make the function a success.
DEBUTANTE. When a tea is given in honor of
a debutante, she stands beside the hostess
(usually her mother), and each guest is introduced
to her. Flowers should be liberally
provided, and friends may contribute on such
an occasion.
The host and the men all wear the regulation
afternoon dress.
Women wear costumes appropriate to the
afternoon, more elegant in proportion to the
elaborateness of the function.
Guests may suit their convenience in
arriving, provided they do not come at the
opening hour nor at the very end.
After leaving their wraps in the dressing-
rooms, guests enter the drawing-room, leaving
their cards in the tray in the hall, and
then giving their names to the man at the
door, who announces them.
On entering the room, the women precede
the men.
After greeting the hostess and being introduced
to those receiving with her, the guests
move into the middle of the room.
Guests go the dining-room when they
wish without greeting the hostess.
It is not expected that guests at a large reception
will stay all the afternoon. Twenty
minutes is long enough. It is not necessary
to bid the hostess good-bye when leaving.
If guests take leave of host and hostess,
they should shake hands.
In the dining-room the men, assisted by
the waiters, help the women.
When the reception is a small formal one,
the guests may stay a longer time, and usually
it is better to take leave of the hostess,
unless she is much occupied at the time.
HOST. Except when a newly married couple
give a house-warming or a reception, the host
does not stand beside his wife, but spends
the time in making introductions, and doing
his best to make the function a success.
When some married woman or woman
guest of honor assists his wife to receive, he
should at the proper moment escort her to
the dining-room.
HOSTESS. The hostess and those receiving with
her should be just within the door, ready to
receive each guest as announced.
The hostess shakes hands with each guest,
and introduces them to those receiving with
her.
Friends assisting a hostess to entertain are
generally permitted to invite a few of their
own friends, and their cards are sent with
those of the hostess. A pretty feature is the
presence of a number of young women here
and there in the rooms to assist in receiving
the guests. Music is always appropriate.
HOURS. The hours are from 4 to 7 P.M.
INTRODUCTIONS. The hostess should introduce
her guests to those receiving with her.
See also INTRODUCTION.
INVITATIONS. Engraved invitations are sent a
week or ten days in advance, by mail or messenger.
They are usually issued in the name of the
hostess only, though they may be issued in
the name of both husband and wife.
In place of the visiting-card, an "At
Home" card may be used, or cards specially
engraved for the purpose.
When cards are sent to a married couple,
the cards are addressed to both husband and
wife.
Invitations are sent in two envelopes-the
inner one unsealed and bearing the name of
the guest, and the outer one sealed, with, the
street address.
INVITATIONS, ANSWERING. It is not necessary
to accept or decline these invitations, as the
guest accepts by his presence. If unable to
do so, he should send by mail or messenger
a visiting-card, to reach the hostess during
the ceremony.
When the invitation has been issued in the
name of the hostess only, a husband and wife
each send a card, and if in the name of hostess
and her daughter, each should send two
cards. If the invitation has been issued in
the name of the husband and wife, the wife
should send one and a husband two cards.
If the woman in the family is the only one
present at the function, she can leave cards
for the rest of the family.
MEN. Both the host and men wear the regulation
afternoon dress, consisting of the long
frock coat with single or double-breasted
waistcoat to match, or of some fancy cloth,
and gray trousers. White linen, a light tie,
a silk hat, gray gloves, and patent leather
shoes complete the costume.
The overcoat, hat, and cane are left in
the dressing-room, and the guest removes one
or both gloves as he pleases--remembering
that he must offer his ungloved right hand
to the hostess.
SHAKING HANDS. Guests on being presented to
the hostess should shake hands. If guest
takes leave of hostess, they should shake
hands. If the hostess is surrounded by
guests, a pleasant nod of farewell is admissible.
WOMEN. Women leave cards of their male relatives
as well as their own, even though their
names may be announced upon entering.
Guests leave their cards in a receptacle provided
for the purpose, or give them to the
servant at the door.
Women wear a costume appropriate for
the afternoon, and keep their hats and
gloves on.
AFTERNOON TEAS (INFORMAL). An afternoon tea is a
simple entertainment. Refreshments are
generally served to the guests. An innovation
lately introduced has become quite popular
--namely, young women, invited for
the purpose, wait upon the guests, bringing
in one dainty at a time.
An afternoon tea is called a formal afternoon
tea when engraved cards have been
issued, naming set date.
CARDS. Guests should leave cards in the hall, or
hand them to the servant. Women may
leave the cards of the men of her family.
Those unable to attend should send card the
same afternoon by mail or messenger.
See also AFTERNOON TEAS (Formal)-Cards.
DRESS. Both men and women wear afternoon dress.
GUESTS. All guests, both men and women, wear
afternoon dress.
Guests may suit their convenience in arriving
or departing--provided they do not
come at the opening hour, nor stay to the
last moment.
After the guests have left their wraps in
the dressing-rooms, they leave their cards in
the tray in the hall and enter the drawing-
room, the women preceding the men.
After greeting the hostess and being introduced
to those assisting her, the guests quietly move
away and mingle with the rest.
Each guest goes to the dining-room when
he pleases and leaves when he wishes. It is
not necessary upon departure to shake hands
with the hostess at a large reception, though
it is better to do so at a small affair.
It is not necessary for a guest to stay the
entire evening; twenty minutes is sufficient.
HOST. If present, he does not receive with his
wife. It is not essential that he be present
on such an occasion.
HOSTESS. The hostess wears full dress. Daughters
may assist, or young women may be asked to do so.
HOURS. From four to seven.
INVITATIONS. For an afternoon tea a visiting-
card may be used with the hour and date
written or engraved on it. They may be sent
by mail or messenger.
The invitation need not be acknowledged.
AFTERNOON WEDDING RECEPTIONS are conducted the
same as Wedding Receptions, which see.
AGRICULTURE, SECRETARY OF--HOW ADDRESSED. An
official letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have sir,
the honor to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain most sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture.
AISLE PROCESSION.
See WEDDING PROCESSION.
ANGLICAN CHURCH ARCHBISHOP.
See ARCHBISHOP.
ANGLICAN CHURCH BISHOP.
See BISHOP.
ANNIVERSARIES--WEDDING. These are as follows:
First year...................Paper
Fifth year.................Wooden
Tenth year ..................Tin
Twelfth year.............Leather
Fifteenth year ..........Crystal
Twentieth year.............China
Twenty-fifth year.........Silver
Thirtieth year ............Ivory
Fortieth year.............Woolen
Forty-fifth year............Silk
Fiftieth year............ Golden
Seventy-fifth year...... Diamond
Less attention is now paid than formerly
to all those before the silver wedding. For
specific information, see SILVER WEDDING, TIN
WEDDING, etc.
ANNOUNCEMENT--ENGAGEMENT.
See ENGAGEMENT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT.
ANNOUNCING GUESTS--BALLS. The hostess decides
whether or not the guests are to be announced.
At public balls it is customary.
ANSWERING INVITATIONS.
See under FUNCTIONS, as
DINNERS, INVITATIONS, etc.
APPLES should be pared, cut into small pieces, and
eaten with finders or forks.
ARCHBISHOP OF ANGLICAN CHURCH--HOW ADDRESSED.
An official letter begins: My Lord Archbishop,
may it please your Grace, and ends:
I remain, My Lord Archbishop, your Grace's
most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Lord
Archbishop, and ends: I have the honor to remain,
my dear Lord Archbishop.
The address on the envelop is: The Most
Reverend, His Grace the Archbishop of Kent.
ARCHBISHOP OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH--HOW ADDRESSED.
An official or social letter begins:
Most Reverend and Dear Sir, and ends: I
have the honor to remain your humble servant.
The address on the envelope is: The Most
Reverend John J. Wilson, Archbishop of Kent.
ARTICHOKES are eaten with the fingers, taking off leaf
by leaf and dipping into the sauce. The
solid portion is broken up and eaten with a
fork.
ASPARAGUS. The stalks may be taken between the
finger and the thumb, if they are not too
long, or the green end may be cut off and
eaten with a fork, scraping off with the
knife what is desired from the remaining
part.
AT HOMES.
AFTERNOON AT HOMES. The days for receiving
are engraved in the lower left hand
corner of the card, with hours specified if one
wishes.
No changes should be made in these hours
by the hostess unless for exceptional reasons,
and she should always be present at the
time set.
Unless very intimate, the call should be
made only on the specified days.
BACHELORS. It is not customary for a bachelor
to use "At Home" cards as a woman does,
nor to invite his friends by writing a date
and Music at four on his calling-cards in
place of an invitation.
DRESS. In the afternoon the caller should wear
afternoon dress, and in the evening evening
dress.
ACKNOWLEDGING INVITATIONS. Invitations to
an ordinary at home need no acknowledgment.
INVITATIONS. Cards for an "At Home" are engraved
with the hour for beginning the
entertainment--as, Chocolate at 4.30 o'clock.
The invitations to a formal "At Home"
should be sent in two envelopes, but to an
ordinary "At Home" in one envelope. For
informal affairs the hour may be written on
an ordinary "At Home" card.
CHAPERONE. If women are present, a married
woman as chaperone is indispensable, and
her husband must also be invited. The host
should call upon the chaperone and personally
request the favor.
The chaperone is taken into dinner by the
host, unless the latter takes in the woman in
whose honor the dinner may be given. In
the latter case, the chaperone is seated at the
host's left. She gives the signal for the
women to leave the dining-room.
All guests should be introduced to the
chaperone, and she should be called upon
after a short time by the host.
DRESS. All guests wear evening dress.
HOST. The host should call upon the chaperone
within a few days after the dinner.
If men only are present, he either precedes
or follows the guests into the dining-room,
and if he has given the dinner in honor of
some man, he has the latter seated at his
right. His duties are the same as the host
at dinners.
INVITATIONS. These are usually given in brief
notes, but may be engraved, and are similar
to the regular invitations to dinners, and are
treated accordingly.
MEN. The men wear evening dress, and follow
the same etiquette as at other dinners.
WOMEN. The women wear evening dress, and
follow the same etiquette as at all dinners,
except that no calls are made by them afterward
upon the host.
BACHELOR'S FAREWELL DINNER. If the groom wishes,
he may give a farewell dinner a few evenings
before the wedding to his best man, ushers,
and a few intimate friends. He sits at the
head of the table and the best man opposite,
and on this occasion he may give scarf-pins,
link cuff-buttons--or neckties and gloves, if
he wishes--to the best man and ushers.
BACHELORS' LUNCHEONS. These are conducted like
BACHELOR'S DINNERS, which see. The one difference
is that, should the luncheon be given
before 6 P.M., afternoon dress should be worn.
BACHELORS' OPERA PARTIES. See THEATRE AND OPERA
PARTIES GIVEN BY MEN.
BACHELORS' SUPPERS. These are conducted the same
as BACHELOR'S DINNERS, which see.
BACHELORS' TEAS OR AFTERNOON RECEPTIONS.
CHAPERONES. If women are present, a married
chaperone is indispensable, who should be
the first person invited by personal call.
The chaperone at a small affair pours the
tea, and at a large one she receives with the
host, and each guest is presented to her.
The host conducts the chaperone to her
carriage, and also any other women who may
have assisted her.
DRESS. The hosts and guests wear afternoon
dress.
INVITATIONS. These maybe oral, brief notes, or,
for a large affair, engraved, and should be
sent from three days to a week in advance.
HOST. The host should greet his guests at the
door, shaking hands with each one, and introducing
to the chaperone those not known
to her.
He introduces guests who are strangers to
each other, bids them adieu, accompanies the
women to the door, and escorts the chaperone
to her carriage, and if she has come
alone without one, may very properly escort
her home.
If at a large reception several women have
helped him entertain, he should thank them
and see them to their carriages.
He will, of course, see that there is provided
a dressing-room for women with a maid to
wait upon them, and that the rooms are in
good order, well furnished with flowers, and
that the refreshments are attended to.
See also INVITATIONS.
MEN. Afternoon dress is worn.
WOMEN. The invitations, engraved or oral,
should be promptly acknowledged.
Women wear dress customary at afternoon
teas, and on their entrance should greet the
host. Upon departing they take leave of him,
though this is not necessary if the reception
be a large one.
If a young woman knows that a chaperone
is present, she need not have her own chaperone
accompany her.
If the chaperone leaves early, she should do
likewise.
BACHELORS' THEATRE PARTY. See THEATRE AND OPERA
PARTIES GIVEN BY MEN.
BADGES--BALLS (PUBLIC). It is customary for men
and women on the committees to wear on the
left side of the breast ornamental badges,
embroidered with the official position of the
wearer.
BAGGAGE. If a man is traveling with a woman, he
should see to the checking and care of her
baggage.
See also TRAVELING.
WEDDING TRIP. The best man should, some
time before the wedding, see that the baggage
of the bridal couple has been checked, and
the checks given to the groom.
See also BEST MAN.
BALLS. A ball is an evening function, beginning at
a late hour, devoted wholly to dancing. The
costumes are more elaborate, the supper arrangements
more extensive, and the floral
decorations more lavish than at a dance.
ACCEPTING INVITATION TO DANCE. While a
young woman may accept or decline any invitation
to dance, it is considered an act of discourtesy
to refuse one man for a dance and
to accept an invitation thereafter for the
same dance from another.
ANNOUNCING GUESTS. The hostess decides
whether or not the guests are to be announced.
At public balls it is customary.
ANSWERING INVITATIONS. These should be answered
immediately, and if declined, the
ticket should be returned.
ARRIVING AT. There is no set rule when guests
should arrive.
In the city, guests should arrive anywhere
between eleven and twelve, and in the country,
fifteen minutes after the hour set in the
invitation.
ASKING WOMEN TO DANCE. A man asks for
the privilege of a dance either with the
daughter of the hostess, with any guest of
the latter, or with any young woman receiving
with her.
On being introduced to a woman, he may
ask her for a dance, and should be punctual
in keeping the engagement.
It is her privilege to end the dance at any
moment she wishes, after which he should
conduct her to her chaperone or find a seat
for her, after which he is at liberty to go
elsewhere.
If for any cause a man has to break his
engagements to dance, he should personally
explain the matter to every woman with
whom he has an engagement and make a
suitable apology.
BALLS, ASSEMBLY. The etiquette at an assembly
ball is much the same as at a private ball,
the functions and duties of the hostess being
filled by a committee of women selected for
that purpose.
On entering the room, the guests bow to
the committee and pass on.
It is not necessary to take leave of the
committee.
CARRIAGE. A man should provide a carriage
in which to call for the woman he escorts
and her chaperone.
CHAPERONES. For a small ball given in a private
house, the hostess need not invite the mothers
of the young women, and the young women
can properly attend, knowing that the hostess
will act as a chaperone.
But at a large ball it is necessary to invite
the mother as well as the daughters, and
the chaperone as well as the debutante under
her care. The mother can send regrets for
herself, and send her daughters in care of a
maid. Or she can attend, and, after remaining
a suitable time, she may entrust her
daughter to the care of a chaperone who
intends to remain the whole evening.
BALLS FOR DEBUTANTE.
DRESS. A debutante should dress in white or
some extremely delicate color, and wear very
little jewelry--some simple brooch or single
piece of jewelry, or a slender chain of pearls.
DUTIES OF DAUGHTERS. Except at her own
debut, a daughter does not assist her mother
in receiving. She should be ready, however,
to see that young women have partners, and
to speak, without introduction, to strangers.
GUEST OF HONOR. If the ball is given in honor
of some special person, he should be met on
his arrival, introduced to the women of the
reception committee, escorted to the seat prepared
for him, and be looked after the entire
evening.
At the end of the ball he should be escorted
to his carriage.
DUTIES OF HOST. It is not necessary that a
man receive with his wife. He should do all
he can to help make the ball successful,
especially if his name appears on the invitation.
He should assist in finding partners
for the women, taking the chaperones into
supper, preventing the men from selfishly
remaining in the dressing-room, and at the
end escorting unattended women to their
carriages.
When a formal supper is served, he takes
into supper the leading chaperone.
DUTIES OF HOSTESS. As a ball is an entertainment
for dancing, it is better to give two
small balls where the guests are not crowded
than one where they are. It is permissible
for a hostess not having sufficient room to
hire rooms in some place suitable for the
purpose.
In selecting guests, it is wise to have more
men present than women.
The hostess should see to it that the rooms
are well ventilated and well lighted. An
awning and a carpet from the street to the
hall door should be provided.
The hostess should stand near the door,
prepared to receive the guests as they enter,
shaking hands with each one, friend or
stranger, and introducing any woman who
may receive with her.
A hostess herself should not dance until
late in the evening, unless she knows that
nearly all her guests have arrived.
A wise hostess will personally see that the
women are provided with partners, and that
diffident young men are introduced.
The hostess should see that the floor is
suitable for dancing, that music is arranged,
programs printed, that dressing-rooms, one
for the men and one for the women, are arranged
for with suitable attendants.
The hostess should stand where the guests
can take leave of her, and should shake
hands with each when leaving.
HOURS. In the city the hour for a ball to begin
is from 10.30 to 11 P.M., but in the country
the hour is earlier--from 9 to 9.30.
A public ball begins promptly at the time
mentioned in the announcement.
INVITATIONS. These are issued from ten to
twenty days before the ball, and should be
answered immediately.
For an impromptu dance, they may be
issued within a few days of the affair.
These invitations should be engraved. As
a general rule, it is not now customary to put
on them the letters R. S. V. P.
But when an engraved invitation is posted,
two envelopes are used, the inner one bearing
the person's name only and unsealed, and
the outer bearing both the name and address
and sealed.
If the ball has any peculiar feature, as a
masquerade or costume, the invitation should
have some words to that effect in the lower
left hand corner--as, Costume of the XVIIth
Century, Bal Masque, or Bal Poudre.
INVITATIONS ASKED FOR STRANGERS. If a
hostess receives a request from friends for
invitations for friends of theirs, she can properly
refuse all such requests, and no friend
should feel aggrieved at a refusal for what
she has no right to ask and which the hostess
is under no obligation to give. If the
hostess chooses to grant the request, well and
good.
She would naturally do so when the request
is for a near relative, or the betrothed of the
one making the request.
A man should never ask for an invitation
to a ball for another person, except for his
fiancee or a near relative.
A woman may ask for an invitation for her
fiance, a brother, or a male friend of long
standing, or for a visiting friend. She should
take care that she does not ask it for some
one known to the hostess and whom the latter
does not desire to invite. No offense should be
felt at a refusal save, possibly, in the case of a
brother, sister, or fiance.
INVITATIONS GIVEN BY A NEWCOMER. When a
newcomer in a neighborhood desires to give
a ball but has no visiting list, it is allowable
for her to borrow the visiting list of
some friend. The friend, however, arranges
that in each envelope is placed a calling-card
of her own, so that the invited ones may know
that she is acting as sponsor for the newcomer.
INVITATIONS ANSWERED. Every invitation
should be answered as soon as possible, and
in the third person if the invitation was in the
third person. The answer should be sent to
the party requesting the pleasure, even if
many names are on the invitation.
When a subscriber to a subscription ball
invites a friend who is a non-subscriber, she
encloses her card in the envelope, and the invited
friend sends the answer to the subscriber
sending the invitation.
INTRODUCTIONS. When a man is introduced to a
woman at a ball, he should ask her for a
dance.
MEN AT. Courtesy toward his hostess and consideration
for his friends demands that a
man who can dance should do so.
To accept an invitation to a ball and then
refuse to dance shows that a man is lacking
in good breeding.
A man finding few friends at a ball should
ask some friend, or the hostess, to introduce
him to some women whom he can invite to
dance.
It is an act of discourtesy for a man not to
request a dance of a woman to whom he has
been introduced.
A man escorting a woman to a ball should
agree where to meet her after they have each
left their wraps at the dressing-rooms. It
may be at the foot of the stairway or near
the ball-room door.
It is now no longer customary for the man
and woman to enter arm in arm, but for the
woman to precede the man, and together
they greet the hostess. It is for the hostess
to merely bow or to shake hands, and the
guests follow her lead.
A man should see that his companion's
chaperone is comfortably seated, and then
ask his companion for a couple of dances,
and, with her permission, introduce other
young men, who should ask her to dance.
Such permission is not usually asked if the
man is her fiance, a near relative, or an old
friend.
It is strictly the woman's prerogative to decide
to retire, and no man should urge or
hint to a woman to retire earlier than she
wishes.
MEN--CARRIAGE. A man asking a woman to
accompany him to a ball should call in a carriage
for her and her chaperone.
MEN--DRESS. Men wear full evening dress in
summer or winter, city and town.
Gloves of white dressed kid should be worn
at all balls.
NEWCOMERS. See BALLS-INVITATIONS GIVEN BY
NEWCOMERS.
PATRONESSES. See PUBLIC BALLS--PATRONESSES.
TIPPING SERVANTS. Only at public balls is it
customary to give a tip to the men and
women in charge of the cloak-room.
SUPPER. Usually a buffet supper, being more
easily handled and arranged for. Supper at
tables requires many servants, much preparation,
and great care.
WOMEN AT. A mother should attend balls with
her daughters, going and returning with
them, and if she is not invited, they should
decline the invitation. The father can act
as escort if need be.
After greeting the hostess and guests, the
guests pay their respects to the head of the
house if he is present.
Taking leave of the hostess is unnecessary.
It is no longer customary for a couple to
enter arm in arm, but for the woman to precede
the man. A mother, elder sister, or
married woman takes the precedence over
a daughter, younger sister, or unmarried
woman.
If not at once asked to dance, a young
woman should take a seat by her chaperone.
It is bad taste to refuse a dance with one
man and then to dance that same dance with
another.
Both the hostess and the women wear their
most elaborate costume for such an entertainment-
decollete, short-sleeved, and a long train.
For a less elaborate affair the costume
may be plainer.
BALLS, ASSEMBLY. See ASSEMBLY BALLS.
BALLS, COSTUME. See COSTUME BALLS.
BALLS, DEBUT. See DEBUT BALLS.
BALLS, PUBLIC. See PUBLIC BALLS.
BALLS, SUBSCRIPTION. See SUBSCRIPTION BALLS.
BANANAS. The skin should be cut off with a knife,
peeling from the top down, while holding in
the hand. Small pieces should be cut or
broken off, and taken in the fingers, or they
may be cut up and eaten with a fork.
BARON-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
My Lord, and ends: I have the honor to be
your Lordship's obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable the Baron Wilson.
A social letter begins: Dear Lord Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, my dear Lord Wilson,
very sincerely yours.
The address is: To the Lord Wilson.
DAUGHTER OF. See DAUGHTER OF BARON.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF. See WIFE OF YOUNGER
SON OF BARON.
BARON, YOUNGER SON OF--How Addressed. An
official letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have
the honor to remain your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, dear Mr. Wilson, sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Honorable John Wilson.
BARONESS-HOW ADDRESSED, An official letter begins:
Madam, and ends: I have the honor to remain
your Ladyship's most obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable The Baroness Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Kent,
and ends. Believe me dear Lady Kent, sincerely
yours.
The address is: To the Lady Kent.
BARONET-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
Sir, and ends: I have the honor to remain,
sir, your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Sir John Wilson,
or Dear Sir John, and ends: Believe me,
dear Sir John, faithfully yours.
The address on the envelope is: To Sir
John Wilson, Bart.
WIFE OF, See WIFE OF BARONET.
BEST MAN. The best man is usually a bachelor, but
may be a married man or a widower, and is
selected by the groom. He fills an important
position, requiring tact, administrative
ability, and capacity to handle details. He
acts as the groom's representative, confidential
advisor, and business advisor.
After his selection he should send a gift to
the bride, and may, if he wish, send it to the
groom-a custom not yet clearly established,
and one not to be either encouraged or followed
with safety.
On the morning of the wedding-day he
should have received both the ring and fee
from the groom, and should personally see to
the church and other details.
He breakfasts with the groom, and together
they drive to the church.
CALLS. He should call on the bride's mother
within two weeks after the ceremony, and
also on the married couple upon their return
from their wedding trip.
CHURCH. He accompanies the groom into the
chancel, and stands by his side till the bride
appears, when he receives the groom's hat
and gloves, and stands a little way behind
him. When the clergyman bids the bride
and groom join hands, he gives the ring to
to the groom.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, he
gives the wedding fee to the clergyman, and
hastily leaves the church to summon the
groom's carriage and to return him his
hat. He signs the register, if a witness is
needed.
It is a better arrangement to have the
groom and the best man enter the church
without their hats, and have the latter sent
from the vestry to the church door, so that the
groom may receive his when he leaves the
church.
Especially is this a good arrangement if
the best man has to walk with the maid of
honor down the aisle.
After this, he hastens in his own carriage
to the bride's home, to assist in meeting and
introducing the guests at the reception or
breakfast.
DRESS. If the bride presents the best man with
the boutonniere, he should go to her house
on the wedding-day to have her put it in the
lapel of his coat.
He should dress as nearly as possible like the
groom-wearing afternoon dress at an afternoon
wedding, and at an evening wedding
evening dress.
See also GROOM-DRESS.
EXPENSES. The best man is the guest of the
groom, and in matters of expense this should
be borne in mind.
REPORTERS. 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 details deemed
suitable for publication.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. The best man escorts
the maid of honor, and they are usually
seated at the bridal table.
WEDDING RECEPTION. The best man stands
with the married couple, and is introduced
to the guests.
WEDDING TRIP. He should arrange beforehand
all details of the trip-as to tickets, parlor-car,
flowers, baggage, etc. He alone knows the
point of destination, and is in honor bound
not to betray it, save in case of emergencies.
He should see that the married couple
leave the house without any trouble, and if
the station is near, he should go in a separate
carriage (provided by the groom) to personally
attend to all details. He is the last
one to see the married couple, and should return
to the house to give their last message
to the parents.
BEST WISHES TO BRIDE. One should give best wishes
to the bride and congratulations to the
groom.
BICYCLING. A man bicycling with a woman should
extend to her all the courtesies practised
when riding or driving with her, such as
allowing her to set the pace, taking the lead
on unfamiliar roads and in dangerous
places, riding on the side nearest obstacles,
etc.
MEN--DRESS. A man should wear the regulation
suit coat, waistcoat, and knickerbockers
of gray or brown tweed, avoiding all
eccentricities of personal taste.
BIRTH (Announcement). If wishing to send congratulations
after a birth, cards should be left in
person or sent by a messenger. Cut flowers
may be sent with the card.
BISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH--HOW ADDRESSED.
An official letter begins: My Lord, and ends:
I have the honor to remain your Lordship's
most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My Dear Lord
Bishop, and ends: I have the honor to remain,
my Dear Lord Bishop, faithfully yours.
The address on the envelope: To the Right
Rev. The Lord Bishop of Kent.
BISHOP (PROTESTANT)-HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Right Reverend and Dear Sir,
and ends: I have the honor to remain your
obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Bishop Wilson,
and ends: I remain sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Reverend John J. Wilson, Bishop of,
Montana.
BISHOP (ROMAN CATHOLIC)--HOW ADDRESSED. An
official or social letter begins. Right Reverend
and Dear Sir, and ends: I have the honor
to remain your humble servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Reverend John J. Wilson, Bishop of
Ohio.
BONNETS (THEATRE). A woman of any consideration
should either wear no bonnet or remove it
when the curtain rises.
It would be in place for a man or a woman
to politely request a woman whose bonnet
obstructs the view to remove it, and, after
it was done, to thank the woman for so
doing.
BOUQUETS (WEDDING). The bouquet carried by the
bride is furnished by the groom, who should
also provide bouquets for the bridesmaids.
BOWING
MEN, When leaving a woman at the door of
her house, he bows and retires as the door
is opened.
When seeing a woman to her carriage, he
should raise his hat on closing the door.
On a railroad a man removes his hat in a
parlor-car, but not in a day coach.
In street-cars a man should raise his hat
when giving his seat to a woman; also when
rendering a service to a woman in public, in
answering a question, or in apologizing to a
woman.
In elevators, when women are present,
the hat should be removed.
In hotel halls or corridors a man passing
a woman should raise his hat.
Men do not raise their hats to one another,
save out of deference to an elderly person, a
person of note, or a clergyman.
In driving, if impossible to raise the hat,
he should touch it with his whip.
The hat is gracefully lifted from the head,
brought to the level of the chest, and the
body inclined forward, and then replaced in
passing.
It is the woman's privilege to bow first if
it is a mere acquaintance. If, however, a
woman bows, and the man fails to recognize
her, he should bow in return.
A man may bow first to a very intimate
friend.
Meeting a woman to whom he has been
introduced at an entertainment, he should
wait until she bows first.
After bowing to a woman, the man may
join her, and with her permission may walk
a short distance with her.
He should not stand in the street and converse
with her any length of time. She may
excuse herself and pass on. He should not
feel affronted.
If he meets a woman he does not know
accompanied by a man he does know, both
men bow.
The man accompanying her should bow
to every man or woman to whom she bows.
WOMEN. A woman's bow should be dignified--
a faint smile and a gentle inclination of the
head.
Women bow first to men when meeting in
the street. A man may bow first if the
acquaintance is intimate.
When walking with a man, and they meet
another unknown to her, but known to her
escort, both men bow. If she meets a friend,
man or woman, unknown to her escort, he
bows.
Unless an introduction has taken place at
any function, no recognition is customary.
It is the woman's privilege, however, to decide
for herself whether she will recognize
the guest or not.
A man bowing and joining a woman on
the street must ask permission to do so.
She is at perfect liberty to gracefully decline.
If a man stops to talk on the street, she
may excuse herself and pass on. If she
continues the conversation and he stands
with his hat in his hand, she may request
him to replace it. Such conversations should
be brief.
BREAD should be broken into small pieces, buttered,
and transferred with the fingers to the mouth.
The bread should be placed on the small
plate provided for the purpose.
BREAKFASTS. Breakfasts are generally given from
ten to twelve in the morning. Very formal
breakfasts are held at twelve o'clock.
CALLS. A call need not be made after a simple
breakfast, but obligatory after a formal one.
DRESS. Street costumes are worn by men and
women.
GUESTS. Guests leave half an hour after the
breakfast.
HOURS. The hour is from 12 to 12.30.
INVITATIONS. Cards are engraved and sent a
week in advance for formal breakfasts, but
for informal breakfasts they may be written.
If given in honor of a special guest, the
name is engraved on the card--as, TO MEET
MR. WILSON.
MEN. Men are usually invited, and they are
often given for men. Men wear street costume.
Guests should leave half an hour after
breakfast. A call is not necessary after a
simple breakfast, but obligatory after a formal
one.
MEN LEAVING CARDS. After a breakfast a man
should leave a card for host and hostess,
whether the invitation was accepted or not.
Or it may be sent by mail or messenger, with
an apology for so doing.
WOMEN. Women wear street costume, including
gloves, the latter being taken off at table.
Women remove their coats and wraps, but
not bonnets.
Guests should leave half an hour after
breakfast. A call is not necessary after a
simple breakfast, but obligatory after a formal
one.
WEDDING. See WEDDING RECEPTIONS OR BREAKFASTS.
BREAKING DINNER ENGAGEMENTS. When it is absolutely
necessary to break an engagement made for
a dinner, a letter should be sent as soon as
possible to the hostess, either by special delivery
or messenger, giving the reason and
expressing regrets.
BRIDE. The bride selects the church and the clergyman,
and can, if she wishes, ask the latter
personally or by note to perform the ceremony.
She selects the music for the ceremony
and the organist, names the wedding
day, and selects the ushers and the bridesmaids.
Of the bridesmaids, she may select
one, some near friend, as the maid of honor,
to act for her, as the best man does for the
groom.
She further designates one of the ushers to
be master of ceremonies, and should instruct
him minutely as to the details she desires
carried out-how the wedding party shall enter
the church, proceed up the aisle, etc.
A few days before the wedding she gives a
dinner to the bridesmaids and maid of honor,
who take this opportunity to examine the
trousseau. The ushers, best man, and groom
may come after the dinner to attend the wedding
rehearsal. These rehearsals should be
gone through carefully, and if they can be
held at the church so much the better. Each
person should be instructed by note as to their
duties, as this prevents confusion.
CHURCH. On the wedding-day, after receiving
the bridesmaids and maid of honor at her
house, she goes to the church with her father
(or nearest male relative), and leans upon his
arm as they proceed up the aisle, following
the bridesmaids, and carrying her bridal bouquet
(or, if she wishes, a prayer-book).
Arriving at the chancel, she leaves her
father and steps forward to take the left arm
of the groom, who advances from the chancel
to meet her. They stand before the clergyman,
and, if they wish, may kneel, and upon
rising stand about a foot apart.
At the words of the ceremony, "Who giveth
this woman away?" or, "To be married to this
man?" her father advances and places her
right hand in that of the clergyman, who
places it in the groom's right hand. After
this her father retires to his seat in the pew
with his family.
When the plighting of the troth comes, the
groom receives the ring from the best man
and hands it to the bride, who gives it to the
clergyman. He returns it to the groom, who
then places it on the third finger of the bride's
left hand. When plighting the troth, the
bride gives her glove and bouquet to the maid
of honor, or, what is better, the finger of the
glove may be cut to allow the ring to be placed
on without the glove being removed.
The kiss at the altar is no longer in good
form.
At the end of the ceremony, after the clergyman
has congratulated the married couple,
the bride takes her husband's right arm and
they lead the procession to the vestibule, where
they receive the congratulations of near
friends. Here the maid of honor and bridesmaids
cloak and prepare the bride for the trip
home in the groom's carriage.
DRESS. The bride is veiled, and is dressed in
white-full dress, day or evening. Gloves
need not be worn in the church. The bridesmaids
provide their own outfit, unless the
bride asks them to dress in a style of her own
selecting. In this case, she supplies them
gowns, hats, gloves, and shoes, as she may
wish.
FAREWELL LUNCHEON. While a farewell luncheon
given to the bridesmaids by the bride
is not necessary, yet it is a pleasant way for a
woman to entertain her female friends the
last time in her father's house.
On this occasion it is a good plan for the
bride to give to the maid of honor and brides-maids
her souvenirs, which, of course, should
be alike, and of use at the wedding ceremony.
GIFTS. The bride may give to the groom a ring
as an engagement ring if she wishes. She
should make suitable gifts to the bridesmaids
as souvenirs of the occasion, and may also
present them with flowers. If she presents
boutonnieres to the best man and the ushers,
they should appear at her house before the
ceremony and have her place them in the
lapel of their coats.
She should acknowledge immediately the
receipt of all wedding gifts.
GLOVES. The bride need not wear gloves in the
church.
INVITATIONS. At a church wedding the bride
usually provides the bridesmaids with extra
invitations for their personal use.
KISS. Only the parents of the bride and her
most intimate relatives should kiss the bride.
It is now no longer good form for all to do so.
SEEING GROOM ON WEDDING-DAY. It is not
customary for the bride to see the groom on
the wedding-day till she meets him at the
altar.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. The bride and groom
occupy the centre one of the small tables.
At all wedding breakfasts it is customary
for the guests to assemble in the drawing-room,
and then to enter the breakfast-room
together--the bride and groom leading the
way.
It is not usual to have the bridal cake at
a wedding breakfast, but if such is the case,
the bride makes the first cut, and the slices
are given first to those at the bridal table.
WEDDING RECEPTION. She should stand by her
husband's side to receive the best wishes of all
present. The guests are not announced, but
are introduced by the ushers to the bride if
not known to her.
The bride should not leave her place to
mingle with the guests until all have been
introduced to her.
BRIDE'S FAMILY. See FAMILY OF BRIDE.
BRIDE'S FATHER. See FATHER OF BRIDE.
BRIDE'S MOTHER. See MOTHER OF BRIDE.
BRIDEGROOM. See GROOM.
BRIDESMAIDS. The bridesmaids are selected by the
bride, and number six, eight, or twelve--
mostly eight. She usually gives them a
dinner a few days before the wedding, at
which she shows them the trousseau and discusses
the details of the wedding.
The ushers and the groom are invited to
come after the dinner, and then the rehearsal
takes place. The bridesmaids should be
present at this and all other rehearsals, and
if unable to be present at the wedding should
give the bride ample notice, that a substitute
may be secured.
CALLS. They call upon the mother of the bride
within a week or ten days after the ceremony,
and upon the bride, in her own home, after
her return from her wedding trip.
CARRIAGES. A carriage provided by the family
of the bride calls for the bridesmaid on the
wedding-day, and takes her to the bride's
house. Her carriage follows the bride's to the
church, and, after the ceremony, takes her to
the wedding breakfast or reception.
CHURCH. They meet at the house of the bride,
and there take their carriages to the church.
While their carriages follow that of the bride,
they alight first and receive her in the vestibule.
They may carry bouquets supplied by
the bride's family or the groom.
In the procession tip the aisle they follow
the ushers, walking two by two, and as the
ushers approach the altar they divide--one-half
to the right and one-half to the left. The
bridesmaids do likewise, leaving space for
the bridal party to pass.
In the procession down the aisle they follow
the best man and maid of honor to the
vestibule, where, after giving their best wishes
to the bride, and congratulations to the
groom, they return to the bride's home to
assist in entertaining the guests at the reception
or breakfast.
DANCING. At the wedding breakfast or reception
dancing is sometimes indulged in.
DINNER TO MARRIED COUPLE. The bridesmaids
usually give a dinner to the married couple
on the latter's return from their wedding trip.
DRESS. They usually follow the wishes of the
bride in the matter of dress. Should she
desire any particular style of dress, entailing
considerable expense, on account of novelty
or oddity, she usually presents them the outfit,
which it is permissible for them to accept.
If the bride has no particular wish, they
decide the matter among themselves, always
bearing in mind that their style of dress and
material must be subordinated to that of the
bride, and that there could be no greater exhibition
of lack of refinement and good taste
than for any bridesmaid to make herself in
any way more attractive than the bride.
GIFTS. It is customary for them to send a wedding
gift to the bride.
They usually receive a pretty souvenir
from the bride and a bouquet from the
groom.
INVITATIONS. At a large church wedding several
invitations are usually given to the
bridesmaids for their own personal use.
REHEARSALS. They should be present at all
rehearsals.
WEDDING BREAKFASTS. They pair off with the
ushers, and are usually seated at a table by
themselves.
WEDDING RECEPTIONS. They stand beside the
married couple, and are introduced to the
guests.
BROTHER AT DEBUT. A brother, when his sister's
debut takes the form of a supper or dinner,
should take his sister (the debutante) into
dinner or supper.
BUTLER--TIPS. It is customary for a man leaving a
house-party where he has been a guest to
tip the butler who acted as a valet.
CABINET ( U. S,), MEMBER OF--HOW ADDRESSED. An
official letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have,
sir, the honor to remain your most obedient
servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain
most sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary of State.
CAKE. is broken into pieces, the size of a mouthful,
and then eaten with fingers or fork.
CALLS. Unless close intimacy exists, calls should
only be made on the specified days.
ASKING MEN TO CALL ON WOMEN. A debutante
should leave this matter to her mother
or chaperone.
A young woman, until she has had some
experience in society, should be very careful
in inviting men to call.
She should not invite a man to call whom
she has met for the first time. No man
should be invited to call until she is assured
of his social standing and character.
In some parts of the country men first ask
permission to call, and in other parts women
first ask men to call.
ASKING WOMEN TO CALL ON WOMEN. It is
generally the custom for the married or elder
woman to ask the unmarried or younger
woman to call.
BACHELORS' DINNERS. See BACHELORS' DINNERS
--CALLS.
BREAKFAST. See BREAKFASTS--CALLS.
BEST MAN. See BEST MAN--CALLS
BRIDESMAIDS. See BRIDESMAIDS--CALLS.
CHAPERONES. See CHAPERONES--MEN CALLING.
BUSINESS. A business man may call in street
dress upon a woman before six o'clock.
Social visits may be made in the same
manner.
DAYS AT HOME. Calls should only be made on
the regular "At Home" days, and the
hostess should always be present on that day.
Very intimate friends may set aside this rule.
DEBUTANTE. See DEBUTANTE--CALLS.
DRESS. When making an afternoon call, a man
would wear afternoon dress, and evening
dress in making an evening call.
HIGH TEA. See HIGH TEA--CALLS.
HOURS. When no special day for receiving is
indicated, calls may be made at any proper
hour, according to the custom of the locality.
Men of leisure may call at the fashionable
hours from two till five in the afternoon, while
business and professional men may call between
eight and nine in the evening, as their
obligations prevent them from observing the
fashionable hours.
LENGTH. A formal call may last from fifteen to
thirty minutes. Old friends may stay longer.
LUNCHEONS. See LUNCHEON--CALLS.
MEN. AFTER ENTERTAINMENTS. After an entertainment
a man should call in person on
host and hostess, whether the invitation was
accepted or not. If a card is sent or mailed,
it should be accompanied with an apology.
To call on an acquaintance in an opera
box does not relieve one of the duty of making
a formal call in return for social favors.
When calling on the hostess but not on
the host, a man should leave a card for him.
If the hostess be out, he should leave two
cards.
Married men can return their social obligations
to women by personal calls, or the
women of the family can leave the men's
cards with their own.
A call should be made the day following a
luncheon or a breakfast; the same after a
dinner, or at least within a week. A call
should be made within a week after a ball.
After a theatre party given by a man, he
should call within three days on the woman
he escorted, or leave his card, and should
call within a week on the remainder of his
guests.
MEN CALLING ON MEN. At the beginning of
the season it is usual to leave a card for each
member of a family called on--one card for
husband, wife, "misses," and guest, or rest
of the family. Sometimes two cards answer
the purpose.
They may be sent by mail or messenger.
MEN CALLING ON WOMEN. A man should call
only on "At Home" days, especially when
making the first call, unless specially invited.
He should call at the hour appointed.
When no special day for receiving is indicated,
calls may be made at any proper hour,
according to the custom of the locality. Men
of leisure may call at the fashionable hours
--from two till five o'clock.
Business and professional men may call
between eight and nine o'clock, as their obligations
prevent them from observing the
fashionable hours.
A business man may call in street dress
before six o'clock, and the same dress in the
evening, if intimately acquainted.
Informal calls may be made on Sunday
after three o'clock by business and professional
men, provided there are no religious or
other scruples on the part of those receiving
the calls.
Evening or other than mere formal calls
should not be made, save by special invitation.
The first call should last not longer than
ten or fifteen minutes. It is correct to ask
for all the women of the family.
At the first call he should give his card at
the door. At following calls it is optional
whether to give a card or merely the name,
asking at the same time for the person one
desires to see. When the servant's intelligence
seems doubtful, or the name is an
unusual one, it is safer to give a card.
When a woman invites a man to call without
specifying when, it is not considered as
an invitation at all, but merely as a formal
courtesy.
It is bad form to solicit by innuendo or
otherwise an invitation to call from a woman.
It is her privilege to make the first move in
such matters; otherwise she would be placed
in an embarrassing position.
When an invitation specifies the hour,
every effort should be made to be punctual.
It is impolite to be too early or too late.
At a formal call, when others are present,
a man should not be seated unless invited to
do so. He should leave as others come in,
and not remain longer than ten or fifteen
minutes.
A man having a card or letter of introduction
to a young woman should present it in
person to the chaperone. If she is out, he
should mail it to her, and she should at once
notify him whether he may call.
If a caller is a stranger to the young
woman's hostess, he should send his card to
the latter and ask to see her.
The chaperone may, if desirable, give a
man permission to call upon the woman
under her charge.
A man should not call upon an unmarried
woman until invited by her to do so. He
may ask a married woman who has a family
for permission to call.
GLOVES. Gloves need not be removed at a formal
or brief call.
ENTERTAINMENTS. At entertainments a man
should give his card to the servant at the
door or leave it in the hall.
A few appropriate words of greeting should
be addressed to the hostess and host as soon
after entering as possible.
Personal introductions are not absolutely
required at musicales, teas, "At Homes," etc.
One may converse with those nearest, but
this does not warrant future recognition.
When light repasts are served, as teas, ices,
etc, a man should put his napkin on his
knee and hold the plate in his hand.
He should depart with as little ceremony
as possible--a bow and a smile, if host and
hostess are engaged, are sufficient. He
should not shake hands and try to speak unless
it can be done without becoming conspicuous.
MEN CALLING ON WOMEN--HAT. A man making
a formal or brief call should carry his
hat in his hand into the parlor.
SHAKING HANDS. A man should not offer to
shake hands first, as that is the privilege of
the women.
MEN--DRESS. In making ceremonious calls, men
wear afternoon dress, and after six o'clock
evening dress.
See also AFTERNOON DRESS--MEN. EVENING
DRESS--MEN.
PALL-BEARERS. See PALL-BEARERS--CALLS.
THEATRE. See THEATRE--CALLS.
USHERS. See USHERS--CALLS.
WEDDING INVITATIONS. Very intimate friends
can call personally. Friends of the groom
who have no acquaintance with the bride's
family should send their cards to those inviting
them.
Those who do not receive wedding invitations,
announcement, or "At Home" cards
should not call on the married couple, but
consider themselves as dropped from their
circle of acquaintance.
WOMEN RECEIVING AND INVITING MEN. The
invitation to call should be extended by the
woman, and if she does not specify the time,
will naturally be considered as an act of
courtesy, but not as an invitation.
These invitations should be given with great
care by young women. It is better to have
the invitation extended by her mother or
chaperone.
A married woman may ask a man to call,
especially if she have unmarried daughters.
An afternoon tea is an appropriate time to
specify. A man may ask a married woman
who has a family for permission to call.
At the beginning of a season, a man who
desires the further acquaintance of a woman
should leave his card in person for all the
members of the family.
A formal call, or the first call of the season,
should, mot last longer than ten or fifteen
minutes. It is proper for the man to inquire
for all the women of the family.
A man should call only on "At Home"
days, unless especially invited to come at
other times. The hostess should be home on
all "At Home" days, unless sickness or
other good cause prevents.
In the absence of "At Home" days, or
specified time, calls may be received at any
proper hour, according to the locality of the
place.
When men make a formal call at other than
specified time, the hostess may justly excuse
herself. The caller would have no ground
for offense.
Intimate friends need not hold to formal
hours for paying calls.
Men of leisure should call only at fashionable
hours--from two to five in the afternoon.
Evening calls should not be made by other
than business or professional men, unless the
acquaintance be an intimate one, or unless
they are specially invited.
Business and professional men may call between
eight and nine o'clock, as their obligations
prevent them from observing the fashionable
hours.
Informal calls may be made on Sunday
after three o'clock by business and professional
men, provided there are no religious or other
scruples on the part of those receiving the
calls.
A business man may call in street dress
before six o'clock in the evening, or thereafter
if intimacy warrants.
Evening, or other than mere formal calls,
should not be made, save by special invitation.
A man should leave his card when calling.
If his hostess is married, he should leave
one also for the host. If she is out, he
should leave two.
When calling upon a young woman whose
hostess is not known to the man, he should
send his card to her.
If the woman is seated when a man enters
the room, she rises to greet him, and, if
she wishes, shakes hands. It is her option
to shake hands or not, and she should make
the first advances. It is bad form for him
to do so.
During a formal call, when other guests
are present, a man should remain standing
and depart upon the entrance of others. If
the hostess is seated at the time, she need not
rise or shake hands, but merely bow.
The hostess should not accompany a caller
to the door of the parlor, but bow from her
chair.
Dropping in at a theatre or opera party
does not relieve a man from making formal
calls that may be due.
A woman's escort to a theatre party should
call upon her within a week. If she were
his guest, he should do so within three days,
or send his card, with an apology.
Business calls are privileged, and can be
made when convenient, although preferably
by appointment.
WOMEN RECEIVING--INTRODUCTIONS. At formal
calls conversation should be general among
the guests. Introductions are unnecessary.
AFTERNOON. See AFTERNOON CALLS.
COUNTRY. See COUNTRY CALLS.
EVENING. See EVENING CALLS.
FIRST. See FIRST CALLS.
INVALID'S. See INVALID'S CALLS.
SUNDAY. See SUNDAY CALLS.
CANCELING DINNERS. When it becomes necessary for
a hostess to cancel or postpone a dinner, she
should send as soon as possible, either by
special delivery or messenger, a letter to each
guest who has accepted the invitation. The
letter, written either in the first or third person,
should state the reason and express
regrets.
CANCELING WEDDINGS. See WEDDINGS-INVITATIONS RECALLED.
CANES. A cane is the correct thing for a man when
walking, except when engaged in business.
It should be held a few inches below the
knob, ferrule down, and should, like umbrellas,
be carried vertically.
CALLING. When making a formal or brief call
the cane should be left in the hall.
CARDINAL-HOW ADDRESSED. A letter, official or
social, begins: Your Eminence, and ends: I
have the honor to remain your humble servant.
The address on the envelope is: His Eminence
Cardinal Wilson.
CARDS.
DEBUT. See DEBUT CARDS.
DEBUTANTS. See DEBUTANTE CARDS.
INFANT. See INFANT'S CARDS.
IN MEMORIAM. See IN MEMORIAM CARDS.
MOURNING. See MOURNING CARDS.
CARDS, VISITING.
ADDRESSING. See ADDRESSING CARDS (VISITING).
AFTERNOON TEAS. See CARDS (VISITING), LEAVING
IN PERSON--AFTERNOON TEAS. CARDS (VISITING),
MAIL OR MESSENGER-AFTERNOON TEAS.
AT HOME. See AT HOME-CARDS.
BIRTH (ANNOUNCEMENT). See CARDS (VISITING),
LEAVING IN PERSON--BIRTH.
CONDOLENCE. See CONDOLENCE--CARDS.
DAUGHTER. See DAUGHTERS--CARDS (VISITING).
GARDEN PARTIES. See GARDEN PARTIES--CARDS.
HUSBAND AND WIFE. When the wife is calling,
she can leave cards of the husband and
sons if it is impossible for them to do so
themselves.
After an entertainment, cards of the family
can be left for the host and hostess by either
the wife or any of the daughters.
See Also MR. AND MRS. CARD.
LEAVING IN PERSON. When cards with a message
of congratulation are left in person,
nothing should be written on it.
LEAVING IN PERSON--AFTERNOON TEAS.
Women leave cards of their male relatives
as well as their own, although their names
may be announced upon entering the drawing-room.
Guests leave their cards in a receptacle
provided, or give them to the servant
at the door.
MEN. A bachelor should not use AT HOME
cards as a woman does, nor to invite his
friends by writing a date and MUSIC AT FOUR
on his calling card in place of an invitation.
MEN--LEAVING IN PERSON. When returning
to town after a long absence, a man should
leave cards having his address.
When calling upon a young woman whose
hostess is not known by the man, he should
send his card to her.
At the beginning of a season, a man should
leave two cards for all those whose entertainments
he is in the habit of attending, or on
whom he pays social calls. These cards
may also be mailed. If left in person, there
should be one for each member of the family
called upon, or only two cards. In the
former there should be left one card for the
host, one for the hostess, one for the
"misses," and one for the rest of the family
and their guest.
Men of leisure should leave their own
cards, while business men can have them
left by the women of the family.
The corner of the card should not be
turned down.
Cards are now left in the hall by the servant
and the caller is announced. In business
calls the card is taken to the person for
whom the caller asked.
When calling, a man should leave a card
whether the hostess is at home or not.
P. P. C. card's may be left in person or
sent by mail upon departure from city, or
on leaving winter or summer resort.
When a man calls upon a young woman
whom a hostess is entertaining, he should
leave cards for both.
When a man calls upon another man, if he
is not at home, he should leave a card.
When a man calls on the hostess but not
the host he should leave a card for him.
If the hostess is out, he should leave two
cards--one for each.
BREAKFASTS, LUNCHEONS, DINNERS. A man
should leave a card the day after a breakfast,
luncheon, or dinner for the host and hostess,
whether the invitation was accepted or not.
They may also be sent by mail or messenger,
with an apology for so doing.
BALLS, SUBSCRIPTION. Shortly after receiving
an invitation to a subscription ball, a man
should leave a card for the patroness inviting
him.
DEBUTANTE. When calling upon a debutante a
man should leave cards for her mother,
whether the entertainment was attended or
not.
ENTERTAINMENT BY MEN. After a man's formal
entertainment for men, a man should leave a
card within one week, whether the event was
attended or not. It can be sent by mail or
messenger.
RECEPTION. When the host and hostess receive
together, a man should leave one card for
both, and if not present at the reception, he
should send two cards.
THEATRE. After a theatre party given by a
man, he should call within three days on the
woman he escorted or leave his card.
WEDDING RECEPTION. After a wedding reception
a man should leave a card for the host
and hostess, and another for the bridal
couple.
If a man has been invited to the church
but not to the wedding reception, he should
leave a card for the bride's parents and the
bridal couple, or should mail a card.
SENDING BY MAIL, OR MESSENGER. After an
entertainment a man should call in person on
host and hostess, whether the invitation was
accepted or not. If a card is mailed or sent,
it should be accompanied with an apology.
At the beginning of the season a man
should leave cards for all those whose entertainments
he is in the habit of attending, or
on whom he pays social calls. These cards
may also be mailed. If left in person, there
should be one for each member of the household
or only two cards.
In the former case, there should be left one
card for the host, one for the hostess, one for
the "misses," and one for the rest of the
family and the guest.
If a man is unable to make a formal call
upon a debutante and her mother at her
debut, he should send his card by mail or
messenger.
A man may mail his card to a woman
engaged to be married, if acquaintance
warrants.
Visitors to town should send cards to every
one whom they desire to see. The address
should be written on them.
AFTERNOON TEA. If a man is unable to be
present at an afternoon tea, he should send a
card the same afternoon.
BREAKFASTS, LUNCHEONS, DINNERS. A man
should leave a card the day after a breakfast,
luncheon, or dinner for the host and hostess,
whether the invitation was accepted or not.
They may be sent by mail or messenger with
an apology for so doing.
ENTERTAINMENT BY MEN. After a man's formal
entertainment for men, a man should leave a
card within one week, whether the event was
attended or not. It can be sent by mail or
messenger.
P. P. C. cards may be sent by mail or messenger
upon departure from city, or on leaving
winter or summer resort.
RECEPTION. When the host and hostess receive
together, a man should leave one card for
both, and, if not present at the reception, he
should send two cards.
WEDDING RECEPTION. If a man has been invited
to the church but not the wedding
reception, he should leave or mail a card to
the bride's parents, and also to the bridal
couple.
STYLE. The full name should be used, and if
too long, the initials only. The club address
is put in the lower left-hand corner, and if
not living at a club, the home address should
be in lower right-hand corner. In the absence
of a title, Mr. is always used on an
engraved but not a written card.
Cards should be engraved in plain letter,
according to prevailing fashion.
Facsimile cards engraved are no longer
used.
Written cards are in bad taste, but in case
of necessity they may be used. The name
should be written in full if not too long, and
should be the autograph of the sender.
Messages or writing should not appear on
men's cards. If address is changed, new
cards should be engraved. In an emergency
only the new address may be written.
MOURNING CARDS are the same size as visiting-
cards, and a black border is used--the width
to be regulated by the relationship of the
deceased relative.
MEN--STYLE, TITLES. Men having titles use
them before their names--as, Reverend, Rev.,
Mr., Dr., Army and Navy titles, and officers
on retired list. L.L.D. and all professional
titles are placed after the name. Political
and judicial titles are always omitted.
Physicians may use Dr. before or M.D.
after the name. On cards intended for social
use, office hours and other professional
matter are ommitted.
MR. AND MRS. See MR. AND MRS. CARDS.
P. P. C. See P. P. C. CARDS.
SENDING BY MAIL OR MESSENGER. If after
accepting an invitation it is necessary to
decline, a card should be sent the evening of
the entertainment, with an explanatory note
the day following.
When an invitation has been received to
an "At Home" debut, and one has not been
able to attend, cards should be sent by mail
or messenger, to arrive at the time of the
ceremony.
A card should be mailed to a man engaged
to be married.
AFTERNOON TEAS. The invitations to a formal
afternoon tea are sent a week or ten days in
advance by mail or messenger. No reply is
necessary, but if unable to be present, a card
should be sent the day of the entertainment.
For an afternoon tea a visiting-card may
be used, with the hour for the "tea" written
or engraved over the date beneath the fixed
day of that week. They may be sent by mail
or messenger.
Persons unable to attend should send cards
the same afternoon.
BIRTH (ANNOUNCEMENT). If wishing to congratulate
after a birth, cards should be left in
person or sent by a messenger. Cut flowers
may be sent with the card.
CONDOLENCE. After a death in the family of
an acquaintance, a card with the word
Condolence written on it should be left in person or
by messenger. For very intimate acquaintances,
cut flowers may be left in person or
sent, together with a card or letter.
When unable to leave in person a card
with Condolence written on it, send it to intimate
friends only with a note of apology. If
out of town, it should be sent with a letter of
condolence.
TRAVELERS. A woman visiting a place for a
length of time should mail to her friends a
visiting-card which contains her temporary
address.
A man in similar situation should call upon
his friends, and if he does not find them at
home, should leave his card.
WEDDING INVITATIONS. Those present at the
ceremony should leave cards for those inviting
them, and if this is not possible, they can
be sent by mail or messenger.
Those invited but not present should send
cards.
WIDOW. See WIDOWS--CARDS.
WIFE. Only the wife of the oldest member of
the oldest branch may use her husband's
name without the initials.
WOMEN. Mrs. or Miss should always be used
before the names. The cards of single
women are smaller than those of married
women.
The husband's name should be used in
full, unless too long, when the initials are
used. Only the wife of the oldest member
of the oldest branch may use her husband's
name without initials.
Reception days should appear in the lower
left-hand corner, limiting dates--as, Until
Lent, or in January, may be either engraved
or written.
If a special function is allotted to any
reception days--as, the entertaining of special
guests--the hour of the reception day may be
written above the day and the date beneath it.
DAUGHTERS. See DAUGHTERS--CARDS.
LEAVING IN PERSON--BIRTH, ANNOUNCEMENT OF.
If wishing to send congratulations,
after receipt of a birth announcement card,
cards should be left in person or sent by a
messenger; cut flowers may be sent with the
card.
Before the wedding cards are issued, an
engaged woman should leave her card
personally upon her friends without entering the
house.
When calling at the beginning of the season
a woman should leave her own card,
those of the men of the family, and two of
her husband's.
After formal invitations, a woman should
leave her own card and those of the men of
the family who were invited, whether they
attended or not.
When calling formally a woman should
leave a card, whether the hostess is at home
or not.
When a woman calls upon a well-known
friend, it is not necessary to send up a card.
When making a call at a hotel or other
public place, the name of the person called
upon should be written in the upper left-
hand corner of the card--as:
For Mrs. Jane Wilson
The corner of the card should not be
turned down.
P. P. C. cards may be left in person or
sent by mail upon departure from city, or
on leaving winter or summer resort.
The corner of the card should not be
turned down.
RECEPTION. At receptions a woman should
leave the cards in the hall or hand them to
the servant.
At a "coming-out reception" a woman
should leave cards for the mother and
daughter.
A married man returns his social obligations
to women by personal calls, or his wife
can do it for him by leaving his card with
her own.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER. After her debut the
younger of the two daughters has no card of
her own, as her full baptismal name appears
on her mother's card beneath her name. A
year after her first appearance she may have
a card of her own.
When a mother leaves her daughter's card,
it is for the hostess only.
If reception day appear on the mother's
card, the daughters also receive on that date,
as the daughters have no reception days of
their own.
MOTHER AND SON. When a mother is calling,
she can leave cards of her son for the host
and hostess if it is impossible for him to do so
himself.
A son entering society can have his cards
left by his mother upon a host and hostess.
Invitations to entertainments will follow.
RETURNING TO TOWN. Cards of the entire
family should be sent by mail to all
acquaintances when returning after a
prolonged absence.
When using cards, if out of town, the
place of a woman's permanent residence can
be written on the card--thus: New York.
Philadelphia.
SENDING BY MAIL OR MESSENGER. A woman
visiting a place for a length of time should
mail to her friends her visiting-card
containing her temporary address.
P. P. C. cards may be sent by mail or
messenger upon departure from city, or
on leaving winter or summer resort.
After a change of residence the cards of
the entire family should be sent out as soon
as possible.
At the beginning of the season both married
and single women should send their cards
to all their acquaintances.
Visitors to town should send cards to every
one whom they desire to see, with the address
written on the cards.
For afternoon tea a visiting-card may be
used. The hour for the tea is written or
engraved over, and the date beneath the fixed
day of the week. They may be sent by mail
or messenger.
The cards of a debutante may be sent by
mail or messenger.
Mourning cards should be sent to indicate
temporary retirement from society. Later
cards should be sent to indicate return to
society.
AFTERNOON TEA. If a woman is unable to be
present at an afternoon tea she should send
her card the same afternoon.
WEDDING RECEPTION. When invitations have
been received to the church but not to the
wedding reception, cards should be sent to
the bride's parents and to the bridal couple.
WOMEN--STYLE, TITLES. Women having titles
should use them before the name--as,
Reverend or Rev. Mrs. Smith. Physicians use Dr.
before or M.D. after the name. Office hours
and other professional matters are omitted on
cards for social use. Husband's titles should
never be used. The home address is put in
the lower right-hand and the club address in
the lower left-hand corner.
The card of the eldest daughter in society
is simply Miss Wilson.
CARDS OF ADMISSION TO CHURCH WEDDINGS. These
cards are used at all public weddings held in
churches, and when they are used no one
should be admitted to the church without
one. They are sent with the wedding invitations.
CARRIAGES.
BALLS. See BALLS-CARRIAGES.
DANCES. See DANCES-CARRIAGES.
FUNERALS. See FUNERALS-CARRIAGES.
MEN. In a general way a man should provide a
carriage when escorting a woman in evening
dress to any function. If she does not wear
evening dress, and they are going to an informal
affair, it would be proper to take a
street-car.
SUPPERS. See SUPPER AND THEATRE PARTIES--MEN--CARRIAGES.
THEATRES. See THEATRES AND OPERA PARTIES GIVEN BY MEN--CARRIAGES.
WOMEN. A woman accepting, with her mother's
or chaperone's consent, a man's invitation to
the theatre may, with propriety, request him
not to provide a carriage unless full dress on
her part is requested.
CATHOLIC PRIEST--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Reverend and Dear Sir, and ends: I
have the honor to remain your humble servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Father Wilson,
and ends: I beg to remain faithfully yours,
The address on the envelope is: The Reverend
John J. Wilson. But if he holds the
degree of D.D. (Doctor of Divinity), the
address is: Reverend John J. Wilson, D.D.,
or Reverend Dr. John J. Wilson.
CELERY is eaten with the fingers.
CHANGE OF RESIDENCE. WOMEN. After a change of
residence, the cards of the entire family
should be sent out as soon as possible.
CHAPERONE. A chaperone takes precedence of her
charge in entering drawing or dancing rooms
and on ceremonious occasions. At an entertainment
both enter together, and the chaperone
should introduce her protege to the
hostess and to others. The two should remain
together during the evening. In a
general way the chaperon takes under her
charge the social welfare of her protege.
BALLS. A mother should attend balls with her
daughters, going and returning with them,
and if she is not invited, it is in good taste
for the daughters to decline the invitation.
A father can act as escort, if need be, instead
of the mother. A mother can delegate her
powers to some one else when requested to
act as a chaperone.
MEN CALLING. A man should ask the chaperone's
permission to call upon her protege,
and once it is granted no further permission
is necessary. The chaperone should be present
while a debutante receives male callers
the first year, and when the first call is made
she should be present throughout the evening
and should decide as to the necessity
of her presence during subsequent visits.
CARDS. A chaperone introducing and accompanying
young women should leave her own
card with that of her protege.
DANCES. The chaperone should give her
permission to a man who desires to dance,
promenade, or go to supper with her charge,
who should not converse with him at length
save at the chaperon's side, and the chaperon
should accompany both to supper. If without
an escort, the young woman may accept
the invitation of her last partner before
supper is announced.
INTRODUCTIONS. A man should never be introduced
direct by card or letter to a young
unmarried woman. If he desires to be
introduced, the letter or card of introduction
should be addressed to her chaperone or
mother, who may then introduce him to the
young woman if she deems it advisable.
At an entertainment a chaperone may ask
a young man if he wishes to be introduced
to the one under her care.
LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION. A man having a
letter of introduction to a young woman
should present it in person to the chaperone.
If the latter is out when he calls, he should
mail it to her, and she may then notify him
when he may call, and should herself be
present.
SUPPER, TEA, DINNER. A young woman receiving an
invitation to a man's supper, tea,
or dinner may accept if she has the consent
of her mother or chaperone, and is assured
that a chaperone will be present.
THEATRES. A chaperone's permission should be
asked before a man's invitation to the theatre
can be accepted. The chaperone can also
accept, on behalf of her protege, invitations
from men to theatre parties or suppers,
if she too is invited.
The chaperone should be present at mixed
theatre parties--one for small, and two or
more for larger parties and suppers. The
chaperones may use their own carriage to
call for the guests, and then meet the men at
the places of entertainment. The chaperone
should say when the entertainment shall
close.
UNABLE TO BE PRESENT. When a chaperone
is unable to fulfill her duties, she may delegate
them to another, provided it is agreeable
to all concerned.
CHEESE is first cut into small bits, then placed on
pieces of bread or cracker, and lifted by the
fingers to the mouth.
CHINA WEDDING. This is the twentieth wedding anniversary,
and is not usually celebrated; but
if it is, the invitation may bear the words
NO PRESENTS RECEIVED, and congratulations may
be extended in accepting or declining the
invitation. An entertainment is usually
provided for. Any article of china is appropriate
as a gift.
CHOIR-BOYS AT WEDDINGS. These form a brilliant
addition to a church wedding, and when
employed they meet the bridal party in the
vestibule, and precede them to the altar,
singing a hymn or other appropriate selection.
CHRISTENING.
DRESS. The mother wears an elaborate reception
gown to the church, with white gloves and
a light hat or bonnet.
If the ceremony is at the house, she can
wear an elaborate tea-gown.
The guests wear afternoon or evening
dress, according whether the ceremony comes
before or after 6 P.M.
FLOWERS. A christening ceremony offers a good
opportunity for the guests who desire to
present flowers to the mother. This is not
obligatory, however, and must remain a
matter of personal taste.
GIFTS. A christening ceremony offers a good
opportunity for the invited guests, if they
desire, to send a present to the baby.
These should be sent a day or two before
the ceremony, and if of silver should be
marked with the child's name, initials, or
monogram.
GUESTS. The invitations should be promptly
answered.
At a church ceremony the guests, as they
are few in number, assemble in the front
pews.
At a large house christening the affair is
conducted somewhat like an afternoon reception.
Wine is drunk to the child's health,
and the guests take leave of the hostess.
INVITATIONS are issued by the wife only to intimate
friends, and should be promptly answered.
If the christening is made a formal entertainment,
to take place in the drawing-room,
the invitations may be engraved.
MEN. If the ceremony is in the afternoon they
wear afternoon dress, but at an evening
affair evening dress.
At an afternoon ceremony in the summer
it is allowable for the men to wear straw
hats and light flannel suits.
At a large house christening the affair
should be conducted somewhat like a reception,
and men on departing should take leave
of the hostess.
WOMEN dress as they would for an afternoon reception
if the ceremony comes in the afternoon, and if it comes
after breakfast or luncheon, as they would for a breakfast
or luncheon.
At a large house christening the affair
should be conducted like a reception, and
women should take leave of the hostess on
their departure.
CHURCH. A man usually follows the woman, who
leads to the pew, and he enters after her,
closing the door as he does so.
He should find the places in the service
book for her.
This same courtesy he should extend to a
woman who is a stranger to him.
CLERGYMAN.
CHRISTENING FEES. It is customary to send a
fee to the officiating clergyman, unless he is
a relative or a near friend.
EVENING DRESS. Custom permits a clergyman
to wear his clerical dress at all functions at
which other men wear evening dress; or,
if he wishes, he may also wear the regulation
full dress. The wearing of either is a matter
of taste.
HOW ADDRESSED. All mail and correspondence
should be addressed to Rev. Mr. Smith, but
in conversation a clergyman should be addressed
as Mr. Smith. If he has received the degree of D.D.
(Doctor of Divinity)from some educational institution,
then he is addressed as Dr. Smith, and his mail should
be addressed as Rev. Dr. Smith.
WEDDING CEREMONY. The officiating clergyman (minister or priest)
is selected by the bride, who usually chooses
her family minister, and the latter is then called
upon by the groom with regard to the details. If a
very intimate friend or relative of the groom is a
clergyman, it is in good taste for the bride to ask
him either to officiate or to assist.
If from any cause--as, living outside the State--the
clergyman is unable to legally perform the ceremony,
a magistrate should be present to legalize the ceremony,
and should receive a fee.
CARRIAGE. A carriage should be provided by
the groom to take the clergyman to the
church, then to the reception, and thence to
his house.
FEE. A fee should be paid the clergyman by
the groom through the best man, who should
hand it to him immediately after the ceremony.
If two or three clergymen are present
and assist, the fee of the officiating clergyman
is double that of the others. The clergyman
should receive at least five dollars in gold,
clean bills, or check, in a sealed envelope,
or more, in proportion to the groom's financial
condition and social position.
WEDDING RECEPTION. The clergyman should
always be invited to the reception.
CLUB.
ADDRESS. If residing at a club, a man's visiting-
card should have his club's name in the lower
right-hand corner; if not, the name should
be put in lower left-hand corner.
STATIONERY. This is always in good form for
social correspondence by men.
COACHING. See DRIVING.
COACHMAN-TIPS. It is customary when a guest
leaves a house party after a visit to give the
coachman a tip.
COLLEGE DEGREES. Custom, good taste, and the fitness
of things forbid a college man having engraved,
on his visiting-card, his college degrees--as,
A.B., A.M., etc.
COMMERCE, Secretary of--How Addressed. An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have, sir,
the honor to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr, Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain most sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary of Commerce.
COMMITTEES-PUBLIC BALLS. Public balls are conducted
like private ones, and the etiquette is the
same for the guests. The difference in their
management is that, in place of a hostess, her
functions and duties are filled by committees
selected by the organization giving the ball.
CONCLUSION OF A LETTER. The standard conclusions of
letters are: I remain sincerely yours, or; Believe
me faithfully yours.
For business correspondence the standard
conclusions are: Yours truly, or; Very truly yours.
For relatives and dear friends the standard
forms are: Affectionately yours, or; Devotedly yours.
One should avoid signing a letter with only initials,
Christian name, surnames, or diminutives.
MEN. In writing formally on business to a
woman he knows slightly, a man could say:
I am respectfully yours. When not on business
he could write: I beg to remain yours to command.
He should avoid a signature like: J. Jones
Wilson, but write: James J. Wilson
WOMEN. In social correspondence a married woman should
sign: Minnie Wilson, and not: Mrs. John Wilson.
If she wants to make known in a business letter
the fact of her being married, and may not know
if the person addressed knows the fact, she may write:
Minnie Wilson
(Mrs. John Wilson)
An unmarried woman would sign her name as:
Minnie Wilson, and if wishing not to be taken
for a widow would sign: Miss Minnie Wilson.
CONDOLENCE.
CALLS. When death occurs in the family of a friend,
one should call in person and make kindly
inquiries for the family and leave a card,
but should not ask to see those in trouble
unless a very near and dear acquaintanceship warrants.
For a very intimate acquaintance, cut flowers
may be left in person or sent, together
with a card, unless the request has been made
to send none.
CARDS. A visiting-card is used with the word
CONDOLENCE written on it, and should be left
in person if possible, but may be sent or
mailed to intimate friends only if accompanied
by a note of apology. If out of town, it
should be sent by mail with letter of condolence.
A MR. and MRS. card may be used at any
time for condolence, except for intimate
friends.
LETTERS. Only the most intimate and dear
friends should send letters of condolence, and
they may send flowers with the note unless
the request has been made to send none.
CONGRATULATIONS.
BIRTH, ANNOUNCEMENT OF. If wishing to
send congratulations after a birth, cards
should be left in person or sent by messenger.
Cut flowers may be sent with the card.
CARDS. A MR. and MRS. card can be used at any
time for congratulations. If left in person,
which is preferable, the card should be accompanied
by a kindly message, and, if sent
by mail or messenger' the word CONGRATULATIONS
should be written on it. Business and professional
men are not required to make personal calls, and
so may send their cards. A Mr. and Mrs. card can
be used for all but near friends.
When a card is left in person, with a message
of congratulations, nothing should be
written thereon.
A man may mail his card to a woman engaged
to be married, if acquaintance warrants
the action.
Congratulations upon the birth of a child
may be expressed by a man to its father by
sending a card with the word Congratulations
written on it, or by leaving it in
person.
A card should be mailed to a man engaged
to be married.
WEDDINGS. Congratulations may be sent with
letter of acceptance or declination to a wedding
to those sending the invitations. And
if acquaintance with bride and groom warrant,
a note of congratulations may be sent to
them also.
Guests in personal conversation with the
latter give best wishes to the bride and
congratulations to the groom.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES. In accepting or
declining invitations to wedding anniversaries,
congratulations may be extended.
CONVERSATION AT DINNERS. Aim at bright and general
conversation, avoiding all personalities and
any subject that all cannot join in. This
is largely determined by the character of the
company. The guests should accommodate
themselves to their surroundings.
COOKS-TIPS. It is customary for men who have
been guests at a house party when they
leave to remember the cook by sending her
a tip.
CORN ON THE COB is eaten with the fingers of one hand.
A good plan is to cut off the kernels and eat
them with the aid of a fork.
CORNER OF CARD TURNED DOWN. This is no longer
done by persons when calling and leaving
cards.
CORRESPONDENCE. How to address official and social
letters. See under title of person addressed
--as, ARCHBISHOP, etc.
COSTUME BALLS.--INVITATIONS. Invitations are similar
to invitations to balls, except that they have
in place of DANCING in the lower left-hand
corner. COSTUME OF THE XVIIIth CENTURY, BAL
MASQUE, OR BAL POUDRE.
COTILLIONS. Germans are less formal than balls.
Supper precedes the dancing. Those who
do not dance or enjoy it can leave before
that time.
The etiquette is the same as for balls.
DRESS. The regulation evening dress is worn.
HOSTESS. The rules governing a hostess when
giving a ball are the same for a cotillion,
with this addition--that there should be an
even number of men and women, and, failing
this, more men than women.
It is for the hostess to choose the leader
of the cotillion, and to him are entrusted all
its details.
At the conclusion of the cotillion the hostess
stands at the door with the leader at
her side, to receive the greetings and the compliments
of the guests.
See also BALLS--HOSTESS.
INVITATIONS. The invitations are engraved, and the
hour for beginning is placed in the lower
left-hand corner, and are sent out two weeks
in advance. They may be sent in one envelope.
Such invitations should be promptly accepted
or declined.
COTILIONS BY SUBSCRIPTIONS. These are given by leading
society women, who subscribe to a fund
sufficient to pay all expenses of the
entertainment. They are usually held in some
fashionable resort where suitable
accommodations can be had.
Guests are shown to the cloak-room, where
attendants check their wraps.
After the supper, the German, or cotillion,
begins. Those not dancing in this generally
retire. When leaving, guests should take
leave especially of the patroness inviting
them.
DRESS. Full dress is worn by all.
INVITATIONS. The patronesses whose names appear
on the back of the cards are the subscribers.
They send out the invitations to
their friends. A presentation card, to be
shown at the door, is sent with the invitation.
MEN. Men wear evening dress.
The men wait upon their partners and
themselves at the table, the waiters assisting,
unless small tables are used, when the
patronesses sit by themselves, and others form
groups as they like. The guests are served
by the waiters, as at a dinner.
When retiring, guests should take leave
especially of the patroness inviting them.
PATRONESSES. The patronesses stand in line to
receive the guests, bowing or shaking hands
as they prefer.
When supper is announced, the leading
patroness leads the way with her escort, the
others following. If small tables are used,
the patronesses sit by themselves.
WOMEN. Women wear full dress.
When guests depart, they should take
leave especially of the patroness inviting
them.
COUNTESS--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
Madam, and ends: I have the honor to
remain your Ladyship's most obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable The Countess of Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Kent,
and ends: Believe me, dear Lady Kent,
sincerely yours.
The address is: To the Countess of Kent.
COUNTRY CALLS. The usual rule in calling is for the
residents to call first upon the temporary
cottage people, and between these latter the
early comers call first upon those coming
later.
In the city there is no necessity for
neighbors to call upon each other.
CRACKERS should be broken into small pieces and
eaten with the fingers.
CRESTS. If men and women wish, these may be
stamped in the latest fashionable colors on
their stationery. It is not customary to use
a crest and a stamped address on the same
paper.
The present fashion in crests is that they
should be of small size.
It is not usual to stamp the crest on the
flap of the envelope.
If sealing-wax is used, some dull color
should be chosen.
A person should avoid all individual
eccentricities and oddities in stamping, such
as facsimile autographs, etc.
CRYSTAL WEDDINGS. This anniversary comes after
fifteen years of married life, and the
invitations may bear the words: No presents
received, and on their acceptance or declination,
congratulations may be extended. An
entertainment should be provided for. Any
article of crystal or glass is appropriate as a
gift.
DANCES.
CARRIAGES. A man should secure his carriage-check
when leaving his carriage. It is safer
to take wraps and coats to the house in case
of accidents.
When taking a woman wearing evening
dress to a ball or dance, a man should pro-
vide a carriage.
DEBUTANTE. See DANCES--WOMEN--DEBUTANTE.
DRESS. Evening dress is worn by men and
women.
DINNER INVITATIONS. The hostess issues two
sets of invitations--one for those invited to
both dinner and dance, and one for those
invited to the dance only.
For the former, the hostess should use her
usual engraved dinner cards, with the written
words: Dancing at eleven, and for the latter
her usual engraved At Home cards, with the
written words: Dancing at eleven.
A less formal way is to use, instead of
the At Home card, a Mr. and Mrs. card,
or Mrs. And Miss card, with the following
written in the lower left-hand corner:
Dancing at ten. March the second. R. S. V. P.
INVITATIONS. These should be acknowledged
by an acceptance, or declined, with a note of
regret within one week.
MEN. ASKING A WOMAN TO DANCE. A man
asks for the privilege of a dance, either with
the daughter of the hostess or with any guest
of the latter or any young woman receiving
with her.
On being introduced to a woman, he may
ask her for a dance, and he should be prompt
in keeping his appointment.
It is her privilege to end the dance, and,
when it is ended, he should conduct her to
her chaperone, or, failing that, he should find
her a seat--after which he is at perfect liberty
to go elsewhere.
If for any cause a man has to break his
engagements to dance, he should personally
explain the matter to every woman with
whom he has an engagement and make a
suitable apology.
DEBUTANTE. At a debutante's reception the
first partner is selected by the mother, usually
the nearest and dearest friend, who
dances but once, and the others follow.
INVITATIONS. Invitations to balls or assemblies
should be answered immediately; if declined,
the ticket should be returned. A man should
call or leave cards a few days before the
affair.
SUPPER. At balls and assemblies where small
tables are provided, a man should not sit
alone with his partner, but make up a party
in advance, and keep together.
If a patroness asks a man to sit at her
table, she should provide a partner for him.
At supper the senior patroness leads the
way, escorted by the man honored for the
occasion.
If one large table is provided, the men,
assisted by the waiters, serve the women.
When small tables are used the patronesses
generally sit by themselves, and the
guests group themselves to their own satisfaction.
TRONESSES. Their duties are varied and
responsible--among them, the subscription to
the expenses of the entertainments.
The patronesses should be divided into
various committees to attend to special duties
--as, music, caterers, supper arrangements,
the ball-room, and all other details.
While affairs of this kind could be left in
the hands of those employed to carry out the
details, it is better and safer for each committee
to follow the various matters out to the
smallest details.
Those devising new features and surprises
for such an occasion will give the most successful ball.
The one most active and having the best
business ability should take the lead.
Lists should be compared, in order to avoid
duplicate invitations.
The tickets should be divided among the
patronesses, who, in turn, distribute them
among their friends.
The patronesses should be at the ball-room
in ample time before the arrival of the guests,
to see that all is in readiness.
They should stand together beside the entrance
to welcome the guests. They should
see, as far as possible, that the proper introductions
are made, and that every one is enjoying
the evening, their own pleasure coming last.
If time permits, a hasty introduction to
the patroness beside her may be made by a
patroness, but it should not be done if there
is the slightest possibility of blocking up the
entrance.
A nod of recognition here and there, or a
shake of the hands with some particular
friend, is all that is necessary. Prolonged
conversation should be avoided.
A patroness should not worry over the
affair, or leave anything to be done at the last
minute. If she has to worry, she should
not show it, lest she interfere with the pleasure
of others.
They should be the last to leave as well as
the first to arrive, to see that the affair closes
brilliantly.
SUPPER. The senior patroness leads the way
to supper, escorted by the man honored for
the occasion.
If one large table is provided, the men,
assisted by the waiters, serve the women.
When small tables are used, the patronesses
generally sit by themselves, and the guests
group themselves to their own satisfaction.
If a patroness asks a man to sit at her
table, she should provide a partner for him,
and in case of a previous engagement, he
should notify her by mail.
WOMEN. A woman should always keep any engagement made,
if possible. If, for a good
reason, it is desired to break one, she should
do so in ample time to enable the man to
secure a partner.
It is bad form to refuse one partner for a
dance and to accept another for the same
dance afterward. After refusing to dance, a
woman should lose that dance unless previously engaged.
A woman may refuse to dance at a public
entertainment.
A young woman chaperoned should not accept a man's
invitation,
unless he first asks
permission of her chaperone.
It is not good taste to keep late hours at an
informal dance.
In round dances the man supports the
woman with his right arm around the waist,
taking care not to hold her too closely. Her
right hand is extended, held by his left hand,
and her left hand is on his arm or shoulder,
her head erect.
When tired, the woman should indicate a
desire to stop dancing.
When the dancing ends, the woman takes
her partner's arm and strolls about a few minutes.
He then conducts her to her seat by
her chaperone, and, after a few remarks, excuses himself.
When supper is announced, and the young
woman and her chaperone are in conversation
with the man who danced with her last, they
should accept his offer as escort if they are
not already provided with one.
If a woman is without escort when supper
is announced, she must rely upon attendants
or members of the host's family.
At balls and assemblies where small tables
are provided for the supper, the woman should
not sit alone at a table with her partner, but
she should have others present also.
DEBUTANTE. At a debutante's reception the
first partner is selected by the mother, usually
the nearest and dearest friend, who dances
but once with her, and the others follow.
DANCES (FORMAL).
HOST. When supper is announced, the host
leads the way with his partner, followed by
hostess and escort, the rest following.
HOSTESS. She should limit the number of guests
to the capacity of the house.
Invitations should include more men than
women, for some men may not attend, and
of those who do come, some may not
dance.
An awning and carpet should be spread
from curb to steps. The man stationed at
the curb should open carriage doors for
arriving and departing guests, distribute carriage-
checks, and tell the drivers at what
hour to return.
The servant opening the door directs the
guests to their respective dressing-rooms.
A small orchestra should be provided and
concealed behind palms or flowers.
In the absence of polished floors, carpets
should be covered with linen crash, tightly
and securely laid, in order to stand the strain
of dancing.
Friends may assist in taking care of the
guests, making introductions, etc.
SUPPER. Supper may be served at one large
table or many small ones, as desired.
DANCES (INFORMAL). Dances of this character lack all
possible formality. The invitations may be
written or verbal.
Piano music is all that is required, played
by one of the family or a professional.
Refreshments of a suitable nature are provided.
See also Chaperone. Dances.
DANCING.
INTRODUCTIONS. The man must be introduced
to the woman, and should ask her for the
pleasure of a dance.
MEN. A man should greet the host as soon as
possible after seeing the hostess.
At any function where patronesses are
present, a man should bow to the one inviting him,
and give her a few words of greeting.
At balls all men should dance, and those
who do not, have no place there, though
invited.
If a man comes alone and has no partner,
he should seek hostess or assistants, and request
an introduction to women who dance.
After a dance a man should take a short
stroll about the room with his partner before
returning to her chaperone. Before retiring
he may converse with her in general terms,
from which he should have refrained previously.
A man escorting one or more women
should see that they are cared for when supper
is announced.
A man in conversation with a woman when
supper is announced, if she is not engaged,
may offer to take her into supper. Her
chaperone should be invited at the same
time.
Introductions should be made as much as
possible before the dancing begins.
If introduced to a young woman, and she
is free of engagement for the next dance, the
man should invite her to dance.
Before asking a chaperoned woman to
dance, the man should ask permission of her
chaperone.
A man should pay especial attention to the
women of the house, and invite them to
dance as early as possible.
A man should seek out those women who,
for some reason, are neglected by selfish
men, especially unmarried women, and invite
them to dance.
Men should keep engagements a few minutes
before each dance.
If for some good reason it is desired to
break an engagement, it should be done so
as to leave ample time for the other to secure
a partner for that dance.
In round dances, the man supports the
woman with right arm about her waist, taking
care not to hold her too closely. His left
hand holds her right one, both extended.
The woman should indicate when she desires
to stop dancing.
All persons should be at a formal dance
not later than half an hour after the hour set.
A man should secure his carriage-check.
It is safer to take wraps and coats to the
house in case of accidents.
GLOVES. Gloves should be worn at formal
dances, and should be put on before entering
the room.
SHAKING HANDS. It is not customary to shake
hands at formal dances.
SMOKING. Smoking should not be allowed in
the dressing-room, but a special room should
be provided. Men who dance should not
smoke until leaving the house.
WOMEN. The time for the formal dance is indicated
on the invitation, and all should be
there not later than half an hour after the
time set.
At private dances the maid takes and calls
for the young woman in the absence of a male
escort.
Young women should be chaperoned at all
formal dances by their mother or others.
Introductions should be made as much as
possible before the dancing begins.
DAUGHTERS.
CARDS. The card of the eldest daughter in
society is simply Miss Wilson, and upon her
death or marriage the card of the next
daughter becomes the same. Where there
are unmarried aunts and cousins having the
father's name, only the eldest daughter of
the eldest man can use the form Miss Wilson.
If two or more sisters enter society at
about the same time, their names may appear
on their mother's card as The Misses Wilson.
The name of the younger daughter should
appear in full on her mother's card--as, Miss
Mary Jane Wilson.
Until the younger daughter has formally,
made her debut, she visits only intimate
friends of the family. After her debut she
has no card, and her full baptismal name
appears on her mother's card, beneath her
name, and not until a year or two after her
first appearance does she have a card of her
own.
When a mother leaves her daughter's card,
it is for the hostess only.
If reception days appear on the mother's
card, the daughters also receive on that day,
as they have no reception date of their
own.
After an entertainment the cards of the
family may be left for the host and hostess
by the eldest daughter.
The eldest daughter has her own circle of
acquaintances, and can visit and receive independently
of her mother.
DUTIES AT BALLS. See BALLS--DUTIES OF
DAUGHTERS.
DAUGHTER OF BARON--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Madam, and ends: I have the
honor to remain, Madam, your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Miss Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, I remain sincerely yours.
The envelope addressed to the eldest
daughter reads: To the Honorable Miss Wilson,
but to a younger daughter: To the
Honorable Minnie Wilson.
DAUGHTER OF DUKE--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Madam, and ends: I have the
honor to remain your Ladyship's most obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable the Lady Jane F. Wilson.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Jane,
and ends: Believe me, dear Lady Jane, very
faithfully yours.
The address is: To the Lady Jane F. Wilson.
DAUGHTERS OF EARL--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Madam, and ends: I have the
honor to remain your Ladyship's most obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable the Lady Jane F. Wilson.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Jane,
and ends: Believe me, dear Lady Jane, very
faithfully yours.
The address is: To the Lady Jane F.
Wilson.
DAUGHTER OF MARQUIS--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Madam, and ends: I have the
honor to remain your Ladyship's most obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable the Lady Jane F. Wilson.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Jane,
and ends: Believe me, dear Lady Jane, very
faithfully yours.
The address is: To the Lady Jane F.
Wilson.
DAUGHTER OF VISCOUNT--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Madam, and ends: I have the
honor to remain, madam, your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Miss Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, Miss Wilson, sincerely
yours.
The envelope addressed to the eldest
daughter would read: To the Honorable Miss
Wilson, but to a younger daughter: To the
Honorable Minnie Wilson.
DAYS AT HOME. Only very intimate persons should
call on any other days than those named on
an At Home card.
DAY OF WEDDING. The wedding-day is named by
the bride, and her mother's approval is asked
by the groom.
DEATH IN THE FAMILY. Cards, writing-paper, and envelopes
should be bordered in black. The
announcement of the death may be printed
or engraved, preferably the latter. Full
name of deceased, together with date of
birth and death, and residence, should be
given.
The frequenting of places of amusements,
entertainments, or social functions should
not be indulged in for at least a year if in
mourning for near relatives.
CONDOLENCE. After a death in the family of an
acquaintance, a card with the word Condolence
written on it should be left in person
or by messenger. For very intimate acquaintances,
cut flowers may be left in person
or sent, together with a card or letter, unless
request has been made not to do so.
DEBUTANTE. A debutante should make her debut between
the ages of seventeen and twenty, and
should not appear at any public function before
her debut. She should be thoroughly
versed in the laws of good society. She
should be extremely cautious at all times in
her dealings with men. She should follow,
without reserve, the advice of mother or
chaperone. She should avoid forwardness,
and be quiet in manner and in speech. Men
acquaintances should be carefully chosen, and
great care exercised in accepting invitations
from them.
AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL). When a tea is
given in honor of a debutante, she stands beside
the hostess (usually her mother), and
each guest is introduced to her. Flowers
should be liberally provided, and friends may
contribute on such an occasion.
A debutante should not make any
formal visits alone the first year, and should
not receive men visitors unless her chaperone
is present. Should a man call during
the first season, and neither her mother
nor her chaperone be present, she should decline
the visit. She may make and receive
visitors alone the second season.
When calling upon a debutante, men and
women should leave cards for her and her
mother.
CARDS. A debutante should use her mother's
card with her name engraved under her
mother's, but after a season she uses her own
card. Personal cards should not be used
during the first season. If she is the eldest
unmarried daughter, her name is engraved
(as, Miss A--) beneath her mother's name,
but if there are other sisters, with the initials
(as, Miss A. A--).
The cards of a debutante may be sent by
mail or messenger.
DANCES. A debutante always receives with her
mother standing by her side. A good order
is for the mother to stand nearest the door,
the debutante next, and the father last.
It is a good plan for the debutante to ask
a few of her girl friends to stand beside her
the first half hour.
The mother should introduce guests to her
daughter, who may introduce them to her
friends.
The debutante shakes hands with each one
introduced to her. She dances every dance,
and at the end stands beside her mother to
receive the greetings of the guests.
The girls standing up with the debutante
after the first hour are free to dance and enjoy
themselves as they please without standing
in line again.
MEN. Her mother should select in advance the
man who is to have the pleasure of the first
dance with the debutante at her debut. No
man should dance more than once with the
debutante. If well acquainted with the
family, a man may send flowers to a debutante
at the time of her first debut. A man
should make a formal call on mother and
daughter a day or two after her debut, and,
if unable to do so, he should send a card.
DEBUT. When her mother receives visits after
her debut, the daughter is included, and
should be present. The mother should keep
a complete record of the visits made by entering
the cards in a book kept for that purpose.
FLOWERS. Friends should send flowers to a debutante
at a formal tea given in her honor.
MEN. When calling upon a debutante, a man
should leave cards for her and her mother,
whether the entertainment was attended or
not.
See also DEBUTS.
DEBUTS. A debut may be made at a dinner,
reception, or ball. The debutante's card
should be enclosed with the invitation, reading:
Miss Wilson; or, if a younger daughter,
Miss Minnie Wilson. For an "At
Home" debut, the least formal of all these
entertainments, the name of the debutante is
engraved below that of her mother.
The mother and elder unmarried sisters
prior to the debut should call formally upon
those whom they wish to invite to the ceremony.
Cards of the family are left, including
those of father and brothers.
BALLS--INVITATIONS. When a young woman is
to be introduced into society by a ball given
in her honor, the parents may use a Mr. and
Mrs. calling card, with the words added in
writing: Dancing at ten o'clock, with card of
the debutante enclosed.
Or the parents may use a specially engraved
invitation.
CARDS, LEAVING. At the entertainments at a
debut, as at a supper, cards should be left for
the mother and daughter, and if guests are
unable to be present, they should send them
the day of the entertainment.
ENTERTAINMENTS. Debuts may be an "At
Home," supper, or dinner, the latter being
more formal, and only intimate friends being
invited. When making her debut, the debutante
should stand beside her mother in the
drawing-room, near the door, and be introduced
by her. On formal occasions the
father stands with them. The debutante
may receive flowers from intimate friends
only.
AT HOMES. These are the least formal.
SUPPERS OR DINNERS. If the debut takes the
form of a supper or dinner, the brother takes
in the debutante, and the father the most
distinguished woman; or, if there is no
brother, he takes in the debutante himself,
and she is seated at his left hand. The
mother is escorted by the most distinguished
man.
Should dancing follow, the mother should
select the first partner, who dances but once,
when others are at liberty to follow.
GUESTS. Guests should offer congratulations to
a debutante at her debut in a few well-chosen
words, and also to the parents. A few
moments of conversation with her only is admissible.
INVITATIONS. Invitations are engraved, and
should be sent by mail or messenger two
weeks in advance, addressed to Mr. and Mrs.
A, or Mrs. B, or The Misses A. While the
invitations to a family may be enclosed in
one envelope and sent to the principal one
of the family, the son of the family should
receive a separate invitation. Men should
receive separate invitations and acknowledge
them, in person.
Acknowledgment is mot necessary for an
"At Home" debut occurring in the afternoon,
but would be for a formal one in the
evening, for which special engraved invitations
had been sent.
If invitations for an afternoon "At Home"
reception are accepted, cards should be left
for mother and daughter. And, if not attending,
cards should be sent by mail or
messenger.
DIAMOND WEDDINGS. These occur after seventy-
five years of married life, and naturally are
of very rare occurrence. If they are celebrated,
the invitation may bear the words:
NO PRESENTS RECEIVED, and congratulations
may be extended in accepting or declining
the invitation. An entertainment should be
provided for. Any article of diamonds or
precious stones is appropriate as a gift.
DINNERS. If the circle of acquaintances is large,
a series of dinners is necessary during the
season.
Dinners should begin at an hour between
seven-thirty and eight-thirty.
The dining-room should be bright and
attractive, well lighted, and artistically decorated
with flowers.
The success of a dinner lies in the selection
of the guests, with regard to their
congeniality to each other, and their conversational
powers and varying attainments. It
is better to have a few at a time, perhaps
eight, as a larger number is unmanageable.
CALLS. Guests should call soon after the dinner.
DRESS. Full dress is worn by both men and
women.
GUESTS. When guests are not congenial, or have
dislikes, they should not show it, but appear
as if the contrary were the case.
Guests should be prompt in arriving at the
hour named.
At the table it is in good taste to accept
whatever is offered, eating it or not, as one
desires. Wines should be accepted, even if
one does not partake of them. And if a toast
is offered, a guest should recognize the courtesy
by raising his glass.
Conversing across the table is permissible,
provided the distance does not require the
voice to be unduly raised.
When coffee is served in the drawing-room,
young women serve, and the men hand it to
the guests.
When the men re-enter the drawing-room
after the coffee, the guests should retire,
unless some further entertainment follows.
This is usually about eleven o'clock. When
leaving, a guest should thank the host and
hostess, making some agreeable and appropriate
remark suitable to the occasion.
HOST. When dinner is announced, the host
offers his left arm to the woman he escorts.
She may be the special invited guest, or the
most prominent guest present.
The signal for all to rise is given by the
hostess, who bows to the woman on the host's
right. The men escort the women to the
door or drawing-room, after which they return,
and cigars and liquors are offered.
The host wears full dress.
GUEST LATE. The host should always come
forward to shake hands with the late-comer,
and help him to find his seat, and do all in
his power to make his late-coming quickly
overlooked.
HOSTESS. The hostess receives her guest at the
parlor entrance.
At table the guests should remain standing
until all have found their places, when the
host and hostess seat themselves, after which
the others follow. The men should assist the
women they escort before taking their own
seats.
At an informal dinner a hostess should introduce
a man to the woman he is to escort
to dinner, informing him whether he is to sit
on the right or left hand of the host.
When the dinner is announced the host
with his escort leads the way, followed by the
guests, and the hostess and her escort come
last.
GUEST LATE. The hostess should always bow
and shake hands with a guest arriving late,
but does not rise unless the guest is a woman.
HOURS. Dinners begin from 7 to 8 P.M., and
usually last from one hour to an hour and a
half.
INTRODUCTIONS. If a man is not acquainted with
the woman assigned to him, the hostess
should introduce him to the woman.
INVITATIONS. These should be acknowledged
immediately by a letter of acceptance, or declining
with regret.
The invitations are given in the name of
husband and wife, and should be sent out
two or four weeks in advance. R. S. V. P.
is not used, and they should be answered
immediately.
Invitations to a dinner in honor of a special
guest are engraved, and state this fact. If
for good reasons there is not sufficient time
to engrave, an ordinary invitation may be
used, and a visiting-card enclosed, upon which
is written: To meet Miss Wilson.
For ceremonious dinners, cards may be engraved,
with place for guest's name left blank
and filled in by hand.
When frequent dinners are given, invitations
may be engraved, with blanks to be
filled with dates, etc.
Written invitations are also proper to indicate
an unceremonious dinner. Note sheets
can be used.
HUSBAND AND WIFE. Both the husband and
wife should always be invited to a dinner.
When a husband and wife are invited to
dinner, and the former does not accept, the
wife should decline, giving her reason. The
hostess can then invite the wife only, who
may accept.
MEN. Full dress is necessary for all except informal
dinners.
The man at the door, after asking the
guest's name, hands him an envelope, with
his name upon it, enclosing a card with the
name of the woman he is to escort to dinner;
or these envelopes may be in the dressing-
rooms, if preferred. It will also be designated
at which side of the table (right or
left) a man is to sit; or a diagram of the
table, with the names of the guests, should
be hung in each dressing-room. The guests
pair off as indicated.
As soon as possible a man should seek the
woman assigned to him, and inform her that
he will be pleased to act as her escort, disguising
any personal preference he may have
otherwise.
He should offer his left arm when escorting
her to dinner.
When the dinner is announced, the host
leads the way with the woman he escorts,
and the rest follow. To avoid confusion, a
man should remember on which side of the
table he is to sit, his place being indicated by
a dinner card.
If unacquainted with the woman a man is
to escort to dinner, he should seek an introduction
from the hostess.
When the women rise to leave, the men
rise and remain standing until the women
leave the dining-room, or they may accompany
them to the drawing-room, and then
return for coffee and cigars. They should
not remain longer than half an hour.
LEAVING CARDS. After a dinner a man should
leave a card for host and hostess, whether
the invitation was accepted or not; or it
may be sent by mail or messenger, with an
apology for so doing.
PRECEDENCE. The host offers his right arm to
the woman who is the guest, or the most distinguished
woman, or the eldest, or the one
invited for the first time. If the dinner is
given in honor of a married couple, the host
would take in the wife, and the husband
would accompany the hostess, who comes
last in the procession into the dining-room.
It is a fixed rule that relatives, or husbands
and wives, are never seated together.
If possible, there should be an equal number
of men and women, and if the latter outnumber
the former, the hostess enters alone.
SECOND HELPING. At formal dinner parties,
luncheons, and breakfasts, second helpings
are never offered by the host or hostess, and
should not be asked for by the guests. This
is only permissible at a small dinner party
or at the daily family meal.
Of course, this does not apply to a second
glass of water for which the guest might ask,
or for wine, for which the butler should keep
a good lookout.
TABLE ETIQUETTE. See TABLE ETIQUETTE.
WOMEN. When wraps have been removed, and
the woman leaves the dressing-room, the escort
chosen by the hostess approaches and makes
known the fact, accompanying her to the
table. If the escort is not thoroughly agreeable
to the woman, she should conceal the
fact.
At the conclusion of a dinner the hostess rises
and the women follow, leaving their napkins
unfolded. They retire to the drawing-room,
while the men remain for coffee and cigars.
If the men prefer, they may escort them to
the drawing-room, where they bow and return.
GLOVES. Women may remove their gloves at
table, and it is not necessary to replace them.
They should be laid in the lap. The hostess
generally determines whether the women
should resume their gloves or not by her own
actions.
Full dress is worn.
GIVEN BY MEN--WOMEN. A young woman may
accept a man's invitation, provided she has
the consent of her mother or guardian, and
is assured that there will be present a chaperone.
GIVEN BY BACHELORS. See BACHELORS' DINNERS.
DINNER DANCE.
INVITATIONS. The hostess issues two sets of
invitations--one for those invited to both the
dinner and the dance, and one for those invited
to the dance only.
For the former she could use her usual
engraved dinner cards with the words: Dancing
at eleven, and for the latter her usual
engraved At Home cards with the words:
Dancing at eleven.
A less formal way for the latter invitation
is to use the Mr. and Mrs. card or Mrs. and
Miss card, and to write on it in the lower left
hand corner: Dancing at ten, February the
tenth.
DOCTOR--HOW ADDRESSED. A doctor or physician
should be addressed as Dr. both by correspondence
and in conversation.
This title of Dr. must not be confounded
with the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity,
conferred upon clergymen by educational
institutions, and the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy, conferred upon college professors
after certain conditions of study have been
complied with.
DOWAGER DUCHESS. See DUCHESS, DOWAGER.
DOWAGER MARCHIONESS. See MARCHIONESS, DOWAGER.
DRESS.
AFTERNOON. See AFTERNOON--DRESS.
AFTERNOON TEAS. See AFTERNOON TEAS--DRESS.
AT HOMES. See AT HOMES--DRESS.
BACHELORS' DINNERS. See BACHELOR'S DINNERS--
DRESS.
BACHELORS' TEAS. See BACHELOR'S TEAS--DRESS.
BALLS. See BALLS--DRESS.
BREAKFASTS. See BREAKFASTS--DRESS.
CHRISTENINGS. See CHRISTENING--DRESS.
COTILLIONS. See COTILLIONS--DRESS.
COTILLIONS BY SUBSCRIPTIONS. See COTILLIONS
BY SUBSCRIPTIONS--DRESS.
DANCES. See DANCES--DRESS.
DINNERS. See DINNERS--DRESS.
EVENING. See EVENING DRESS.
GARDEN PARTIES. See GARDEN PARTIES--DRESS.
HIGH TEAS. See HIGHT TEAS--DRESS.
HOUSE PARTIES. See HOUSE PARTIES--DRESS.
LUNCHEONS. See LUNCHEONS--DRESS.
MATINEES. See MATINEES--DRESS.
MUSICALES. See MUSICALES--DRESS.
THEATRES. See THEATRES--DRESS.
WEDDINGS. See WEDDINGS--DRESS.
DRESS--MEN AND WOMEN. For particulars as to dress
at different functions, see each entertainment
--as, Balls, Dinners, At Homes, Theatres,
Breakfasts, etc.
DRESS--WOMEN.
BRIDE. See BRIDE--DRESS.
BRIDESMAIDS. See BRIDESMAIDS--DRESS.
CALLS. See CALLS--WOMEN--DRESS.
FUNERALS. See FUNERALS--WOMEN--DRESS.
MAID OF HONOR. See MAIDOF HONOR--DRESS.
MOURNING. See MOURNING--DRESS, WOMEN.
DRESSING-ROOMS. At all entertainments,
dressing-rooms should be provided for both
the men and for the women, with suitable
attendants, where all outer wraps, coats, over-
shoes, etc., should be left.
DRIVING
MEN. When driving with a woman, a man should
be careful that the carriage is well drawn up
to the steps, and that she be given time in
which to comfortably seat herself before he
begins to drive.
A man when driving with a woman should
refrain from asking her permission to smoke,
and, of course, would never do so without her
permission.
He should be careful to lift his hat as if he
were on the street, and if this is not possible,
to touch it with the whip in place of a bow.
The host of a coaching party, if he is also
the whip, would give the chaperone the seat
on the box at the left of his, unless he wished
that seat to be occupied by some special young
woman. The person occupying this seat
should always be helped by the host to climb
to her place.
It is customary when the coach is a high
one to seat a woman between two men, and
they would ascend and descend in the order
in which they were seated.
Even if the woman asks a man to drive with
her, he should help her to her seat, and be
ready to step down when a halt is made to
assist her to alight.
It is not customary when a woman has
asked a man to drive with her for her to call
for him at his club or home, but to meet him
at her house.
DRESS. The whip wears a gray suit with a gray
high hat and gray gloves, with a white silk
tie and white linen. But in summer this costume
is often made lighter and more comfortable
to suit the weather, and a straw hat
or panama, with flannel trousers and dark
serge sacque coat, would be in good taste.
There are no hard and fast rules governing
the dress of men when driving.
WOMEN. The etiquette in general is the same
for a woman as for a man.
When a woman asks a man or a male relative
to drive with her, she does not call for
him, but meets him at her door. Even if a
groom is present, he should help her to
mount to her seat, and at the proper time
descend before her and help her to alight.
DUCHESS--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
Madam, may it please Your Grace, and ends:
I have the honor to remain your Grace's obedient
servant.
A social letter begins: My Dear Duchess of
Kent, and ends: Believe me, dear Duchess,
yours very truly.
The address on the envelope is: To Her
Grace, The Duchess of Kent.
DUCHESS, DOWAGER--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: May it please YOUR Grace, and
ends: I have the honor to remain your Graces's
obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Duchess
Of Kent, and ends: Believe me, dear Duchess,
yours very truly.
The address on the envelope is: To Her
Grace, The Dowager Duchess of Kent, or, To
Her Grace, Minnie, Duchess of Kent.
DUKE--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
My Lord Duke, may it please your grace, and
ends: I have the honor to be your grace's most
obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Duke of
Kent, and ends: believe me, dear Duke, your
Grace's very faithfully.
The address on the envelope is: To His
Grace, The Duke of Kent.
DAUGHTER OF. See Daughter of Duke.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF. See Wife of
Younger Son of Duke.
YOUNGER SON OF. See Son (Younger) of Duke.
EARL--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
My Lord, and ends: I have the honor to be
your lordship's obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable The Earl Of Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lord Kent,
and ends: Believe me my dear Lord Kent,
very sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Earl of Kent
DAUGHTER OF. See Daughter of Earl.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON. See Wife of Younger
Son of Earl.
YOUNGER SON OF. See Son (Younger) of Earl.
EGGS are usually broken into a glass and eaten with
a spoon.
ELEVATOR. Men should remove their hats when
riding in an elevator with women, although
it is held by some that an elevator is as much
a public conveyance as a car, and this act of
courtesy as unnecessary in the one place as
in the other. Women enter and leave before
men.
ENGAGEMENT.
MEN It is his duty to see the woman's parents
or guardian, and to make known his
intentions, and to tell them fully and frankly
about himself, his family, his social position,
and business prospects. He should court the
fullest investigation, and take his own family
into his confidence, but not mention it to
others.
PARENTS OF MAN. They should send their
pleasant greetings and congratulations,
accompanied with flowers, and if both families
are old acquaintances, a present may be sent
to the prospective bride.
PARENTS OF WOMAN. The first step is to bring
together both parents in social intercourse--
as, by a dinner given by the man's or woman's
family, when friends may be invited, by
interchange of notes and congratulations, by
any social visit, or by any function that good
taste may dictate.
If one family lives out of town, it may
invite various members of the other family
living in the city to make visits of some
duration, as a week or more. These visits should
be returned.
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT. This item of news is
rarely published in the papers, but if it is,
the expense is borne by the family of the
woman. The public announcement is usually
made at some social entertainment--as, a
dinner, tea, or an "At Home," given by either
family.
At a formal dinner given by the family of
the woman, the father takes out his daughter
first and her fiance escorts her mother. At
the proper time the father drinks his future
son-in-law's health and announces the
engagement. All rise, and congratulations
follow.
Notes may be written to intimate friends
informing them of the happy event.
WOMEN. A woman should at once confide in
her parents, and trust to their future
guidance and to their making a full investigation
of the man, his social condition, and business
prospects. They should not mention the
matter to others.
Immediately after the engagement, each of
the two parties should be introduced to the
family of the other party. Before the wedding-cards
are issued the woman should leave her
card personally at the homes of her friends,
but without entering. After the wedding-cards
are issued she should not appear at any
social function, or make any personal visits,
or be seen at any place of amusement.
It is not wise for her to call at the place of
business of her fiance, and if a meeting is
necessary, it is better to make an appointment
elsewhere.
RING. The ring is given by the man immediately
after the announcement of the engagement
to the woman, who wears it on the third finger
of her left hand. It should be a small and
unostentatious one. Diamonds, rubies,
moonstones, sapphires, and other precious stones
may be used.
He may ask the woman to aid him in the
selection, but it is better for him to make the
selection alone. The woman may give the
man an engagement ring or a gift if she
wishes.
ENTERTAINMENTS--CALLS AFTER. See CALLS--MEN--AFTER
ENTERTAINMENTS.
ENVELOPES, ADDRESSING. See ADDRESSING ENVELOPES.
ESQUIRE. Either ESQ. or MR. may be used in
addressing a letter, but never the two at the
same time.
EVENING CALLS. When no special day for receiving
is indicated, calls may be made at any proper
hour, according to the custom of the locality.
Men of leisure may call at the fashionable
hours, from two till five o'clock in the
afternoon, while business and professional men
may call between eight and nine in the
evening, as their obligations prevent them from
observing the fashionable hours.
EVENING DRESS.
Men. Evening dress should be worn on all
formal occasions, consisting of the swallow-
tail coat of black material, made in the
prevailing fashion, with waistcoat and trousers
of the same material; or a white vest may
be worn.
The linen must be white. Studs or shirt-
buttons may be worn, according to fashion.
The collar should be high, and the cravat
white. Low patent-leather shoes and white
kid gloves complete the costume.
Evening dress should be worn at all formal
functions after six o'clock--as, balls, dinners,
suppers, receptions, germans, formal
stag parties, theatre, opera, and fashionable
evening calls where women are present.
The phrase, "evening dress," is now used
in place of full dress.
A Tuxedo should never be worn when
women are present.
See also TUXEDO. CLERGYMAN--EVENING
DRESS.
WEDDINGS, EVENING. Full evening dress is
worn by the groom and ushers. Guests are
likewise in evening dress.
CLERGYMAN. Custom permits a clergyman to
wear his clerical dress at all functions where
other men wear evening dress, or he may
wear evening dress.
EVENING RECEPTIONS. The etiquette is the same as
for an afternoon tea (formal), save that no
cards are left by the guests, and that they
wear evening dress.
See AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL).
FACSIMILE CARDS, engraved, are no longer used.
FAMILY OF BRIDE. The family, except the father,
leave the house first, then the bridesmaids,
the maid of honor with the mother, and last
the bride with her father or nearest male
relative. At church the family is seated by the
ushers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony they are
the first to be escorted from their pew and to
take their carriage for the wedding reception
or breakfast.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. The bride's father or
her nearest male relative takes in the groom's
mother, and the bride's mother, as hostess, is
taken in by the groom's father.
WEDDING RECEPTION. The parents of both
bride and groom stand up with the married
couple, and are introduced to the guests.
FAMILY OF GROOM. At the church the family and
relatives of the groom are seated on one side,
while the family of the bride and her
relatives are seated on the other.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. The groom's mother is
taken in by the bride's father, and the groom's
father takes in the bride's mother, who,
acting as hostess, comes last.
WEDDING RECEPTION. The parents of both
bride and groom stand up with the married
couple, and are introduced to the guests.
FAREWELL BACHELOR DINNER. See BACHELOR'S FAREWELL
DINNERS.
FAREWELL BRIDAL LUNCHEON. See BRIDE--FAREWELL
LUNCHEON.
FATHER OF BRIDE.
DEBUTS. When the debut is a formal one, he
stands beside his wife and daughter, and
receives the congratulations of the guests. At
a supper or dinner he escorts the most
distinguished woman. If there is no brother to
escort the debutante, he does so, and she is
seated at his left hand.
DINNER, ENGAGEMENT. At a formal dinner
given by the family of the engaged woman
the father takes out his daughter first and
her fiance escorts her mother. At the proper
time the father drinks to the health of his
future son-in-law, and announces the
engagement. All rise, and congratulations follow.
He wears evening dress.
The father of the bride, or her nearest
male relative, drives to the church with her,
and is there received by the ushers and
bridesmaids, and escorts her in the
procession up the aisle.
After the procession has arrived at the
chancel and the groom comes forward to
take the bride's hand, he steps back a little
way and waits for the clergyman's words:
"Who giveth this woman away?" He
then places the bride's right hand in that of
the clergyman, and retires to his seat in the
pew with his family.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. He takes in the mother
of the groom, following the ushers and the
maids of honor.
WEDDING RECEPTION. He escorts the groom's
mother, and receives with the married couple.
FATHER OF GROOM. At a wedding breakfast he should
take in the mother of the bride, and at a
wedding reception he receives with the bride
and groom.
At a church wedding he is, of course, given
a front seat among those reserved for the
groom's family.
He should wear afternoon dress for an
afternoon wedding, and evening dress at an
evening wedding.
FEES.
CHRISTENING. See CHRISTENING--FEES
WEDDING. The wedding fee, preferably gold or
clean bills in sealed envelope, is given by the
best man to the officiating clergyman. Custom
leaves the amount to the groom, who
should give at least five dollars or more, in
proportion to his income and social position.
The clergyman usually gives the fee to his
wife.
A fee should also be paid to the sexton and
the organist
FIANCE, MOURNING FOR. In the event of the death
of a woman's betrothed shortly before the
date of the wedding, she may wear black for
a short period or full mourning for a year.
FINGER-BOWL. The fingers should be dipped in the
water and gently rubbed together, and dried
on the napkins.
FIRST CALLS. Newcomers and brides are called upon
first.
After a country visit, the visitor should call
first upon the hostess when the latter returns
to town.
Other things being equal, the younger or
unmarried woman calls first upon the older
or married woman.
A woman returning to town before another
one would make the first call.
If one woman issues her AT HOME card
before another, she should receive the first
call.
FISH should be eaten with a fork held in the right
hand and a piece of bread held in the left hand.
The bones should be removed from the
mouth with the aid of a fork or with the
fingers. If by the latter, great delicacy
should be used.
FLOWER GIRL. The flower girls--one or two, as may
be the case--follow the maid of honor up the
isle and strew flowers in the path of the
bride, who follows after.
In the procession down the isle they should
follow the bride.
Flower girls and pages are not used now
as much as formerly.
FLOWERS. Between friends, flowers may be sent as
an expression of sympathy in either joy or
sorrow.
BIRTH, ANNOUNCEMENT OF. If wishing to send
congratulations after a birth, cards should be
left in person or sent by a messenger. Cut
flowers may be sent with the card.
BRIDE. If she wishes, a bride may present flowers
to her bridesmaids, and also to the best
man and ushers.
CHRISTENING. A christening ceremony offers a
good opportunity for the guests who desire
to present flowers to the mother. This is
not obligatory, however, and must remain a
matter of personal taste.
CONDOLENCE CALLS. When making a condolence
call upon a very intimate friend, cut
flowers may be left in person or sent,
together with a card, unless request has been
made to send none.
DEBUTANTE. Friends should send flowers to a
debutante at a formal tea given in her honor.
ENGAGEMENT. Flowers should accompany the
greetings from the parents of the man to the
parents of the woman.
FUNERALS. See FUNERALS--FLOWERS.
GROOM. He pays for the bridal bouquet carried
by the bride at the wedding ceremony, and, if
he wishes, for the bouquets carried by the
bridesmaids.
MEN. If well acquainted with a debutante's
family, a man may send her flowers at the
time of her debut.
After a slightly intimate acquaintance, a
man can present flowers to a young
unmarried woman as a token of sympathy either of
joy or sorrow.
It is not usual for a man to send flowers to
a woman who is a mere acquaintance.
BALLS. It is permissible for a man, if he wishes,
to send flowers to a woman he is to escort to
a ball.
THEATRE OR OPERA. It is permissible, but not
necessary, for a man to send flowers to the
woman he is to take to the theatre or to the
opera.
WEDDING TRIP. The best man should arrange
beforehand all the details of the trip--such as
the tickets, parlor-car, flowers, baggage, etc.
PALL-BEARERS. See PALL-BEARERS--FLOWERS.
FORK AND KNIFE. See KNIFE AND FORK.
FORMAL AFTERNOON TEAS. See AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL).
FORMAL DANCES. See DANCES (FORMAL).
FRUIT. All raw fruit, except melons, berries, and
grapefruit, are eaten with the fingers.
Canned fruits are eaten with a spoon.
FULL DRESS. This phrase is now no longer in good
usage, and instead should be used the term:
"Evening Dress," which SEE.
FUNERALS. A member of the family, or very near
relative, should take charge of the ceremony
and direct the undertaker. A large funeral
should be avoided, and the ceremony confined
to the immediate family and nearest relatives,
and, if possible, the service should be at the
church.
All the details of the funeral should be
carefully considered and carried out, with the
ceremony started at the hour set, and with
all appearance of confusion avoided.
It is not now customary to watch by the
dead at night.
Funerals should be private, and only those
intimately interested should be invited.
CARRIAGES. A carriage should always be
provided to call for the clergyman and to take
him from the church or cemetery back to his
house. Carriages should also be provided to
take the friends, mourners, and pall-bearers
from the house to the church, and then to the
cemetery and return. These are provided by
the family.
DRESS. See FUNERALS--MEN.
EXPENSES. Though it is not customary for
the clergyman in Protestant churches to
expect or to receive fees for conducting funerals,
yet it is in perfectly good taste to offer him a
fee. In the Roman Catholic Church the rate
of fees for funerals is fixed. There are,
besides, fees for the sexton, the organist, and the
singers.
FLOWERS. The family, in publishing notice of
funeral, may add: "Kindly omit flowers."
However, in the absence of such a notice,
at the public funerals of prominent persons
elaborate designs may be sent. But at a
private funeral, if flowers are sent, they
should be choice and delicate.
The custom is growing of having fewer
flowers, and it is no longer in good taste to
have a carriage in the procession carrying
flowers and set pieces. A good use of the
large set pieces is to send them afterward to
the hospitals.
If any flowers are laid upon the grave
they should be those given by the nearest
relatives.
INVITATIONS. A church funeral can be attended
by any one, friend or acquaintance, and no
slight should be felt at the non-receipt of an
invitation. Those attending should take
especial pains to be in the church before the
funeral procession arrives, and that they do
nothing to distract from the solemnity of the
occasion.
Notice of death and date of funeral may be
printed on heavy bordered cards, or on
mourning paper, and sent to friends.
Sometimes a notice is written and sent to most
intimate friends.
MEN--DRESS. A man should wear either a black
frock coat or a black cutaway, with the
necktie, gloves, and other parts of the dress as
subdued as possible. Under no conditions
should light ties or light-colored linen be
worn.
PALL-BEARERS. See PALL-BEARERS.
PRECEDENCE. At a church funeral the parents,
arm in arm, follow the body of their child,
and the children come next in the order of
their age.
A widow, leaning on the arm of her eldest
son, follows the body of her husband, and
the other children come after.
A widower, attended by his eldest daughter
or son, follows the body of his wife, and the
children come after.
The elder children always precede the
younger. The pall-bearers are seated at the
left of the main isle, and the near relatives
at the right.
PUBLIC NOTICE. When the date of the funeral
has been determined upon, notice should be
published in the papers, giving date, place,
and time of funeral--also date of birth and
late place of residence of deceased. Such
announcement may contain notice that
the interment is private, and also the words:
"Kindly omit flowers."
A notice of death and date of funeral may
be printed on heavy bordered cards or mourning
paper, and sent to friends. Sometimes
a notice is written and sent to most intimate
friends.
CHURCH. The pall-bearers and the nearest relatives
meet at the house. At the appointed
hour the procession leaves the house, the
casket borne on the shoulders of the undertaker's
assistants, followed by the pall-bearers,
relatives, and friends.
The same order is followed in the procession
up the aisle, the relatives occupying
the first pews on the right, the pall-bearers
the first pews on the left, of the middle aisle.
At the conclusion of the ceremony the friends
wait until the family and pall-bearers have
left, and then quietly retire.
HOUSE. At a house funeral, some one representing
the family should receive the people
as they enter and direct them where to go,
it being customary for the family and relatives
to be in one room and the friends in
another.
Usually there are no pall-bearers; but if
there are, their duties are the same as at a
church funeral. The clergyman should stand
near the casket, and if there are musicians
they should be so stationed that, while they
are not seen, they are easily heard. At the
conclusion of the ceremony the friends depart,
and thus allow the family and relatives
to take the last leave of the deceased
before they take the carriages for the cemetery.
It is customary for the family to be in
retirement at the hour of the funeral, and
they are the first to enter the carriages.
Those in charge of the house should, after
the funeral party has left, arrange the
apartments to make them as cheerful as possible,
and also provide a substantial meal for
the mourners on their return.
GARDEN PARTIES.
CARDS. Guests leave their cards in the hall either
when entering or leaving only at large garden
parties.
DRESS. It is customary for women to wear light
afternoon dresses.
Men wear summer business suits, yachting
flannels, and straw hats, and even white duck
trousers. Gloves are not worn.
The regulation frock coat and high hat is
not worn, save by men from the city or at
some extremely fashionable affair.
GUESTS. After leaving their outer garments in
the dressing-rooms, the guests should pay
their respects to the hostess, after which
they are free to enjoy themselves as they
please.
The usual length of stay is about half an
hour or the whole afternoon.
While guests may arrive at their own convenient
time, they would do well to remember
that they have not the same freedom to come
and go as at an afternoon reception.
Guests should take leave of the hostess unless
she is very much engaged.
HOSTESS. The hostess wears afternoon dress,
and usually one that is dainty and delicate--
suitable for a summer afternoon.
She receives on the lawn, shakes hands
with each guest, and makes introductions
when deemed essential.
She may, if she so desires, receive with
some member of her family.
HOURS. These are from 3 to 7 P.M.
INVITATIONS. These are issued in the name of
the hostess, and may be engraved or written.
Sometimes the hostess writes on her card:
GARDEN PARTY, JULY 17, FROM 4 TO 7, or she
may use an AT HOME card, and in the lower
left-hand corner write: GARDEN PARTY. The
engraved card usually indicates an elaborate
affair.
These invitations may be sent by mail or
messenger.
It is a good plan to add to the invitations
some information regarding the trains, or to
enclose a time-table.
All such invitations should be promptly
acknowledged or declined.
MEN. Men wear summer business suits, white
ducks, or yachting flannels, A tennis suit
would be permissible.
The regulation frock coat and high hat
should be worn only by men from the city
attending an affair in the country, or at some
extremely fashionable affair.
Men should greet the hostess both on their
arrival and departure.
Visiting-cards are left only at large garden
parties.
WOMEN. Women wear light, delicate, afternoon
dresses.
They should greet the hostess, both on their
arrival and departure.
Visiting-cards are left only at large and
formal outdoor affairs.
GERMANS. See COTILLIONS.
GIFTS.
AFTER HOUSE PARTY. While not necessary, a
guest after a house party may send some
trifle to the hostess as a token of pleasure
and appreciation.
BEST MAN. After the groom selects the best
man, the latter should send a gift to the
bride, and may, if he wish, send it to the
groom, a custom not yet clearly established.
CHRISTENING. A christening ceremony offers a
good opportunity for the invited guests so
wishing to send a gift to the baby. These
should be sent a day or two before the
ceremony, and, if of silver, should be suitably
marked with the child's name, initials, or
monogram.
ENGAGEMENT. If both families of the engaged
couple are old acquaintances, the parents of
the man may send a gift along with their
greetings and congratulations.
WEDDING. See WEDDINGS--GIFTS.
GIFTS BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN. Books, flowers,
and other small articles of decoration are
proper gifts to accept.
Sending valuable gifts of jewelry, or any
other article, depends largely upon the
relationships of the parties, and should not be
done unless the sender is sure of its
acceptance. Such gifts should not be accepted
from mere acquaintances or friends.
It is bad form for a man to send expensive
presents to a woman who may be compelled
to return them.
GLOVES.
MEN. At the opera or theatre, if in full dress,
gloves may be dispensed with, but they are
worn with street dress. With formal evening
dress, white kid gloves should be worn.
For afternoon dress, gloves should be of
undressed kid, gray, tan, or brown. When
calling, the glove of the right hand should
be removed upon entering the drawing-room.
Gloves should not be worn at high teas.
MEN--AFTERNOON DRESS. Undressed kid
gloves of a dark color are worn.
MEN-BALLS. Men should always wear gloves
at all balls, in summer or winter, in town or
city.
MEN-CALLING ON WOMEN. Gloves need not
be removed at a formal or brief call.
MEN-DANCES. Gloves should be worn at formal
dances, and should be put on before entering
the room.
MEN-HIGH TEA. Men do not wear gloves.
MEN-MOURNING. Black or dark-colored gloves
should be worn.
MEN--SHAKING HANDS. At weddings, operas,
or dances, and on all very formal occasions,
men wear gloves. In shaking hands with
women on these occasions gloves should not
be removed.
If a hostess wears gloves at any formal
affair, a man wears his when he shakes hands
with her.
A man with hands gloved should never
shake hands with a woman without an apology
for so doing, unless she likewise wears gloves.
A sudden meeting, etc., may make a hand-shaking
in gloves unavoidable. Unless the
other party is also gloved, a man should say:
"Please excuse my glove."
WOMEN. Gloves should always be worn on the
street.
At dinners, or formal teas, women should
remove their gloves at the table and place
them in their laps.
At dinners and formal teas, when the
women have retired to the drawing-room,
they may resume their gloves or not, or
follow the example of the hostess.
At informal teas or "At Homes" the
hostess need not wear gloves.
BREAKFAST. Gloves should be removed at table.
DINNER. Women may remove their gloves at
table, and it is not necessary to replace
them. They should be laid in the lap. The
hostess generally determines by her own
actions whether the women should resume
gloves or not.
MOURNING. Gloves may be of black kid, suede,
or black silk. In the evening, black suede
or glace, or white suede should be worn.
White gloves with black stitching should not
be worn in the evening.
BRIDE. See BRIDE--GLOVES.
GROOM. See GROOM--GLOVES.
USHERS. See USHERS--GLOVES.
GODFATHER. A man asked to be one of the sponsors
at a christening ceremony should reply by a
written note or by calling in person.
He should call immediately on the parents
and send flowers to the mother, and express
himself as pleased at the compliment.
He should send a present to the child,
usually a piece of jewelry or some silver, and,
if a wealthy relative, may deposit a sum of
money to the child's credit, and present him
with the bank-book.
He should also send with his present one
of his calling cards, on which is written some
appropriate sentiment.
It is his privilege, when the wine is about
to be drunk after the ceremony, to first
propose the health of the child and then the
health of the mother.
The duties of the godfather at the ceremony
consist of assenting to the vows.
GODMOTHER. A woman asked to be a sponsor at a
christening should immediately accept or
decline the invitation either by a written note
or a call.
She should also call on the parents and send
flowers to the mother, and express pleasure
at the compliment paid to her.
It is always customary for the godmother
to give the child a gift, such as a christening
robe, a cradle, or some piece of silver. If
the latter is sent, it should have the child's
name on it. With the gift should be sent
the sponsor's calling card, with some
appropriate sentiment on it. It is customary to
send the gift to the child itself.
GOLDEN WEDDINGS. Fifty years after the wedding-day
comes the Golden Wedding. The invitations
may bear the words: NO PRESENTS
RECEIVED, and congratulations may be extended
in accepting or declining the invitation. An
entertainment is usually provided for.
The gifts are, appropriately, articles of
gold, and this is a fitting occasion for giving
fifty gold pieces of either, five, ten, or twenty
dollar denomination. The invitations are
appropriately engraved in gold, and the
decorations golden in color.
GOVERNOR OF A STATE--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have the honor,
sir, to remain your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Governor
Wilson, and ends: Believe me, most sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: Governor
John J. Wilson.
GRAPES AND PLUMS should be eaten one by one, and
the pits allowed to fall noiselessly into the
half-closed hand and then transferred to the
plate.
GROOM. The groom selects his best man, usually
an unmarried intimate friend, though a married
man or widower is permissible. After
consultation with the bride he calls upon the
clergyman, the organist, the sexton, and invites
the ushers.
When he is informed by his bride of the
day selected for the wedding, he should ask
her mother to accept the day agreed upon.
He may make what present he desires to
the bride, and, if he also wishes, to the brides-
maids. If any gifts are sent to the groom,
they should bear his name or cipher.
He should furnish the bride's family with
a list of names of persons to whom he desires
to have invitations sent, designating his
preference for those to be asked to the wedding
breakfast or reception.
BEFORE CEREMONY. The day before the ceremony,
or sooner, he gives into the safe-
keeping of the best man the ring and the fee
for the clergyman.
He also sends or hands the marriage license
(if one is needed) to the officiating
clergyman before the ceremony.
CHURCH, It is not customary for the groom to
see his bride on the wedding-day till he
meets her at the altar. The groom and the
best man usually breakfast together on the
wedding-day and arrive in ample time at the
church.
Upon the arrival of the bride in the
vestibule, the clergyman enters the chancel,
followed by the groom and the best man. The
groom then steps forward, and stands at the
left of the clergyman, facing the audience. It
is a good plan for both the groom and best
man to leave their hats in the vestry, but if
the groom has not done so, he gives his hat
and gloves to the best man on the approach
of the bride, and advances to meet her. He
gives her his left arm, and together they stand
before the clergyman.
At the proper moment he receives the ring
from the best man and hands it to the bride.
It is no longer in good form for him to kiss
the bride after the ceremony, but after receiving
the congratulations of the clergyman
to give her his right arm, and together they
lead the procession to the vestibule.
CLERGYMAN. While the bride selects the officiating
clergyman, it is the place of the groom
to call upon him in regard to the details, and
to pay him the fee.
If the clergyman from any cause--as, living
outside of the State--cannot legally perform
the ceremony, a magistrate should be present
to legalize the marriage, and should receive
a fee.
DRESS-EVENING WEDDING. He wears full
evening dress.
DRESS-MORNING OR AFTERNOON WEDDING.
He wears afternoon dress, consisting of a
double-breasted frock coat of dark material,
waistcoat, single or double (preferably the
latter), of same material, or more usually of
some fancy material of late design. The
trousers should be of light pattern, avoiding
extremes. The linen should be white, and
the tie white or light material, and the gloves
of gray suede. These, with patent-leather
shoes and a silk hat, complete the costume.
EXPENSES. He pays for the license fee, the
organist's fee, and a fee to the sexton.
Nothing less than five dollars in gold,
clean bills, or a check in a sealed envelope,
or more, according to social position and
financial income, should be the clergyman's
fee. Should there be one or two additional
clergymen, he pays a fee to each, the fee of
the officiating clergyman being double that
of the others.
He pays for the carriages of the ushers,
the one for himself and the best man, and
the one which takes away the married couple
on their wedding trip.
He pays for the bouquet carried by the
bride, and, if he wishes, for the bouquets
carried by the bridesmaids. He also pays for
the cuff-buttons or scarf-pins, and, if he
wishes, for the gloves and neckties given
to the ushers and the best man.
He pays for the wedding-ring--a plain gold
one, with initials of bride and groom and
date of marriage engraved thereon. He may
also present some souvenirs to the
bridesmaids.
He may give a farewell dinner a few
evenings before the wedding to his best man,
ushers, and a few intimate friends. He sits
at the head of the table and the best man
opposite, and on this occasion he may give
the scarf-pins or cuff-buttons, also neckties
and gloves, if he wishes, to the best man and
ushers.
FAREWELL DINNER. See BACHELOR'S FAREWELL
DINNER.
GLOVES. At a morning or afternoon wedding,
the groom wears gray suede gloves.
At an evening wedding he wears white kid
gloves.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. The bride and groom
enter first, and are seated at the principal
table.
WEDDING RECEPTION. The groom and his bride
stand side by side and receive the
congratulations of all present. The guests serve
them refreshments.
See also BEST MAN. BRIDE. USHERS. All
items under WEDDINGS.
GROOM'S FAMILY. See FAMILY OF GROOM.
GROOM'S FATHER. See FATHER OF GROOM.
GROOM'S MOTHER. See MOTHER OF GROOM.
GUESTS.
GUEST OF HONOR AT BALLS, if the ball is given
in honor of some special person, he should be
met on his arrival, introduced to the women
of the reception committee, escorted to the
seat prepared for him, and be attended to the
whole evening by the management of the ball.
At the end of the ball, he should be escorted
to his carriage.
LATE AT DINNERS. When a guest arrives late
he should make a short and suitable apology
to the hostess, and then take his seat as
quickly and as quietly as possible.
The hostess shakes hands with the guest,
but does not rise unless the guest is a woman.
The host should in either case rise and
meet the guest, and assist him in finding his
seat, and endeavor, by making the conversation
general, to distract attention from the
event.
For duties of guests, see other functions--
as, BALLS--GUESTS, CHRISTENINGS--GUESTS, etc.
HAND-SHAKING--INTRODUCTIONS. Women and men on
being introduced may shake hands, but it is
not good form. A polite bow, a smile, and
friendly recognition is more correct. If an
advance is made by either party, it should be
immediately accepted.
HAT.
MEN--CALLING. When making a formal or
brief call, the hat should be carried in the
hand into the parlor.
In apologizing to a woman, opening a door,
or rendering any service to a woman in public,
or in answering a question, the hat should
be raised.
When seeing a woman to her carriage, he
should raise his hat upon closing the
carriage door. When attentions are offered by
another man to a woman whom he is escorting,
a man raises his hat in acknowledgment
of the courtesy and thanks the party.
In a street-car a man raises his hat when
giving his seat to a woman.
On the railroad a man removes his hat in
the parlor-car, but not in the day coach.
In an elevator a man should remove his
hat in the presence of women.
In hotels where corridors are reserved and
used as places of meeting and recreation by
the guests, no hats should be worn. Standing
uncovered when talking to a woman on
the street is generally embarrassing to her,
and it is better to make a polite bow and
replace it after a few seconds.
MOURNING. A crape band around the hat should
be worn--the width of the band being
determined by the character of the bereavement.
HIGH TEA. This is an elaborate entertainment,
and an elaborate menu is generally served.
CALLS. Calls should be made in person one week
after the event.
GUESTS. Guests wear evening dress, and should
not remain more than half an hour.
INVITATIONS. These are engraved, and the
hour for the entertainment specified. They
should be issued in the name of the hostess
only, except in such cases when the entertainment
is the occasion of a debut or another
woman assists, in which event her
name appears likewise.
The invitations should be promptly accepted
or declined.
MEN. Full dress is worn, but men do not wear
gloves.
WOMEN. Full dress is worn.
HOME WEDDINGS. Weddings at the homes of the
brides vary much, according to the taste of
the participants. The ushers, bridesmaids,
best man, and maid of honor are generally
dispensed with; but if present, their duties
are the same as at a church wedding, with
minor differences.
The clergyman stands in a large room
decorated with flowers, facing the audience,
with the groom beside him. The bride enters
on the arm of her father, followed by the
bridesmaids and ushers, and the ceremony
proceeds as at a church, with the usual
congratulations to the groom and best wishes to
the bride.
Refreshments are served, either formal or
informal. At an afternoon ceremony men
wear the regulation afternoon dress, and if
in the evening, the usual evening dress.
HONEYMOON, See WEDDING TRIP.
HONOR, SEAT OF. The seat of honor is at the right
of the host.
HOST.
AFTERNOON TEAS. See AFTERNOON TEAS--HOST.
BACHELORS' DINNERS. See BACHELORS' DINNERS--
HOST.
BACHELORS' TEAS. See BACHELORS' TEAS--HOST.
BALLS. See BALLS--HOST.
DANCES. See DANCES (FORMAL)--HOST.
DINNERS. See DINNERS--HOST.
MATINEES. See MATINEES--HOST.
THEATRES. See THEATRE AND OPERA PARTIES
GIVEN BY MEN.
HOSTESS.
INTRODUCTIONS. Introductions to the hostess at
an "At Home" or reception by women
assisting hostess, to those who have been invited
to the entertainment by them, are not
recognized thereafter unless by mutual consent.
The hostess receiving in her own home
should offer her hand to all to whom she is
introduced.
The hostess introduces her immediate family
to all her guests. No formal permission
is necessary.
In the case of one woman desiring an introduction
to another, the hostess should be
asked to bring this about.
INTRODUCTIONS BY CHAPERONES. At entertainments
both the chaperone and her protege
should enter together, and the chaperone
should introduce her protege to the hostess.
WOMEN CALLING UPON. When calling formally
upon a hostess, a woman should leave a card,
whether the hostess was at home or not.
When a son enters society, his mother,
when calling, can leave his cards for him, and
invitations to entertainments will follow. If
it is impossible for him to leave cards for himself
she may continue to do so.
WOMEN LEAVING CARDS ON. When a mother
leaves her daughter's card, it is for the hostess
only.
HIGH TEAS. See HIGH TEAS--HOSTESS.
HOUSE PARTIES. See HOUSE PARTIES--HOSTESS.
LUNCHEONS. See LUNCHEONS--HOSTESS.
MATINEES. See MATINEES--HOSTESS.
SHAKING HANDS. See SHAKING HANDS--HOST.
WEDDINGS. See MOTHER OF BRIDE.
HOURS.
AFTERNOON TEAS. See AFTERNOON TEAS--HOURS.
BREAKFASTS. See BREAKFASTS--HOURS.
CALLS. See CALLS--HOURS.
DINNERS. See DINNERS--HOURS.
GARDEN PARTIES. See GARDEN PARTIES--HOURS.
LUNCHEONS. See LUNCHEONS--HOURS.
MUSICALES. See MUSICALES--HOURS.
RECEPTIONS. See RECEPTIONS--HOURS.
WEDDINGS. See WEDDINGS--HOURS.
HOUSE FUNERALS. See FUNERALS--HOUSE.
HOUSE PARTIES. These usually refer to a group of congenial
persons, numbering from four to
twenty-four, and visiting country homes,
making a stay of a few days or a few weeks.
DRESS. The length of the visit and the nature
of the house party determines the extent of
wardrobe necessary. A guest should carry
at least three changes of suits--one for the
morning, one suitable for afternoon entertainments,
picnics, etc., and the regulation
evening dress.
GUEST. To be a welcome guest the visitor
should accommodate himself as much as possible
to the plans of his hostess and the ways
of the home life.
A visitor should avoid the common mistake
of refusing to make a choice when a
choice is offered.
A guest should try to be congenial with
the other guests, kind to the servants, and
to be considerate of all others.
EXPENSES. The hostess should furnish transportation
for both guests and baggage to and
from the station.
Each guest should pay for all expenses incurred
by him, and be especially careful, in
the case of sickness or misfortune, that some
items are not overlooked.
LETTER AFTER DEPARTURE. If the visit has
been more than two days, the guest should
write a short letter to the hostess, telling
of the pleasure the visit gave them and their
safe journey home.
A guest so desiring might send some trifle
as a gift to the hostess.
TIPPING SERVANTS. Unless a hostess positively
requests her guests not to tip, a guest,
when leaving at the end of a visit at a private
house, should remember the servants.
The average American, from lack of a definite
standard, too often errs on the side of
giving too much.
Those giving personal service should be
remembered, as well as those who render service--
as, the coachman and outside servants.
HOSTESS. While careful to provide entertainment
for her guests, a hostess should be careful
not to overentertain, and to allow each guest
ample time in which to enjoy themselves
any way they please. If an entertainment
is planned for the afternoon, it is well to
leave the mornings open, and VICE VERSA.
The success of the hostess depends on her
making the guests feel free from care and
ENNUI.
CARING POR THE SICK. In addition to the regular
care of the guest's room and attention to
his comfort and pleasure, a hostess should
double her energies in case her guest is sick.
She is not called upon to pay for the expenses
of telegrams, doctor's bills, medicines,
etc., contracted by the guest. If a
guest departed without attending to these
matters, the hostess would have to pay for
them.
GIVING FAREWELL, To VISITORS. A hostess
should, in bidding farewell to her visitors,
see that she does not overdo it.
While it is not strictly necessary that a
hostess should accompany a guest to the depot,
yet many still follow this rule, especially in
the case of an unmarried woman, and are
careful to see to all the details of checking
baggage, etc.
In the case of a bachelor, such attention
is not necessary.
A hostess conveys at her own expense both
the guest and baggage to and from the
station.
GREETING VISITORS. When an hour of arrival
is specified in an invitation, the guest
should be met at the station, especially an
unmarried woman, by the hostess or host.
In case of married couples or bachelors, a
man servant may meet them.
In all cases the hostess should arrange for
the conveyance of both the guests and their
luggage.
A hostess accompanies a woman to the
guest chamber, but sends a man servant
with a bachelor to the latter's room.
INVITATIONS. These should state definitely
when a visit is to begin and to end. It is
also a good plan to allude in the invitation
to any special amusement or entertainment.
These invitations should be answered
promptly.
MEN--DRESS. A man should carry with him
one business suit, evening clothes, and one
outing suit suitable for afternoon entertainments
--as, picnics, tennis, etc. This is almost
indispensable, and more depends upon the
nature of the entertainments and the length
of the visit.
WOMEN--DRESS. A woman should take at least
three changes of dress--one to travel in and
wear in the morning, one for evening wear,
and a third for afternoon picnics, outings,
etc. The length of her visit and the nature of
the entertainments and her individual taste
determines how much she may increase this.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MEMBER OF. An official
letter begins: SIR, and ends: I HAVE, SIR, THE
HONOR TO REMAIN YOUR MOST OBEDIENT SERVANT.
A social letter begins: MY DEAR MR. WILSON
and ends: I HAVE THE HONOR TO REMAIN MOST
SINCERELY YOURS.
The address on the envelope is: HON. JOHN
F. WILSON.
HUSBAND AND WIFE--CARDS, VISITING. See CARDS,
VISITING-HUSBAND AND WIFE.
IN MEMORIAM CARDS. Printed or engraved notes, or
special cards, can be used, and should be
heavily bordered. Custom allows much diversity
as to the contents of the card. Place
and date of birth, residence, date of death,
and any other information of interest to
friends and relatives may be given.
INFANT'S CARDS. The full name of the child should
be engraved, with date of birth in lower
left-hand corner, enclosed in envelope with
mother's card, and sent by mail. Such cards
are generally held together with white ribbon.
INFORMAL AFTERNOON TEAS. These are the usual afternoon
teas. By formal afternoon teas are
meant those for which specially engraved
cards have been issued, and at which all the
arrangements are more elaborate.
See AFTERNOON TEAS.
INTERIOR, SECRETARY OF--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have, sir, the
honor to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain most
sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary Of The Interior.
INTRODUCTIONS. One should be careful in making introductions.
It is easier to evade than to cause
disagreeable complications. It is unpardonable
to introduce one party to another after
having been warned not to do so.
Forgetting a person's name when about to
introduce is awkward, and when it does
occur, one should apologize and ask name.
If a person fails to hear the name, it is proper
to inform the one to whom you are introduced
and to say: "Pardon me, but I failed to
hear your name." In making introductions
one should distinctly pronounce the names.
Parents should not speak of or introduce
their children as MISS ANNA, but simply
MY DAUGHTER ANNA. Only before servants
should they be spoken of as MISS ANNA.
Persons of celebrity should have introductions
made to them. Men should always be
introduced to women, the younger to an
elder person, and unmarried persons to the
married. Persons at an entertainment are
introduced to the guest of the occasion.
Women and men on being introduced may
shake hands, but it is not good form. A
polite bow, a smile, and friendly recognition
is more correct.
Those invited to an entertainment are on
equal footing; it is therefore not necessary
to introduce one to another. Conversation
may be held without this formality, though
introductions may take place if desired.
When an introduction occurs, future recognition
is not warranted. For this reason
great care should be exercised at entertainments
that only those who are congenial to
each other should be brought together.
At small gatherings it is more kindly to
introduce. When many are present, it is not
customary to do so.
Introductions should not take place in a
church or on the steps.
It is quite proper to introduce one group
to another without formality at any outdoor
function--athletic games, etc. Such introductions
need not imply further acquaintance
if undesirable.
DANCING. The man must be introduced to the
woman, and he should ask her for the privilege
of a dance.
ENTERTAINMENTS. Introductions are not absolutely
required at musicales, teas, "At
Homes," etc. One may converse with those
nearest, but this does not warrant future
recognition.
MEN. Men are introduced to women and single
men to married men.
When introduced to a woman, a man
should bow but not shake hands, and make
some pleasant observations, and express
pleasure at the introduction.
When introduced to another man, the
man should shake hands.
Business introductions are immediate and
personal, and are intended to bring men
together without much formality. No formality
is required in introducing one man to
another on casual meeting.
It is well to avoid exaggerated expressions,
as: "Delighted to meet you," or
"Glad to know you." A simple "How do
you do" is better.
A man introducing another to a woman
should first ask her permission to do so.
This gained, he introduces him with the
remark: "Mr. Smith desires to be introduced
to Miss Wilson."
A woman's permission should first be obtained
by the party introducing. Very often
off-hand introductions take place; but it is
better to be more formal and careful, as indicated.
If she evades or declines, a man
should accept it without any show of feeling,
and make it as easy for her as possible.
After an introduction at an entertainment,
when a man meets the woman on the street,
she should bow first if she desires to continue
the acquaintance.
CHAPERONE. A man should never be introduced
direct by card or letter to a young unmarried
woman. If he desires to be introduced, the
letter or card of introduction should be addressed
to her chaperone or mother, who may
then introduce him to the young woman if
she deems it advisable.
At an entertainment a chaperone may ask
a young man if he wishes to be introduced
to the one under her care.
FORMULA. A good formula for men is: "Mr.
Brown, may I present Mr. Clark?"
A man presenting a man friend to a woman
should say: "Mr. Williams desires to be
presented to Miss Wilson. Miss Wilson,
allow me to introduce Mr. Williams. This is
Mr. Williams, Miss Wilson."
The formality is sometimes waved, and the
forms, "This is Mr. So and So, Miss Jones,"
"Mrs. Smith, Miss Jones," or "Allow me to
present ----," are used when casual meetings
occur.
PARTY INTRODUCED. After receiving call of
party to whom you have been introduced,
the visit should be returned. If AT HOME
card was left, the call should be made only
on the days specified; if an ordinary card,
call at any time within three to ten days.
If the party introduced leaves town, he
should send his card to his late host before
leaving; upon his return, he should leave
his card again.
PARTY INTRODUCING BY CARD--WOMEN. A
note of explanation may be sent by party who
brings about the introduction to the party to
whom the introduction is made, giving such
explanations as may be deemed advisable.
Two cards should be used--a person's own
card and the card of the party being introduced,
enclosed in envelope, and sent by
mail or messenger. On the left corner over
name of party introduced should be written:
INTRODUCING MR. WILSON
PARTY INTRODUCING BY LETTER--WOMEN.
Care should be exercised that the introduction
is agreeable to all concerned.
RECEPTIONS. The man should express desire
for an introduction.
WOMEN. Women calling and meeting others may
be introduced to each other by the hostess.
Upon such an occasion, when a meeting happens
between women, conversation may take
place between them without an introduction.
It does not imply further acquaintance if not
desired.
Extreme etiquette demands that no two
women of the same locality be introduced to
each other without the consent of both parties.
The object of this is that, although the parties
may be agreeable to the hostess, they may
be objectionable to each other.
Women upon being introduced to each
other may shake hands, but a slight inclination
of the body, a smile, and an appropriate
remark are more correct.
When entering a room where others are
assembled, introducing a guest to more than
one person at a time is unadvisable.
Men are introduced to women, single
women to married women, and a young
woman to an older one.
No woman should allow a man to be introduced
to her unless her permission has been
first obtained. The exception would be in the
case of a very elderly man, or a celebrity,
when the honor would be conferred upon her.
A married woman to whom a man is presented
receives him with some pleasant remark.
An unmarried one receives him with
a pleasant smile and repeats his name.
Personal introduction is done by a third
party introducing two persons to each other,
provided it is agreeable to all concerned. Introductions
should be made with extreme
care and caution, and not at all unless one is
well acquainted with both parties.
Outdoor Introductions--as, when meeting
others, or at outdoor sports--need not be
formal, but can be done haphazard. This
does not imply further acquaintance if not
desired.
FORMULA. A woman should introduce her husband
to acquaintances as "My husband,"
and not "Mr."; to intimate friends as
"Henry."
HOSTESS. Introductions to the hostess at an
"At Home," or reception by women assisting
hostess, of those who have been invited to
the entertainment by them, are not recognized
thereafter unless by mutual consent.
The hostess receiving in her own home
should offer her hand to all to whom she is
introduced.
The hostess introduces her immediate family
to all her guests. No formal permission
is necessary.
In the case of one woman desiring an introduction
to another, the hostess should be
asked to bring this about.
INTRODUCTION, LETTERS OF. The introduction of one
person to another by letter is as follows: The
party introducing writes the name of the party
he introduces upon his own card, and above
his name the words: Introducing Mr. Wilson
(his friend's name). It is then placed in an
envelope and addressed to the person to whom
the introduction is to be made. On the
lower left-hand corner of the envelope, Introducing
Mr. Wilson, is written, and given to
the bearer unsealed.
The party to whom a letter of introduction
is given should send it by mail to the party
they desire to be introduced to, enclosing
their own card with address, and then await
invitation to call.
This is preferable to calling in person, as
it may not be agreeable or desirable for the
party to open and begin such an acquaintance.
In business introduction, such formality
may be set aside.
If a letter of introduction is personally delivered,
the party presenting it should also
enclose card.
If the party called upon is not at home,
the letter or card should not be left, but sent
by mail or messenger.
The one giving another a letter of introduction
may write to the friend explaining
why it is done, who and what the party is.
If a man sends a letter of introduction to
a woman, she should acknowledge it, and, if
she wishes, invite him to call.
PARTY RECEIVING--WOMEN. The party receiving
cards of introduction should call in person
upon woman introduced; if unable to do
so, a letter should be sent, stating reasons of
inability to be present. A member of the
family may make the call instead. It should
be done within three days.
If not agreeable to receive party for any
reason, a card may be sent or left. No personal
visit need be made.
INVALID'S CALLS. A woman unable to call from sickness
may have her calls made for her by her
sister, or daughter, or some female relative.
INVITATIONS. Care should be exercised in inviting
new acquaintances to breakfast, luncheon, or
dinner, unless there are some particular
reasons why they will be especially agreeable
to those invited.
All invitations should be sent by mail.
Verbal invitations should be avoided as
much as possible, and if a verbal one is given,
it should be followed immediately by one in
writing.
ACCEPTING OR DECLINING. Invitations to all
entertainments, when answers are expected,
should be acknowledged by a written letter
of acceptance or regret. The answer should
be sent to the person or committee issuing the
invitation.
Invitations to dinners, musicales, weddings,
and breakfasts should be answered at
once, and those to balls, dances, and receptions
within one week.
Invitations to ordinary "At Homes," teas,
or weddings, which do not include invitations
to the wedding breakfast or reception,
need no acknowledgment.
The invitations sent to a family--as,
mother, or daughter, or several daughters--
may be answered by one person for all. But
invitations sent to the men of the family
should be answered by each man.
When it is found necessary to decline after
accepting an invitation, a card should be sent
the evening of the entertainment with an explanatory
letter the day following.
BALLS. Invitations to balls or assemblies should
be answered immediately, and if declined the
ticket should be returned.
DANCING. While a woman may accept or decline
any invitation to dance, it is considered a
discourteous act to refuse one man and to accept
thereafter from another an invitation to
the same dance.
WEDDINGS. Such invitations should be answered
at once, except when the invitation does not
include an invitation to the wedding reception
or breakfast, in which case no answer is
needed.
ADDRESSING. When invitations are sent to a
husband and wife and daughter, only one envelope
is needed, the daughter's name appearing
under her parents. Separate envelopes
should be addressed to two daughters--as,
Misses Wilson.
Separate envelopes should be addressed to
each son.
MEN. If an invitation is sent to a man, he should
answer it himself; but if sent to a man and
wife, the latter may answer for both.
TO CALL WITH CHAPERONE'S PERMISSION. If
permission is asked, and if agreeable, a chaperone
should invite a man to call upon her and
her protege.
Every effort should be made to call at the
specified time.
TO CALL ON WOMEN. If a woman invites a man
to call without specifying the time, it is
equivalent to no invitation at all.
TO CALL ON WOMEN THROUGH LETTERS OF
INTRODUCTION. If a man having a letter
of introduction sends the same by mail to a
woman, it should be acknowledged by a written
invitation to call. If the person receiving
the letter does not care to receive the party, a
card is sent which ends the matter.
R. S. V. P. The use of these letters--standing
for "Repondez, s'il vous plait" (Answer, if you
please)--is decreasing. All invitations bearing
these letters should be answered at once.
These may be used on invitations to ceremonious
receptions, breakfasts, luncheons,
dinners, and to meet a prominent person.
WIFE. When a husband and wife are invited to
a dinner, and the former does not accept,
the wife should also decline and give her
reasons. The hostess can then invite the
wife only, who may accept.
WOMEN. A young woman receiving an invitation
to a man's supper, tea, or dinner, may
accept, if she has the consent of her mother
or chaperone, and is assured that a chaperone
will be present.
WOMEN--THEATRE. Women receiving an invitation
from a man for the theatre should have
the consent of mother or chaperone, and when
they accept, may, with propriety, request
their escort not to provide a carriage unless
full dress on their part is requested.
AFTERNOON TEAS. See AFTERNOON TEAS--INVITATIONS.
AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL)--INVITATIONS.
AT HOMES.
See AT HOMES--INVITATIONS.
BACHELORS' DINNERS.
See BACHELORS' DINNERS--INVITATIONS.
BACHELORS' TEAS.
See BACHELORS' TEAS--INVITATIONS.
BALLS.
See BALLS--INVITATIONS.
BREAKFASTS.
See BREAKFASTS--INVITATIONS.
BRIDE.
See BRIDE--INVITATIONS.
CHRISTENINGS.
See CHRISTENINGS--INVITATIONS.
COTILLIONS.
See COTILLIONS--INVITATIONS.
See COTILLIONS BY SUBSCRIPTIONS--INVITATIONS.
MUSICALES.
See MUSICALES--INVITATIONS.
PALL-BEARERS.
See PALL-BEARERS--INVITATIONS.
PARTIES.
See PARTIES--INVITATIONS.
TELEPHONE.
See TELEPHONE INVITATIONS.
THEATRE.
See THEATRE AND OPERA PARTIES
GIVEN BY MEN--INVITATIONS.
VERBAL.
See VERBAL INVITATIONS.
IVORY WEDDING. This is the thirtieth wedding anniversary,
and is not usually celebrated. If,
however, it is done, the invitations may bear
the words: NO PRESENTS RECEIVED, and in accepting
or declining the invitation congratulations
may be extended. Any article of ivory is appropriate
as a gift. An entertainment is usually
provided.
JEWELRY--MEN. Jewelry, except the very plainest,
should not be worn, and in general the less
the better. A display of diamonds and fancy
jewelry betrays the poor taste of the wearer.
A man wearing the pins and badges of
secret societies should see that they are small
and unobtrusive, for in jewelry, as in all
matters of dress, quality rather than quantity
is to be desired.
JR. When the son is named after the father, he
adds Jr. to his name. Upon the death of the
father he omits it. This abbreviation is
sometimes added to a woman's name on her
card when her husband has the same name as
his father, and it is necessary to distinguish
between the cards of the daughter-in-law
and the mother-in-law.
If the mother-in-law should become a
widow and wish to retain the husband's
baptismal name, she should add Sr., while
her daughter would erase Jr.
If both become widows, and wish to
retain their husband's Christian names, the
daughter-in-law should add Jr.
JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT--HOW
ADDRESSED. An official letter begins: Sir,
and ends: I have, sir, the honor to remain
your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Justice Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, most sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Mr. Justice
John J. Wilson.
KING OF ENGLAND--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Sir, may it please your Majesty, and
ends: I have the honor to remain your Majesty's
most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Sir, and ends:
I have the honor to remain your Majesty's
most obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To His
Most Gracious Majesty, King Edward.
KISS, WEDDING. The kiss in the wedding ceremony
is being done away with, especially at church
weddings. Only the bride's parents and her
most intimate friends should kiss her, and
for others to do so is no longer good form.
KNIFE AND FORK. The knife is always held in the
right hand, and is only used for cutting the
food. The fork is used not only in eating
fish, meat, vegetables, and made dishes, but
also ices, frozen puddings, melons, salads,
oysters, clams, lobsters, and terrapin.
The knife should never be used to carry
food to the mouth.
See also SPOON.
KNIGHT--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
Sir, and ends: I have the honor to remain,
sir, your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Sir John Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, dear Sir John,
faithfully yours.
The address on the envelope is: To Sir
John Wilson.
WIFE OF. See Wife of Knight.
LAUNDRESS--TIPS. Guests at the end of a house
party do not tip the laundress unless she has
done special work for them.
LEATHER WEDDING. This is the twelfth anniversary
of the wedding-day, and is not usually observed.
If, however, it is observed, the invitations
may bear the words: No presents
received, and congratulations may be extended
in its acceptance or declination. Any
article of leather would be an appropriate
gift. An entertainment usually follows.
LETTERS.
ADDRESSING.
See ADDRESSING AND SIGNING LETTERS,
and also under title of person addressed
--as, GOVERNOR, MAYOR, etc.
WRITTEN AFTER HOUSE PARTIES. If the visit
has been more than two days in length, a
guest should write to the hostess a short
letter, telling of his pleasant visit and safe
journey home.
CONCLUSION OF. See CONCLUSION OF A LETTER.
OF CONDOLENCE. See CONDOLENCE, LETTERS OF.
OF INTRODUCTION. See INTRODUCTION, LETTERS OF.
LETTUCE leaves should not be cut, but folded up with
a fork, and then lifted to the mouth. In the
event of these being too large for this treatment,
they should be broken into suitable
pieces with the fork.
LICENSE, MARRIAGE. A license, when required by
State law, should be obtained by the groom
and handed to the officiating clergyman the
day before the ceremony. Usually a small fee
is charged, and the details, when entered upon
the clerk's records, are open to public inspection.
The day need not be named, and until
the marriage is solemnized the license has no
binding effect.
LUNCHEONS. Usually only women are invited to
these entertainments. Oddities, such as pink,
blue, and yellow luncheons, are not in good
taste. They should be as simple as possible.
Informal luncheons are the same as informal
breakfasts. A more formal luncheon
is proper when introducing a special guest.
Small tables are used, and diagrams of their
arrangement are placed in the dressing-room,
designating the places of the guests.
CALLS. Calls should be made a week after
entertainment.
WOMEN. Women dress in visiting toilettes and
wear their bonnets, laying aside their wraps
in the dressing-room. Gloves should be removed
at table.
After coffee, the guests should take their
leave, making some gracious remark to the
hostess.
Calls should be made a week after the
entertainment.
GIVEN BY BACHELORS. See Bachelors' Luncheons.
GUESTS. Only women, as a rule, attend luncheons.
For further details, see LUNCHEONS--WOMEN.
HOSTESS. Introductions take place in the parlor.
At the appointed hour the hostess leads the
way to the drawing-room, followed by the
guests.
The hostess and principal guest should sit
at one of the centre-tables. Between the
courses the hostess and two of the women
seated with her rise and change seats with
others. This may be done by others also if
they desire. They take their napkins with
them.
HOURS. The hour is from 1 to 2 P.M.
INTRODUCTIONS. Introductions take place in the
parlor.
INVITATIONS. Cards are engraved, and sent two
weeks in advance.
MEN--LEAVING CARDS. If men are invited, they
should, after a luncheon, leave a card for host
and hostess, whether the invitation was accepted
or not; or it may be sent by mail or
messenger, with an apology for so doing.
MAIDS--TIPS. It is customary for guests leaving
after a visit at a private house to remember
the maid who has taken care of the room
by giving her a reasonable tip. A woman
should give more for extra attention.
MAID OF HONOR. This important person is selected
by the bride, and acts for her in all details,
being virtually mistress of ceremonies and filling
a position requiring administrative ability
and tact. She acts in the same capacity as
the best man does for the groom.
She is invited, of course, to the dinner
given by the bride to the bridesmaids.
She fulfils whatever duties the bride has
been unable, from press of time, to attend to
--as, making calls, etc.
CHURCH. She goes to the church with one of
the parents of the bride, and meets the bride
and the bridesmaids in the vestibule. In the
procession she follows behind the bridesmaids,
and precedes the flower girl, if there
is one--otherwise the bride. On their arrival
at the altar she takes her place by the side of
the bride, and is ready at the plighting of the
troth to take the bride's glove and bouquet,
and returns them to her at the end of the
ceremony.
After the congratulations of the clergyman,
she parts the bridal veil, arranges the
bride's train, and follows the bride down the
aisle to the vestibule.
Here, after giving her best wishes to the
bride, she takes her carriage to the bride's
house to take part in the reception or breakfast.
DAY OF WEDDING. She should be at the house
of the bride on the morning of the wedding-day
to assist the bride's mother, to see that
the trousseau is all ready and packed, that
the bridesmaids are on time, and to attend
to the many details liable to arise.
DRESS. Her dress should be some delicate color
other than white, so as not to detract from
the bride, and should be subdued in comparison.
It may be, and usually is, more
elegant in quality than that of the bridesmaids.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. The best man escorts the
maid of honor, and they are usually seated
at the bridal table.
WEDDING RECEPTION. She stands next the
bride to receive with her, and also retires
with her to assist the latter in exchanging
her wedding dress for the traveling-dress.
It is her privilege to cast a slipper at the
carriage which takes away the married
couple, and her duty to prepare packages of
rice, which are given to the guests to be
thrown after the married couple as they
leave the house.
MAIL, INVITATIONS SENT BY. All invitations should be
sent by mail and verbal ones avoided.
MAIL OR MESSENGER, SENDING CARDS BY.
See CARDS, VISITING--SENDING BY MAIL OR MESSENGER.
MAN SERVANTS--TIPS. It is customary for a man,
at the end of a house party, to give to the
man servant who has acted as his valet a
suitable tip.
MARCHIONESS-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Madam, and ends: I have the honor
to remain your Ladyship's most obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Most Noble the Marchioness of Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Kent,
and ends: Believe me, dear Lady Kent, very
sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Marchioness of Kent.
MARCHIONESS, DOWAGER--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Madam, and ends: I have
the honor to remain your Ladyship's most
obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Kent,
and ends: Believe me, dear Lady Kent, very
sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope in both cases
is: To the Dowager Marchioness of Kent, or
To Mary, Marchioness of Kent.
MARQUIS--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
My Lord Marquis, and ends: I have the
honor to be your Lordship's obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Most Noble the Marquis of Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lord Kent
and ends: Believe me, Lord Kent, very sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Marquis of Kent.
MARQUIS.
DAUGHTER OF. See DAUGHTER OF MARQUIS.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF. See WIFE OF
YOUNGER SON OF MARQUIS.
YOUNGER SON OF. See SON (YOUNGER) OF MARQUIS.
MARKING WEDDING PRESENTS. While it is not strictly
necessary that wedding presents be marked,
yet it is customary, and they should always
be marked with the bride's maiden name, unless
specially intended for the groom's individual
use.
MATINEES. Proper music should be provided.
The refreshment-room should be within
easy reach. Light dainties should be served
occasionally to those not caring to go to the
refreshment-room.
DRESS. If after six o'clock, evening dress should
be worn; otherwise, afternoon dress.
HOST. The head of the house need not be present.
HOSTESS. The hostess and those assisting her
should not dance, unless all her guests are
provided with partners or are otherwise
entertained.
INVITATIONS. These may be written or engraved,
with Dancing and the hour for beginning in
the lower left-hand corner. They should be
sent two weeks in advance, and should be
promptly answered.
MEN. Gloves should be worn when dancing.
See also BALLS. COTILLIONS. DANCES. DANCING.
MAYOR OF A CITY--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Sir, or Your Honor, and ends: I
have the honor, sir, to remain your obedient
servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mayor
Wilson, or, Dear Mr. Wilson, and ends:
Believe me, most sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: His Honor,
the Mayor of Kent, John J. Wilson.
MEN.
ADDRESSING ENVELOPES. See ADDRESSING
ENVELOPES--MEN.
AFTERNOON DRESS. See AFTERNOON DRESS--MEN.
AFTERNOON TEAS. See AFTERNOON TEAS--MEN.
BACHELORS' DINNERS. See BACHELORS' DINNERS--MEN.
BACHELORS' TEAS. See BACHELORS' TEAS--MEN.
BALLS. See BALLS--MEN.
BICYCLING. See BICYLING--MEN.
BOWING. See BOWING--MEN.
BREAKFASTS. See BREAKFASTS--MEN.
CALLS. See CALLS--MEN.
CARDS. See CARDS, VISITING--MEN.
CHAPERONES. See CHAPERONES--MEN.
CHRISTENINGS. See CHRISTENINGS--MEN.
CONCLUSION OF LETTERS. See CONCLUSION OF A LETTER--MEN.
COTILLIONS BY SUBSCRIPTIONS. See COTILLIONS BY SUBSCRIPTIONS--MEN.
DANCES. See DANCES--MEN.
DANCING. See DANCING--MEN.
DEBUTANTE. See DEBUTANTE--MEN.
DINNERS. See DINNERS--MEN.
DRIVING. See DRIVING--MEN.
DRESS. See DRESS--MEN.
ENGAGEMENT. See ENGAGEMENT--MEN.
EVENING DRESS. See EVENING DRESS--MEN.
FLOWERS. See FLOWERS--MEN.
FUNERALS. See FUNERALS--MEN.
GARDEN PARTIES. See GARDEN PARTIES--MEN.
GLOVES. See GLOVES--MEN.
HIGH TEA. See HIGH TEA--MEN.
HOUSE PARTIES. See HOUSE PARTIES--MEN.
INTRODUCTIONS. See INTRODUCTIONS--MEN.
INVITATIONS. See INVITATIONS--MEN.
JEWELRY. See JEWELRY--MEN.
LUNCHEONS. See LUNCHEONS--MEN.
MORNING DRESS. See MORNING DRESS--MEN.
MOURNING. See MOURNING--MEN.
NEWCOMER, RESIDENTS' DUTY TO. See NEWCOMER,
RESIDENTS' DUTY TO MEN.
RIDING. See RIDING--MEN.
SALUTATIONS. See SALUTATIONS--MEN.
SHAKING HANDS. See SHAKING HANDS--MEN.
STATIONERY. See STATIONERY--MEN.
STREET-CARS. See STREET-CARS--MEN.
STREET ETIQUETTE. See STREET ETIQUETTE--MEN.
THEATRE PARTIES. See THEATRE PARTIES--MEN.
TITLES. See TITLES--MEN.
TRAVELING. See TRAVELING--MEN.
WEDDINGS. See WEDDINGS--MEN.
MESSENGER, SENDING CARDS BY. See CARDS, VISITING--
SENDING BY MAIL OR MESSENGER.
MINISTER (PROTESTANT)-HOW ADDRESSED, An official
letter begins: Reverend Dear Sir, and ends:
I remain sincerely yours.
A social letter begins: Dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I beg to remain sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: The
Reverend John J. Wilson. but if the clergyman
holds the degree of D.D. (Doctor of
Divinity), the address may be: The Reverend
John J. Wilson, D.D., or Reverend Dr. John
J. Wilson.
MINISTER. See CLERGYMAN.
MISS. This is the prefix both in conversation,
correspondence, and on the visiting-card of the
eldest daughter, the next daughter being
known as Miss Annie Smith; but on the
death or marriage of the eldest daughter, she
becomes Miss Smith.
MONOGRAMS. If men and women wish, these may
be stamped in the latest colors on their
stationery. When the address is stamped, it
is not customary to stamp the monogram.
The latest fashion in the style of monograms
require that they should be the size of
a ten-cent piece.
All individual eccentricities of facsimiles
of handwriting, etc., should be avoided.
It is not customary to have the monogram
on the flap of the envelope.
If sealing-wax is used, it should be of some
dull color.
MORNING DRESS.
MEN. Morning costume consists of a dark frock
coat, with vest and light trousers. This can
be worn at any entertainment occurring in
the daytime--as, weddings, luncheons, receptions
of all kinds, matinees, or ceremonious visits.
Anything worn is admissible in morning
dress, a business suit, cutaway, sack suit,
hats or caps, and undressed kid gloves of a
dark color.
At out-of-town resorts, golf, wheeling, and
yachting costumes suitable for outdoor sport
may be worn in the morning.
It is considered the correct thing for a man
to tie his own tie instead of buying them
ready made.
See also AFTERNOON DRESS--MEN. EVENING
DRESS--MEN.
MOTHER. A mother should receive an invitation for
any function to which her daughters are
invited, and should go and return with them.
DEBUTS. The mother and the elder unmarried
daughter, prior to the debut, calls formally
upon those who are to be invited. She
stands at her daughter's side to receive the
congratulations of the guests, and at a dance
she selects the first partner to dance with the
debutante, and at the dinner or supper is
escorted by the most distinguished man.
See also CHAPERONE.
MOTHER OF BRIDE. At the wedding reception she is
escorted by the father of the groom, and
receives with the married couple.
At the wedding breakfast she is escorted
by the father of the groom.
MOTHER OF GROOM. At the wedding reception she
receives with the married couple.
At the wedding breakfast she is taken in
by the father of the bride, following after
the ushers and the maids of honor.
MOURNING. Those in mourning for parent, child,
brother, or husband should not be seen at
any public function or private entertainment
before six months have passed.
CARDS. These are the same size as visiting-cards.
A black border is used, the width to be
regulated by the relationship to the deceased
relative.
They should be sent to indicate temporary
retirement from and re-entrance into society.
Within a month after death in a family
friends should leave cards. The persons
receiving the same should acknowledge the
remembrance and sympathy when they are
ready to resume their social functions. This
may be done by letter or card.
MEN. Mourning cards are the same size as
visiting-cards, and a black border is used, the
width to be regulated by the relationship of
deceased relative.
WOMEN. Mourning cards should be sent, to
indicate temporary retirement from society.
Later cards should be sent, to indicate return
to society.
CHILDREN. Children under twelve need not be
dressed in mourning, though they often are.
Only the lightest material should be used.
Girls of more advanced age do not wear veils,
but crape may be worn in hat or dress,
according to taste.
For parent, brother, or sister, mourning is
worn for about one year.
MEN. Men wear mourning one year for loss of
wife.
A crape band should be worn around the
hat, its width being determined by the
nearness of the relative mourned for. It is
usually removed after eight months.
A widower wears mourning for one year,
or, if he wishes, eighteen months, and for a
brother, sister, parent, or a child, from six
months to a year, as he desires. For the
loss of other relatives, duration of mourning
is generally regulated by the members of the
family.
The wearing of a black band on the coat
sleeve in token of half-mourning is an
English custom, and is somewhat practised in
this country.
STATIONERY-MEN. A widower uses a black
border about one-third of an inch on his
stationery, and this at intervals is diminished.
All stamping should be done in black.
WOMEN. A widow's stationery should be heavily
bordered, and is continued as long as she
is in deep mourning. This is gradually
decreased, in accordance with her change of
mourning.
All embossing or stamping should be done
in black.
WEDDINGS. Mourning should never be worn at
a wedding, but it should be laid aside
temporarily, the wearer appearing in purple.
WIDOWS. A widow should wear crape with a
bonnet having a small border of white. The
veil should be long, and worn over the face
for three months, after which a shorter veil
may be worn for a year, and then the face
may be exposed. After six months white
and lilac may be used, and colors resumed
after two years.
WOMEN. The mourning dress of a woman for
parent, sister, brother, or child is the same
as that worn by a widow, save the white
bonnet ruche--the unmistakable mark of a
widow.
For parents and children, deepest mourning
is worn at least one year, and then the
change is gradually made by the addition of
lighter material or half-mourning.
For other members of the family--as, aunts,
uncles, grandparents, cousins, etc.--black
clothes should be worn, but not heavy
mourning.
Complimentary mourning is worn for three
months; this does not necessitate crape and
veil, but any black material can be used.
WOMEN, FOR CHILDREN. For a child, mourning
is usually worn for six months, thereafter
substituting black and white.
FOR BROTHER AND SISTER, ETC. Mourning for
a brother or sister, step-parents, or grandparents
is the same as for parents, but the
time is shorter, generally about six months.
For an aunt, uncle, or cousin the time is
three months.
FOR FIANCE. In the event of the death of a
woman's betrothed shortly before the date of
the wedding, she may wear black for a short
period or full mourning for a year.
FOR HUSBANDS. Mourning cards are sent out, to
indicate that they are not making or receiving
calls.
Mourning is generally worn for two years,
and sometimes much longer. Woolen
material of the deepest black and crape
should be worn during the first year.
When out-of-doors a crape veil should be
worn for a year, or at least three months,
covering the face, or, if preferred, the veil
may be thrown over the shoulder, and a
small one of tulle, or other suitable material,
edged with crape, worn over the face.
A crape bonnet should be worn, and a very
small white ruche may be added if desired.
After the first year a gradual change to
lighter mourning may be made by discarding
the widow's cap and shortening the veil.
Dull silks are used in place of crape,
according to taste. In warm weather lighter
materials can be worn--as, pique, nun's
veiling, or white lawn.
Black furs and sealskin may be worn.
Precious stones, such as diamonds and pearls,
may be used if mounted in black enamel.
Gold jewelry should not be used. A woman
should avoid all pretensions to excessive
styles.
FOR HUSBAND'S RELATIVES. A married woman
wears mourning for her husband's immediate
relatives.
FOR PARENTS AND GRANDCHILDREN. Mourning
for these persons is generally worn for one
year. During the first six months, black
material trimmed with crape is used, and also
a deep veil, which is thrown over the back of
the head and not worn over the face, as for a
husband. After this period the mourning
may be lightened, according to taste.
See also DEATH IN THE FAMILY. FUNERALS.
MR. AND MRS. CARDS ( VISITING). These cards are not
generally used for ceremonious calls after the
first series of return calls made by the
bride.
If the husband is unable, the first year
after marriage, to make formal calls, his wife
uses the Mr. and Mrs. cards, and such is
accepted as a call from him. But after
one year she should leave their separate
cards.
These are used on formal occasions-as,
returning a first call, condolence, congratulations,
or P. P. C.--when both the husband
and wife are represented.
When they are used the first year after
marriage, they should have the address in
right-hand corner and reception days in
lower left-hand corner.
The card should read:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wren Wilson
MUSIC.
WEDDINGS. The organist and the music are
usually selected by the bride. Before her
arrival, the organist plays some bright
selection; but on her entering the church and
passing up the aisle, he plays the wedding
march.
AFTBRNOON TEAS (FORMAL). Music is always
appropriate on these occasions.
MUSICALES.
DRESS. The rule would be that at an afternoon
affair afternoon dress would be worn, and
evening dress at an evening affair.
HOURS. For an afternoon musicale, the hours
are usually from four to six. For an
elaborate evening drawing-room concert, any hour
may be selected.
INVITATIONS. These are sent out two weeks
before the event. If entertainment is in the
evening, they should be issued by husband
and wife. If given in honor of a prominent
person at any hour whatever, the cards
should be engraved, and in either case the
word Music should appear in the lower left-
hand corner.
These should be acknowledged at once by
a letter of acceptance or regret.
NAPKINS, when in use, are laid on the lap, and, when
finished with, are not folded up unless one is a
guest for a few days; on all other occasions
they are left unfolded. A good plan is to
follow the example of the hostess.
When fruit is brought on, a small fruit
napkin is placed across the knee or held in
the right hand, with which to hold the fruit,
and when it is no longer needed, it should
be laid beside the plate.
NAVY, SECRETARY OF--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have, sir, the
honor to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain
most sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary of the Navy.
NEW ACQUAINTANCES.
WOMEN. New acquaintances should not be invited
to entertainments unless agreeable to
all concerned.
An entertainment can be given to meet
new acquaintances if there be some special
reason for so doing.
Elderly persons and professional people can
send their cards to younger persons if they
wish to continue acquaintance.
NEWCOMERS.
BALL INVITATIONS. It is allowable for a new-
comer wishing to give a ball to borrow the
visiting list of some friend; but she should
enclose in each invitation a calling card of this
friend, so that the invited ones may know
that the friend is acting as a sponsor.
DUTY OF. No effort should be made to obtain
recognition of older residents.
Visits from neighbors should be returned
within a week. If from any reason a newcomer
is unable to call, a note stating the
reason should be sent.
If visit of neighbor's male relative is desired,
a woman may send him a written or
verbal invitation; but if visit is not desired,
no notice is taken of his card, in the event of
one having been left.
RESIDENTS' DUTY TO MEN. When calling, kinswoman
leaves cards of all the male members
of family who are in society. If these cards
left by kinswoman are not followed by an
invitation to call, it is presumed that the
acquaintance is not desired. Men can not
call upon women of the family of new resident,
unless invited to do so by either verbal
or written message.
RESIDENTS' DUTY TO WOMEN. The newcomer
receives the first call from the older resident,
which should be made within a reasonable
time. Women making the first call, leave
their own card and those of the male members
of the family.
It is unnecessary to be introduced in the
absence of letters of introduction. Visits
should be of short duration.
OLIVES are eaten with the fingers.
OPERA. See THEATRE.
ORANGES, served in divided sections, sweetened, and
the seeds removed, should be eaten with the
fork. If served whole, cut into suitable
portions. Remove seed and skin.
ORGANIST AT WEDDINGS. The organist is selected by
the bride, but the fee is paid by the groom.
OVERCOAT--MEN CALLING ON WOMEN. When making a
formal or brief call, the overcoat should be
left in the hall.
P. P. C. CARDS (VISITING). These letters--standing
for Pour prendre conge (To take leave)--are
written in the lower left-hand corner of the
visiting-card. These cards are used as a
formal farewell to such friends and
acquaintances whose friendship it is desired to
continue.
They may be left in person, or sent upon
departure from city or winter or summer
resort. They are rarely used in brief visits,
and should only be used at the close of a
season.
Care should be exercised in sending them,
as an oversight in so doing may cause the
loss of good friends.
PAGES AT WEDDINGS. At the wedding, if pages are
present, they are usually dressed in satin
court costumes, and carry the bride's train.
PALL-BEARERS. It is not good taste to ask relatives to
be pall-bearers. The usual number is six to
eight elderly men for elderly person, and of
young men for a young man. Six young
women in white would be a suitable number
to act as pall-bearers for a young woman.
Pall-bearers should be asked either by note
or by a representative of the head of the
family of the deceased.
The pall-bearers assemble at the house at
the appointed hour, and there take the
carriages reserved for them. They disperse
after the church service.
Except in the case of young women, carriages
are not sent to bring pall-bearers to
the house.
CALLS. After accepting an invitation to act as a
pall-bearer, a man should call at the house of
the bereaved and leave his card.
A few days after the funeral he should call
again and leave his card. If he wishes, he
may simply ask at the door after the women
of the family.
DRESS. The pall-bearers wear black frock coat,
trousers, and waistcoat, a black silk hat with
a mourning band, black shoes, and black kid
gloves. The linen should be white
FLOWERS. Unless there has been a request not
to send flowers, a pall-bearer may do so after
his first call.
If he wishes, a few days after the funeral
he may send flowers to the women of the
family with his card, on which should be
written: With the compliments of -----.
INVITATIONS. The invitation should be promptly
accepted or declined, and if accepted only
illness or unavoidable absence from the city
would excuse a man from attending.
PAPER WEDDING. The first wedding anniversary is
called the paper wedding, and is not usually
celebrated. If, however, it is celebrated,
the invitations may bear the words: No
presents received. Congratulations should be
extended in accepting or declining the
invitations. Any article of paper would be an
appropriate gift. An entertainment should
follow.
PARTIES. These are less formal than balls.
They generally begin at nine or nine-thirty,
with dancing at ten-thirty or eleven. The
supper precedes the dancing. Those who do
not take part in the dancing may leave
before it begins.
INVITATIONS. These are engraved, giving hour
for beginning in lower left-hand corner, and
should be sent two weeks in advance. One
envelope only need be used. They should
be answered promptly.
PATRONESSES. It is customary for the management
of any institution giving a public ball to
formally invite six, eight, or more married
women to act as patronesses, and for their
names to appear on the invitations. If
badges are worn, each patroness is sent one
or given one at the ball-room.
The patronesses, after being welcomed at
the ball by the management committees, take
their places, ready to receive the guests.
The Committee of Arrangements should
look after the patronesses, introduce
distinguished guests to them, escort them to
supper and finally to their carriages.
See also COTILLIONS BY SUBSCRIPTIONS--
PATRONESSES. DANCES.
PEACHES should be quartered and the quarters peeled,
then taken up by the fingers and eaten.
PEAS are eaten with a fork.
PLUMS AND GRAPES should be eaten one by one, and
the pits allowed to fall noiselessly into the
half-closed hand and then transferred to the
plate.
POSTAL CARDS. It is wise to restrict the use of
postals to impersonal communications; but if
they must be used, the message should be
brief with an apology for its use. It is a
good plan in addition to omit the usual My
dear, and to sign with the initials only and
the full surname.
POSTPONING DINNERS See CANCELING DINNERS.
POSTPONING WEDDINGS. See WEDDINGS--INVITATIONS
RECALLED.
PRECEDENCE.
DINNERS. See DINNERS--PRECEDENCE.
FUNERALS. See FUNERALS--PRECEDENCE.
THEATRE. See THEATRE--PRECEDENCE.
PRESENTS. See GIFTS.
PRESIDENT--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Sir, and ends: I have the honor to
remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr.
President, and ends: I have the honor to remain
most sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: President
John Wilson.
PRINCE, ROYAL--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Sir, may it please your Royal
Highness, and ends: I have the honor to remain,
sir, your Royal Highness' humble servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Sir, and
ends: Your Royal Highness' most obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To His
Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
PRINCESS, 'ROYAL-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Madam, may it please your Royal
Highness, and ends: Your Royal Highness'
most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Madam, and
ends: Your Royal Highness' most obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To Her
Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales.
PRIVATE WEDDINGS. These are attended only by
intimate friends and members of the
family, and vary but little from home weddings.
If the family is in mourning the cards are
issued with the name of bride and groom
and new address, together with card having
bride's maiden name, and the announcement
cards are sent after the ceremony.
Afternoon dress should be worn at an afternoon
wedding, and evening dress at an evening
wedding.
PROPOSALS OF MARRIAGE. The time, manner, and details
of proposals of marriage are appropriately
left to the good taste and judgment
of the groom. If the proposal is rejected,
good taste, womanly refinement, and courteous
consideration demand that it be kept
an inviolate secret, and any such breach of
confidence may be rightly deemed the act of
a woman without taste or tact, and unworthy
of respect.
Proposals by women, while permissible,
are not customary.
PUBLIC BALLS, By public balls are meant county and
charity balls, and balls given by social institutions
where dancing is the main feature.
These public balls differ from private ones in
that all the duties of the hostess fall upon
some committees.
These committees would follow the same
rules as laid down for a hostess--issuing
engraved invitations from fourteen to seventeen
days in advance, engaging a caterer,
etc.
The etiquette for a public ball is the same
as for a private one, save that guests arrive
and depart when they please without taking
leave of those who receive, and men wishing
introductions apply for them to the Floor or
Reception Committee.
At the cloak-rooms a small fee is paid to
the attendant.
SEE ALSO all entries under Balls.
BADGES. It is customary for the men and women
on the committees to wear on the left side of
the breast ornamental and embroidered
badges, with the official position designated
on it.
COMMITTEE. The committee at a public ball
takes the place of the hostess, filling all her
duties and offices.
PATRONESSES. It is customary for the management
formally to invite six, eight, or more
married women to act as patronesses of the
ball, and for their names to appear on the
invitations. If badges are prepared for the
patronesses, one is sent to each patroness or
handed to her on the evening of the dance.
The patronesses should be welcomed at
the ball by the management, and they then
take their position ready to receive the guests.
The management should look after the
patronesses, to see that they are taken into
supper, to introduce prominent guests to
them, and, finally, to escort the patronesses to
their carriages.
PUBLIC PLACES. SEE ALSO ELEVATORS. RESTAURANTS, STREET-CARS. STREET ETIQUETTE.
R. S. V. P. The use of these letters-standing
for Repondez, s'il vous plait (Answer, if you
please)-is decreasing. All invitations to
which acceptances are expected should be
answered at once. If preferred, however,
the above abbreviations may be used on the
following: invitations to ceremonious receptions,
breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, and to
meet a prominent person.
RAILROAD-MEN. A man should remove his hat in a
parlor-car, but not in a day coach.
RECALLING WEDDING INVITATIONS. When from some
good reason a wedding has to be canceled or
postponed, the parents of the bride should
send, as soon as possible, printed notices, giving
reasons to all the guests.
RECEPTIONS. Reception days are placed in the lower
left-hand corner of visiting-cards-as, UNTIL
LENT, or, In JANUARY-and may be either
engraved or written.
Daughters have no reception day of their
own, but receive on their mother's reception
day.
The etiquette at receptions is the same as
at afternoon teas.
SEE ALSO AFTERNOON TEAS. AT HOMES.
HOURS. Afternoon receptions are held from 4 to
7 P.M.
Evening receptions are held from 9 to
11 P.M.
INVITATIONS, ACCEPTING OR DECLINING. These
should be acknowledged within a week, either
by a letter accepting, or declining with regret.
INTRODUCTIONS. The man should seek an introduction
to any woman he wants to meet.
The hostess makes what introductions she
deems proper.
DRESS. For an afternoon reception guests should
wear afternoon dress, and for an evening reception
evening dress.
AFTERNOON, GIVEN BY BACHELORS. See BACHELORS' TEAS.
EVENING. The etiquette is the same as for an
afternoon tea (formal), save that no cards
are left by the guests, and that the guests
should wear evening dress.
See also AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL).
WEDDING. See WEDDING RECEPTIONS.
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.
RIDING.
MEN. When riding with a woman, a man should
always assist her both to mount and to
alight, even if a groom is present.
It is customary for the woman to set the
pace, and for the man, who always rides on
her right, to accommodate himself to her--
trotting, galloping, or walking his horse as
she may do.
He should always be ready to open all
gates for her, and to do all things that will
make the riding pleasant for her. If at a
fox-hunt, this would mean that he must be
ready to sacrifice much of his personal pleasure
that she may enjoy herself.
DRESS. There is a perfectly well-accepted
dress for men who ride in the park, though
it is open to elderly men to wear clothes less
pronounced.
The correct dress is full riding-breeches,
close-fitting at the knee, leggings, a high-buttoned
waistcoat, and a coat with the conventional
short cutaway tails. The hat is an
alpine or a derby, and the tie the regulation
stock. These, with riding-gloves and a
riding-crop, constitute the regular riding-dress
for a young man.
A man should always consult his tailor,
that the dress in all its details may be strictly
up to date.
WOMEN--DRESS. There is a well-prescribed
riding-dress for women as for men. The
habit of dark material, with skirt falling just
over the feet when in the saddle, and the
close-fitting waist, with long or short tails,
together with the white collar and black or
white tie, constitute the regulation dress.
The derby hat is smaller than formerly.
Gloves of a dark color and a crop with a
bone handle are always in place. Any
jewelry, save that which is absolutely necessary,
should be shunned.
In summer it is permissible to modify this
costume.
As in the case of a man, a woman should
consult a tailor of good practical experience,
that her costume may be in the correct style.
RING, ENGAGEMENT. See ENGAGEMENT RING.
RING, WEDDING. See WEDDING RING.
RISING FROM THE TABLE. The signal to leave the
table is always given by the women, and the
men rise to let the women pass. At a formal
dinner the signal is given by the hostess.
SALT is best taken up with the tip of the knife.
SALTED NUTS are eaten with the fingers.
SEAT OF HONOR is at the right of the host.
SECOND HELPING. At formal dinner parties, luncheons,
and breakfasts, second helpings are
never offered by the host or hostess, and
should not be asked for by the guests. This
is only permissible at a small dinner party
or at the daily family meal.
Of course, this does not apply to a second
glass of water, for which the guest asks, or
for wine. It is the duty of the waiter to see
that the guest is constantly supplied.
SECOND MARRIAGES. See WIDOWS--WEDDINGS.
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. See AGRICULTURE, SECRETARY OF.
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE. See COMMRCE, SECRETARY OF.
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR. SEE INTERIOR, SECRETARY OF.
SECRETARY OF NAVY. SEE NAVY, SECRETARY OF.
SECRETARY OF STATE. See STATE, SECRETARY OF.
SECRETARY OF TREASURY. See TREASURY, SECRETARY OF.
SECRETARY OF WAR. SEE WAR, SECRETARY OF.
SEEDS should be removed from the mouth with the
aid of a fork, or dropped into the half-closed
hand.
SENATOR--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins:
Sir, and ends: I have, sir, the honor to
remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Senator
Wilson, and ends: Believe me, most sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: Senator
John J. Wilson, or, To the Hon. John J.
Wilson.
SERVANTS-TIPPING. It is customary for guests leaving
a house after a visit to tip the servants,
unless positively requested by the hostess not
to do so. The average tip would be one
dollar, with more for extra attention.
SHAKING HANDS.
DANCES. It is not customary to shake hands at
formal dances.
HOST AND HOSTESS. The host and the hostess
should shake hands with each guest as they
arrive.
If guest takes leave of host and hostess,
they should shake hands. If they are sur-
rounded by guests, a pleasant nod of farewell
is admissible.
MEN. At a wedding, the opera, or a dance, and
all very formal occasions, gloves should not
be removed when shaking hands.
If the hostess wears gloves at any formal
affair, a man wears his when he shakes hands
with her. He should give a slight pressure
only.
A man with hands gloved should never
shake hands with a woman without an apology
for so doing, unless she likewise wears
gloves. A sudden meeting, etc., may make
a handshaking in gloves unavoidable. Unless
the other party is gloved, a man should
apologize.
When men are introduced to men, they
always shake hands. It is bad form to crush
the hand when shaking it.
When introduced to a woman, men should
bow, but not offer to shake hands.
CALLS. If the woman is seated when a man enters
the room, she rises to greet him, and, if
she wishes, shakes hands. She has the
option to shake hands or not, and should
make the first advances. It is bad form for
him to do so.
WOMEN. Upon introduction, a woman may
shake hands with either men or women, but
a slight inclination of the body, a pleasant
smile, and an appropriate remark are more
correct.
A young girl, upon being introduced to an
older woman, should await the action of the
elder, who will shake hands if kindly disposed.
If one person extends the hand, it should
be accepted without the slightest hesitation,
to avoid embarrassment.
SIGNING LETTERS. See ADDRESSING AND SIGNING LETTERS.
SILK WEDDINGS. This is the name of the forty-fifth
wedding anniversary, and is now seldom observed.
If it is, any article of silk would be
appropriate as a gift, and congratulations
may be extended in accepting or declining
the invitations. The invitations may have
the words: No presents received. An entertainment
usually follows.
SILVER WEDDINGS. After twenty-five years of married
life, the silver wedding may be celebrated.
On the invitations sent out may be
engraved the words: No presents received.
Congratulations may be extended in accepting
or declining the invitation. Any article
of silver is appropriate as a gift. An entertainment
follows.
At a silver wedding the invitations may be
appropriately engraved in a silver-gray color,
and the decorations are usually of the same
color.
SLIPPERS-THROWING AT WEDDINGS. The throwing of
slippers after the bridal couple on their leaving
the house for their wedding trip is in
poor taste.
SMOKING. At a dinner when the women rise, the
men also rise and remain standing until the
former leave the room, when cigars and coffee
are served. Sometimes the men accompany
the women to the drawing-room, bow, and
then return to the dining-room for the coffee
and cigars, where they remain about half an
hour.
Smoking in restaurants is a general custom,
but the rules of the house govern it.
Theatres provide rooms for it, hence it should
be limited to them.
There should be no smoking at afternoon
entertainments, unless the men are requested
to do so by the host and hostess.
At balls a room for smoking is generally
provided. Smoking is not in good taste if a
man is going to dance, as the odor of tobacco
clings to the clothing. There should be no
smoking in the dressing-rooms.
Smoking a pipe in the street is becoming
more common. It is poor taste, however, on
a fashionable street. At best, any smoking
in the street is bad form.
Expectorating on the pavement is a most
reprehensible habit. If it must be done, a
man should step to the curb and expectorate
in the street.
DANCES. Smoking should not be allowed in the
dressing-room, but a special room should be
provided. Men who dance should not smoke
until leaving the house.
IN PRESENCE OF WOMEN. Smoking in the
street while walking with a woman should
never be indulged in, although she seemingly
is agreeable to it. If a man is smoking, and
he stops to speak to a woman, he should
throw away his cigar or cigarette.
A man should not smoke in the presence
of women unless bidden by them to do so.
Few women care to say that it is disagreeable
when asked, hence the better course is to
await permission.
WOMEN. If a woman has true regard for herself,
she should not indulge in smoking; if she
does, it should be in absolute privacy.
SON.
BALLS. A son should do all in his power to
make the ball a success by finding partners
for the women having none, seeing that the
men are introduced to the women, and taking
in to supper a woman without an escort.
CARDS. When a mother is calling, she can leave
cards of her son for the host and hostess if it
is impossible for him to do so himself.
A son entering society can have his cards
left by his mother for a host and hostess.
Invitations to entertainments will follow.
SON (YOUNGER) OF DUKE-HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: My Lord, and ends: I have
the honor to remain your Lordship's obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable the Lord John J. Kent.
A social letter begins: My dear Lord John
J. Kent, and ends: Believe me, my dear Lord
John, faithfully yours.
The address is: To the Lord John J. Kent.
SON (YOUNGER) OF EARL-HOW ADDRESSED, An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have the
honor to remain your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, dear Mr. Wilson, sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Honorable John Wilson.
SON (YOUNGER) OF MARQUIS--HOW ADDRESSED. An
official letter begins: My Lord, and ends: I
have the honor to remain your Lordship's obedient
servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable the Lord John J. Kent.
A social letter begins: My dear Lord John
J. Kent, and ends: Believe me, my dear Lord
Kent, faithfully yours.
The address is: To the Lord John J. Kent,
SON (YOUNGER) OF VISCOUNT-HOW ADDRESSED. An
official letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have
the honor to remain your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, dear Mr. Wilson, sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Honorable John Wilson.
SOUP should be taken from the side of the spoon
without noise and without the plate being
tipped. Men with mustaches are privileged
in this respect, and may take the soup from
the end of the spoon.
SOUVENIRS.
BRIDESMAIDS. These are given by the bride to
her bridesmaids a few days before the wedding,
and take the form of fans or jewelry of
some kind that may be worn at the wedding.
A good time to present them is when the
bride gives a farewell dinner or luncheon to
her bridesmaids.
Failing this, they may be sent a few days
before the wedding.
The souvenirs should, of course, be all the
same in value and in style.
USHERS. The souvenirs given by the groom to
the ushers usually take the form of scarf-pins
or cuff-buttons. Sometimes the groom
also gives the ushers neckties and gloves.
A good time for their distribution is at the
farewell bachelor dinner.
SPONSORS. Only relatives and near friends should
be asked to act as sponsors at a christening.
Two women and one man are asked as sponsors
for a girl, and one woman and two men
for a boy, though one man and one woman
are sufficient in either case.
These may be invited by note or personal
call to act as sponsors, and should answer by
note or personal call.
A few days before the ceremony the sponsor
should send a christening gift addressed
to the child, and the giver's card, with a
suitable sentiment written on it, should be
sent with the gift.
A man may give some article of silver, and,
if a wealthy relative, a bank-book for money
deposited in the child's name.
A woman may present the child with a
garment, a carriage, a cradle, or some similar
article.
It is in good taste for the sponsors to call
immediately on the parents, to send flowers
to the mother, and to show that they are
pleased with the compliment.
The godfather at the ceremony assents to
the vows, and later, at the drinking of the
wine, should propose both the health of the
child and that of its mother.
SPOON. The spoon should never be in the cup while
drinking, but should be left in the saucer.
It is used in eating grapefruit, fruit salads,
small and large fruit (when served with
cream), puddings, jellies, porridges, preserves,
and boiled eggs.
SR, The letters SR. (abbreviation for Senior) are
sometimes added to a woman's name on her
card when her son has the same name as
his father, and it is necessary to distinguish
between the cards of the daughter-in-law and
the mother-in-law.
If both become widows, and yet wish to
retain their husbands' Christian names, the
daughter-in-law would add Jr. on her cards.
STAG PARTIES. A party composed of men exclusively
is sometimes so designated. They
are usually informal in character, but may be
as elaborate in detail as desired.
DRESS. The Tuxedo coat and black tie is worn,
unless at a formal stag party, when evening
dress is appropriate.
STATE, SECRETARY OF-HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have, sir, the honor to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain most
sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary of State.
STATIONERY.
MEN. The variations from plainness and quietness
in the use of stationery that are permitted
women are denied to men. Their
paper is never perfumed, and all fancy styles
are in poor taste.
For his social correspondence a man should
use white or gray linen or bank-note unruled
paper, folding once in the envelope.
He may, of course, use for social correspondence
his club stationery.
Under no circumstances should he use his
business stationery for social correspondence.
WOMEN. Unruled plain white or gray paper,
that folds once in the envelope, and black
ink, are the standard materials for social correspondence.
While it is permissible to use some of the
latest fancy stationery, care should be taken
that it is quiet in taste, and that all merely
temporary variations are avoided.
While it is better not to use perfumed
paper, if any perfume is used it should be
extremely delicate.
Elderly women are apt to favor Irish linen
or similar stationery.
STRANGERS-INVITATIONS TO A BALL ASKED FOR BY FRIENDS.
See BALLS-INVITATIONS ASKED FOR STRANGERS.
STREET-CARS AND OTHER CONVEYANCES.
MEN. The old custom of a man giving up his
seat in a street-car to a woman is being gradually
done away with. This is due largely
to the fact that women are now so extensively
engaged in commercial business that
they are constant riders at the busy hours,
end thus come into direct competition with
men.
A well-bred man, however, will show his
manliness by giving any woman his seat and
standing himself, as she is less fitted for such
hardships and annoyances. A man should
always give his seat to an elderly woman,
one accompanied with children, or one apparently
weak and sickly. In giving his seat
to a woman, a man should politely bow and
raise his hat.
It is good form for a man to assist a woman
getting on or off a car. If a man is accompanied
by a woman when she leaves the car,
he should help her off the car.
A man should always be polite and courteous
toward a conductor, as the latter's
position is a hard and trying one.
A man should never cross his legs or keep
his feet extended in the passageway.
If a man finds it necessary to crowd into a
car already full, he should do so with consideration
and politeness, and with an apology
for pressing against any one. It is better to
stand than to crowd yourself into a small
space between those who are seated.
EXPENSES. A man traveling with another man
can pay the latter's fare if he wishes. But
if he is accompanied by a woman he should
pay her fare. If he is in the car, and other
acquaintances, men or women, enter, they
should pay their own fares.
WOMEN. A woman should not look with a
pained and injured air at the men passengers
because no one of them has offered her a seat.
The great influx of women into the commercial
world, and their being thrown into direct
competition with men, has largely done away
with the fine old custom of men giving up
their seats to women. The impoliteness of
many women in accepting a seat as a matter
of right and not of courtesy, and perhaps
without a "Thank you," has helped largely
to bring about the present state of affairs.
No woman of ordinary good manners should
fail to express her thanks for the courtesy
proffered. If a woman is offered a seat she
should accept it at once-without urging.
A man may assist a woman in getting off
a car. If a woman is accompanied by a man
and she leaves the car, he should assist her
to alight.
A woman should wait till a car absolutely
stops before she gets on or off, and she
should face the front when leaving the car.
If possible, a woman should have her car-fare
handy or easy of access-preferably in
her hand-before entering the car if it is
crowded. A woman should avoid crowding
into a small space between others, and it is
better for her to stand than to occupy barely
the edge of a seat. If it is absolutely necessary
for her to enter a crowded car, she
should do so with an apology to those whom
she may crowd.
CONDUCTOR. A conductor occupies a difficult
and trying position, and will always appreciate
any courtesy shown him by a woman.
If a woman desires a transfer, she should let
him know in ample time; if she wants any information
from him, she should ask him when
paying her fare, and should indicate her desire
to leave the car at least a block ahead of
her street. A woman should not trust to a
conductor to remember her street, even if she
has asked him, but should look out for the
street herself.
EXPENSES. If a woman is in a car and a man
joins her, and the fare is not yet collected, she
should pay her own fare. But if she is traveling
with an escort she should not offer to
pay her fare, as her escort pays the expenses.
STREET ETIQUETTE.
MEN. If a man is passed on the street without
any recognition by an acquaintance, he should
hesitate before accepting it as a direct cut, as
it may have been an oversight. If it is repeated,
he will know its full meaning.
To pass a person whom one knows and to
look straight at him without recognition is
the rudest way of dropping an acquaintance.
A man should avoid loud and boisterous
behavior.
If a man is compelled to force his way
through a crowded street, he should do so
courteously and with an apology to any one
inconvenienced by his act.
In walking three or four abreast, men
should be careful not to obstruct the thoroughfare,
but should quickly fall into single
file when necessary.
A man should greet his acquaintances on
the street quietly and courteously, and if on
a crowded street, should step out of the way
of persons and be brief in his remarks.
In all public places and conveyances a
man should offer his seat to a woman, though
he is not expected to do so when reserved
seats can be obtained--as, in a theatre, at
an opera, etc.
ACCIDENTS. In case of accident or danger a man
should protect the woman whom he escorts,
and take her to a place of safety. If her
clothing is torn, or she has met with some
accident of which she is unaware, a man may,
if he desires, politely raise his hat and call
her attention to the fact. If by accident a
man jostles a woman or steps upon her dress,
he should raise his hat, bow, and apologize,
whether he knows her or not.
BOWING. A man should not bow to a woman
until she has first recognized him, unless they
are old acquaintances.
A man should acknowledge the salutation
of a woman on the street, even if he does not
know her, as it saves her from embarrassment
at her mistake.
When bidding farewell to a woman after a
conversation on the street, a man should bow
and raise his hat.
If a man offers his seat to a woman in a car
or other conveyance, he should raise his hat
and bow, while her escort acknowledges the
courtesy by doing the same.
When a man opens a door for a woman
unknown to him, he should bow, while she
enters in advance of him.
A man should raise his hat and bow on all
occasions when offering any courtesy to a
woman, whether stranger or acquaintance.
A man may bow to an elderly man or person
of official position.
A man may offer his services to a woman
in crossing a crowded thoroughfare, and
should raise his hat and bow when she is
safely over, but should, make no comment
unless she does so first. He may also offer
her assistance in getting on or off a car, raising
his hat and bowing without remark.
If a man is accompanied by a woman and
another man extends a courtesy to her, he
should acknowledge it by bowing and giving
a polite "Thank you."
If when walking with a man a woman
meets a male acquaintance who bows, her
escort should raise his hat and bow, though
the two men are strangers to each other. If
the escort meets a man known to him, both
men should raise their hats and bow.
CANES AND UMBRELLAS. These should be carried
vertically, never horizontally, thereby
endangering other persons' eyes. Especially
is this important when entering cars or going
up long flights of steps-as, the stairs of the
elevated railroad.
CONVERSATION. A man who meets a woman,
and desires to engage in conversation with
her, should ask permission to accompany her.
If this is granted, he may proceed a short
distance, unless requested to go farther.
When meeting a woman on the street and
stopping to converse with her, a man should
raise his hat and replace it, as it is not now
in good form for a man to remain bareheaded
until requested by the woman to replace his
hat.
A man should avoid stopping a woman on
the street to engage her in conversation.
Only an intimate acquaintance with a woman
warrants a man joining her on the street. If
it is not agreeable, it may be very embarrassing
to her.
SMOKING. A man should never smoke while
walking with a woman on a street. Smoking
on fashionable thoroughfares is bad form.
A man should avoid expectorating upon a
sidewalk, and, if it must be done, should
walk to the curb and use the street for that
purpose.
WALKING. A man should not walk between two
women, but at the side nearest the curb.
When walking with a woman, a man
should walk near the curb, unless passing
an obstruction-as, a building in course of
construction-when she should have the outer
side to protect her from harm, or from coming
in contact with disagreeable things.
A man should offer his right arm to a
woman, but this is rarely necessary in the
daytime. It is essential, however, and
proper for him to do so after dark.
WOMEN. Conduct on the street should always
be reserved. It is bad form to loudly laugh
or to boldly glance at the passers-by, especially
men.
Women should never walk three or four
abreast.
Women may salute each other with a bow
and a handshake, but a kiss in public is no
longer in good form.
During a promenade, where friends pass
and repass, it is not necessary to exchange
greetings to each other.
A polite "Thank you," with a bow and a
smile, should be the reward of any man extending
a courtesy to a woman.
BOWING. It is the woman's privilege to determine
whom she will publicly recognize, and
therefore she should bow first to all men
whom she desires to favor. This formality
is, however, unnecessary with intimate
friends.
UMBRELLAS. These should be carried vertically,
and never horizontally under the arm.
WALKING. If a woman is walking with a man,
and another man stops to speak, it would be
in exceeding bad taste to ask him to join her.
A woman should take a man's right arm,
but only after dark, unless for some special
reason-as, weakness, etc.-it is necessary.
If a woman is walking alone, and a man of
her acquaintance stops and speaks, he may
ask permission to accompany her farther,
which, if agreeable, should be granted. She
may stop for a few moments' chat, and shake
hands if she wishes. If he stands before her
with uncovered head, she should promptly
ask him to replace his hat. She should not
block the thoroughfare, and should take the
initiative if he does not step to one side.
If agreeable, an invitation may be extended
to him to walk a short distance.
SUBSCRIPTION BALLS.
MEN. Shortly after receiving an invitation to a
subscription ball, a man should leave a card
for the patroness inviting him.
INVITATIONS. In addition to the regular invitations,
it is customary to guard against the
admission of persons not really invited by
the use of vouchers to be shown at the
hall door, or some similar precaution is
taken.
When a subscriber sends an invitation and
a voucher, he should send in the same
envelope one of his calling cards.
SUNDAY CALLS. Informal calls may be made on
Sunday after three o'clock by business and
professional men, provided there are no religious
or other scruples on the part of those receiving
the calls.
Men should wear afternoon dress.
SUPPERS GIVEN BY MEN--WOMEN. A young woman
may accept a man's invitation, provided she
has the consent of her mother or guardian,
and is assured that a chaperone will be present.
SUPPERS--MEN. Suppers are generally for men.
The hours are from ten to eleven. A man can
give such entertainments in bachelor apartments
or restaurant, and if women are invited,
chaperones should be present.
The invitations may be given personally,
written, or a visiting-card may be used,
giving hour and date. If the supper is given in
honor of a special guest, engraved cards or
note sheets are used.
Suppers may be of various kinds--such as
Fish, Game, Wine, Champagne.
SUPPERS AND THEATRE PARTIES.
MEN. A man should not invite a young woman
to a theatre party or supper without inviting
her mother or a chaperone to accompany
them. At large theatre parties or suppers,
when there are ten or more guests, several
chaperones should be invited. Any married
or elderly unmarried woman can act as
chaperone, care being taken that they are
well-known and agreeable to all, as much of the
pleasure of the evening depends upon them.
CARRIAGES. A conveyance holding a large party
can be sent to take invited guests to the
entertainment. The chaperone should be
called for first, and should be the last one to
be left at home upon returning. The chaperones
may use their own carriages and call
for guests if they desire. If the chaperones
call for the guests, the men can be met at the
place of amusement. Conveyances should
be provided for guests.
SUPPERS GIVEN BY BACHELORS.
See BACHELORS' SUPPERS.
TABLE ETIQUETTE. It is correct to take a little of all
that is offered, though one may not care for it.
Bend slightly over the plate when carrying
the food to the mouth, resuming upright
position afterward.
When drinking from a cup or glass, raise it
gracefully to the mouth and sip the contents.
Do not empty the vessel at one draught.
Guests should not amuse themselves by
handling knife or fork, crumbling bread, or
leaning their arms on the table. They should
sit back in their chairs and assume an easy
position.
A guest at a dinner should not pass a plate
or any article to another guest, or serve the
viands, unless asked to do so by the hostess.
Upon leaving the table, push the chair
back far enough to be out of the way of others.
ACCIDENTS. Accidents, or anything that may be
amiss at the table, should be unobserved by a
guest unless he is the cause of it. In that
event some pleasant remark as to his awkwardness
should be made and no more. The
waiter should attend to the matter at once.
If a fork or a spoon is dropped it should
not be picked up by the guest, but another
used, or ask the waiter to provide one.
CONVERSATION. Aim at bright and general conversation,
avoiding all personalities and any
subject that all cannot join in. This is
largely determined by the character of the
company. The guests should accommodate
themselves to their surroundings.
See also FINGER-BOWL, KNIFE AND FORK,
SECOND HELPING, SEEDS, SPOON, TOOTHPICKS,
WINES, and names of individual fruits and
foods--as, APPLES, BREAD, etc.
TALKING--THEATRES. Conversation during the progress
of the play or the opera should be
avoided and confined to the intermissions.
The theatregoer should avoid all noise, gestures,
or actions that would annoy others.
A man would be justified, when annoyed by
a person talking loud near him, in asking
him politely to speak lower.
TEAS.
Invitations. These need no acknowledgment.
Given by bachelors.
See BACHELORS' TEAS.
Afternoon.
See AFTERNOON TEAS.
High.
See HIGH TEA.
TELEPHONE INVITATIONS. Telephone invitations should
be sent only to those with whom the utmost
intimacy exists, and who will pardon the
informality.
THEATRE. A young man may invite a young woman
to the theatre or opera, even if he has but a
slight acquaintance with her, but of course
he should secure the permission of her parents
or chaperone.
It is correct for the young man to inquire
if the young woman prefers a box, or, if not,
he should state in what part of the house he
proposes to secure seats. This will enable
her to determine how to dress.
If the young woman wears street toilette,
her escort may take her in any public conveyance,
but if she wears evening dress, he
should provide a carriage.
At the theatre he should precede the woman
down the aisle to the seat or box; but if it is
the latter, he should open the door and wait
for her to pass.
A man may use his judgment as to the aisle
seat. If a better view can be had, or seemingly
objectionable people are next the inside
seat, it is perfectly proper to give the woman
the aisle seat.
A man should never leave his companion
between the acts. The custom of both men
and women going into the foyer at that time
is a growing one, and is a relief to the
audience.
Refreshments at some fashionable place
may follow after the entertainment.
For a man to call on an acquaintance in an
opera box does not relieve one of the duty of
making a formal call in return for social
favors.
BONNET. A woman of any consideration will
either wear no bonnet at all or remove it as
soon as the curtain is raised.
It would be in place for a man or woman
whose view is hampered by a bonnet to politely
ask the wearer to remove it, and when
it is done, to thank her.
MEN--LEAVING CARDS. After a theatre party
given by a man, he should call within three
days on the woman he escorted or leave his
card.
PRECEDENCE. In entering a theatre a man precedes
the women of his party, but after he
has handed his coupons to the ushers he
gives the women precedence, and follows
them to their seats.
TALKING. Conversation during the progress of
the play or the opera should be avoided, and
confined to the intermissions.
The theatregoer should avoid all noise,
gestures, or actions tending to annoy others
or to render himself conspicuous.
A man would be justified, when annoyed
by a person talking loud near him, in asking
him politely to speak lower.
THEATRE AND OPERA PARTIES.
GIVEN BY MEN. A man giving a theatre or
opera party should secure one or more
chaperones if women are to be present.
CALLS. The host should call upon his guests
within three days or a week after the event.
CARRIAGES. The host may, if he choose, send
carriages or a stage to collect all the guests.
This is a formal and agreeable way to begin
the evening's pleasure. The chaperone
should be called for first. A more informal
way is quite popular. The invitations having
been given and accepted, the host informs
each of his guests as to the others, and leaves
a ticket with each one. All then meet
informally at the place of amusement. If a
dinner is given before the entertainment,
carriages are provided to convey the guests
to the theatre.
CHAPERONE. A chaperone should always be
present if women are to be members of the
party. And if a stage or carriage calls for
the guests, it should call first for the
chaperone.
The chaperone who acts as hostess should
decide the hour to close the festivities.
DINNERS. If a dinner is given before the performance,
it is generally given at six o'clock,
the usual customs being followed. If preferred,
the dinner may follow the performance,
and may be given at any fashionable
restaurant or hotel. If it is given before the
play, at its termination the guests are conveyed
in carriages or stage to the theatre at
the expense of the host.
After the entertainment it is a good plan
for the party to return to the banqueting-room
to partake of slight refreshments.
DRESS. Men wear evening dress. Women wear
full evening dress.
INVITATIONS. He may invite his guests in person
or by note. In either case he should secure
the parents' permission to allow the
young women to attend, and should be ready
to supply all information regarding the men
who will be present, and also the chaperones.
MEN. The escorts should see the women home
unless they are called for by the male members
of their families, in which case they may
be accompanied to their conveyances. If a
young woman is called for by her maid in a
carriage, her escort may take her home.
Intimacy of the parties largely regulates
the etiquette of such occasions. They can
decide whether evening or street dress shall
be worn, and seat themselves accordingly.
A carriage should be provided.
When entering an opera or theatre box for
a short call, a man should stand and bow,
making some pleasant remark to the chaperone.
If there is an empty chair, he may sit
and talk a few minutes and retire as others
enter.
WOMEN. Between the acts it is perfectly proper
to go into the foyer with the escort, who
should carry the woman's wraps and see that
all her wants are attended to. Should she
desire anything, she should call on him first.
The hat or bonnet should be removed.
In a box the women occupy the front row
while the men sit or stand in the rear.
A woman should avoid conspicuous
manners, loud conversation, laughing, or acting
in any way to attract attention.
GIVEN BY WOMEN. This is a popular form of entertainment
during the season. They are
given by married women, and the guests are
invited by note. A dinner is given at the
house or at a restaurant before the departure
for the opera or play. Refreshments
may also be given after the entertainment at
either the house or restaurant. At the dinner
the same ceremonies are followed as to
arrangements of guests and escorts as at any
formal dinner.
TOASTS--WEDDINGS. Toasts to the bride and groom
are customary at the wedding breakfast or
supper.
If the groom gives a farewell bachelor dinner,
he should propose a toast to the bride.
THEATRE PARTIES. See also CHAPERONE-MEN.
CHAPERONE-THEATRE.
THIRD PERSON-USED IN CORRESPONDENCE. While it
was formerly the correct usage to begin
formal communications in the third person, it
is now the custom to begin such letters: MY
DEAR MRS SMITH, or MADAM.
The third person would be used only in
writing to a workman, a strange servant, or
a business firm.
TIN WEDDING. After ten years of marriage, occurs
the tin wedding. The invitations sent out
may have the words: NO PRESENTS RECEIVED.
Congratulations may be extended in accepting
or declining the invitation.
Every conceivable device made of tin is
appropriate as a gift, but, as these are limited,
ingenuity may be displayed in getting up
oddities. An entertainment may follow.
TIPPING.
At balls. It is not customary to tip the servants
at a private ball, but at a public one
it is usual to give a tip to the attendant at
the cloak-room.
At christenings. The father usually gives
the nurse at a christening a sum of money,
and the mother gives her some article of
dress or piece of jewelry.
At house; parties. See HOUSE PARTIES. GUESTS.
TIPPING SERVANTS. Also under names of
servants--as, COACHMAN.
TITLES.
MEN'S CARDS. Men having titles use them before
their names--as, REVEREND, REV. MR.,
REV. DR., Army and Navy titles, and
officers on the retired list.
LL.D. and all professional titles are placed
after the name. Political and judicial titles
are always omitted.
Physicians may use DR. before or M.D.
after their names. On cards intended for
social use, office hours and other professional
matters are omitted.
WOMEN'S CARDS. The same principles govern
the titles on women's cards, with the addition
that women should never use titles of their
husbands.
TOOTHPICKS should not be used in public. If necessity
requires it, raise the napkin over the
mouth, with the hand behind it, using the
toothpick as quickly as possible.
TOWN, RETURNING TO-WOMEN. Cards of the entire
family should be sent by mail to all acquaintances
when returning after a prolonged
absence.
When using cards, if out of town, the
place of a woman's permanent residence can
be written on the card thus: NEW YORK.
PHILADELPHIA.
TRAVELERS' VISITING-CARDS. A woman visiting a place
for a length of time should mail to her friends
a visiting-card containing her temporary address.
A man in a similar situation should call
upon his friends, and if he does not find
them at home should leave his card.
TRAVELING.
MEN WITH WOMEN. When traveling with a
woman, a man should see to the checking
and care of her baggage.
MEN. As it is exceedingly trying and difficult
for a woman to stand in a railroad train while
it is in motion, it is the height of good manners
for a man to offer her his seat and to
insist on her taking it.
EXPENSES. On a short boat or railroad trip a
man should pay the expenses of a woman
who accompanies him by his invitation. But
on a long trip she should insist on paying
her share, and he should accept her decision.
Of course, he is at liberty, however, to pay
all the expenses of slight entertainments-as,
fruit, magazines, etc.
He should see to the care of her baggage
and all other details.
PARLOR-CAR. When traveling a long distance
accompanied by a woman, a man should secure
seats in the parlor-car.
While it is admissible to offer assistance to
a woman traveling in a parlor-car without an
escort, it should be done in the most polite
and delicate manner, and be perfectly agreeable to her.
WOMEN. If a woman arrives at a strange place,
especially a large city, and no one meets her,
she should ask the station porter to attend to
her baggage and all such details, and, if
traveling farther, to see to her ticket and to
find for her the right train.
If at the end of her journey she gives him
the address she desires to go to and her trunk
checks, he should procure a carriage for her.
This saves her much worry and annoyance
and needless risk.
The same suggestions apply to steamboat
travel.
EXPENSES. If a woman is asked by a man to
take a short boat or railroad trip, he should
pay her fare and all other expenses. But if
on a long trip--as, a summer outing--and she
is escorted by a man, she should insist on
paying her own fare and all expenses, allowing
him, however, to pay the expenses of
slight entertainment--as, fruit, magazines,
etc.
PARLOR-CAR. Her escort should attend to all
details of traveling. If she is traveling
alone, she should always ride in the parlor-car
and have the porter attend to her wants.
While it may be proper to accept in a parlor-car
attentions from a man if he is accompanied
by a woman, the greatest caution is
required if he is alone; in fact, it is well to be
on one's guard, when traveling alone, against
the attentions of both men and women.
TREASURY, SECRETARY OF--HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have, Sir, the
honor to remain your most obedient servant
A social letter begins: My Dear MR. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain
most sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary Of Treasury.
TROUSSEAU, WEDDING. The bride exhibits the trousseau
at a dinner given to the bridesmaids and
maid of honor a few days before the wedding.
TURNING DOWN CORNER OF VISITING-CARDS. This
should not be done.
TUXEDO. The Tuxedo coat and waistcoat are worn
at all informal affairs when no women are
present, such as small theatre parties (when
not occupying a box), bowling and card
parties, restaurants, and the like.
It may be worn on the street in the
evening with a low hat. A black tie should
always be worn, and never, under any
circumstances, a white one.
See also EVENING DRESS--MEN.
UMBRELLAS.
MEN CALLING ON WOMEN. When making a
formal or brief call, the umbrella should be
left in the hall.
CARRYING. Umbrellas should be carried
vertically, never horizontally, thereby endangering
other persons' eyes. Especially is this
important when entering cars or going up long
flights of steps--as, at an elevated railroad
station.
USHERS. A sufficient number of ushers should be
provided for to allow of two for each aisle.
A good plan is to have one selected as the
master of ceremonies, and for him to go to
the church on the wedding-day in ample
time to personally see that all the details
have been carried out. They should be
present at all rehearsals.
The ushers are usually presented by the
groom with some small trinket, such as a
pin, as a souvenir of the occasion.
CALLS. The ushers should call upon the married
couple as soon as the latter have returned
from their wedding trip.
CHURCH. The ushers should arrive at the
church before the guests.
Each usher should have a list of all the
intended guests for whom special places are set
aside, and should check off the names of the
guests as they arrive. He should know the
various guests and where to place them; but
if he does not know them personally, he
should consult his list.
The upper ends of the middle aisles of
both sides are usually reserved for invited
guests, and are distinguished from the rest
of the church by having a white ribbon or a
string of flowers stretched across the aisle.
The immediate family and special guests
occupy the front seats, the family and the
guests of the bride taking the left side and
those of the groom the right side of the
aisle. Other guests should be given the best
seats, according to their priority in arriving.
It is in bad taste for an usher to reserve
seats for his own friends as against the
first-comers.
In seating guests, the usher should give
his left arm to a woman and escort her to
her seat while her escort follows.
Before the arrival of the bridal party the
ushers take the ribbons at either end, and,
walking the length of the aisle, close it
against intrusion. Upon the arrival of the
bride they form in pairs in the vestibule and
lead the procession, followed by the bridesmaids,
also in pairs. When they approach
the altar they separate, one-half to the right
and one-half to the left. The bridesmaids do
likewise, and stand in front of the ushers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony they
follow last in the procession to the vestibule,
where, after giving their best wishes to the
bride and congratulations to the groom, they
hasten as soon as possible to the bride's home
to assist in introducing and meeting the
guests at the reception or breakfast.
DRESS. At a morning or afternoon wedding they
wear black frock coats.
At an evening wedding they wear full
evening dress, also white kid gloves, which are
not removed during the ceremony.
Hats should be left in the vestibule.
FLOWERS. If the boutonniers are given by the
bride, they should go to her house to receive
them and to have her place them in the lapels
of their coats; or the boutonniers may be
kept at the church in the care of the sexton.
GLOVES. For morning or an afternoon wedding
the gloves are gray. At an evening wedding
the gloves are white kid. The gloves are
not removed during the ceremony.
JEWELRY. They wear the scarf-pins or cuff-
buttons given to them by the groom.
NECKTIES. At a morning or afternoon wedding
the neckties are usually of some delicate color.
At an evening wedding the neckties are
white, as is customary with evening dress.
WEDDING BREAKFAST. The ushers pair off with
the bridesmaids, and are usually seated at a
table assigned to them.
WEDDING RECEPTIONS. The ushers, should
introduce the guests to the groom and bride,
calling the latter "Mr. and Mrs. A.," beginning
with the relatives and friends, and continuing
with the others till all have been introduced.
In introducing the guests, the usher should
offer his arm to the woman, and if not
knowing her, should ask her her name, while her
escort follows and is introduced at the same
time. The bride may request the usher to
introduce the guests to the parents.
VALET.
TIPS. It is customary for a man leaving after a
house party to give to the valet who has
waited upon him at least one dollar and more,
in proportion for added attention.
WITH MASTER ON VISIT. As a general rule,
few American men take their valets with
them when they visit. But when such is the
case, the valet would wait upon his master,
and should give as little care to the household
as possible.
VEIL
MOURNING. See Widow-Mourning.
WEDDING. This should be white. While its
length depends upon the wishes of the bride,
the long veil is more in keeping with the
traditions and customs of the ceremony.
Verbal Invitations. All invitations should be sent
by mail, and verbal invitations avoided if
possible; if one is given, it should be
followed by one in writing.
VICE-PRESIDENT--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Sir, and ends, I have, sir, the honor
to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr.
Wilson, and ends: I have the honor to remain
most sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: The Vice-
President, John J. Wilson.
VISCOUNT--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: My Lord, and ends: I have the honor
to be your Lordship's obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: The
Right Honorable Viscount Wilson.
A social letter begins: Dear Lord
Wilson, and ends: Believe me, my dear Lord
Wilson, very sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Viscount Wilson.
VISCOUNTESS--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Madam, and ends: I have the honor to
remain your Ladyship's most obedient servant.
The address on the envelope reads: To the
Right Honorable, the Viscountess of Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Kent,
and ends: Believe me, dear Lady Kent,
sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope reads: To the
Viscountess of Kent.
VISCOUNT.
DAUGHTER OF. See Daughter of Viscount.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON. See Wife of Younger
Son of Viscount.
YOUNGER SON OF. See Son (Younger) of Viscount.
Visiting-cards. See Cards, Visiting.
VISITORS TO TOWN--CARDS. Visitors to town should
send cards to every one whom they desire to
see, with the address written on the cards.
VOUCHERS. These are safeguards against the
admission of uninvited guests at a subscription
ball, and take the form of cards to be shown
at the door.
When a person sends one of these vouchers
and an invitation to a person, he should en-
close one of his calling cards.
"WALLFLOWERS." This is the name commonly
applied to young women at a ball who do
not dance because of lack of partners. It
should be the aim of the hostess, with the
aid of her sons and daughters, to find
partners for such young women.
WAR, SECRETARY OF--HOW ADDRESSED, An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have, sir, the
honor to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain most
sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary of War.
WEDDING.
BREAKFAST. See Wedding Reception or Breakfast.
CAKE. At the conclusion of the wedding break-
fast the cake is placed before the bride, who
first cuts a piece, and then it is passed to the
others. More often it is put up in small
white boxes and given to the guests, or
the boxes containing the cake are placed on a
table in the hallway, and the guests each
take one on their departure.
DAY. The wedding-day is named by the bride,
and her mother's approval is asked by the
groom.
It is not customary for the bride to see the
groom on the wedding-day till she meets him
at the altar.
KISS. The kiss in the ceremony is being done
away with, especially at church weddings.
Only the bride's parents and her most
intimate friends should kiss her, and for others
to do so is no longer good form.
RECEPTIONS OR BREAKFASTS. The married
couple, on arriving at the house of the bride,
place themselves in a convenient location,
and, assisted by the best man, maid of honor,
and the parents of both parties, receive the
invited guests. Congratulations are given
to the groom and best wishes to the bride.
A reception is more often given than a
breakfast, as it allows more invitations and
more freedom, and the refreshments are
placed on the tables, so that the guests help
themselves or are served by the bridesmaids.
The guests wait upon the married couple.
At a breakfast, when the congratulations
are over, the breakfast is announced, and
the married couple lead the way to the table
reserved for them. Parents of both parties,
the best man, and the maid of honor are
usually placed at this table.
Guests leave a card for the host and hostess
and another for the married couple.
Invitations are sent with the wedding
invitations, but only to the nearest relatives and
friends.
They should be immediately acknowledged,
either by letter of acceptance or declination
with regret.
TRIP. All details should be arranged before-
hand by the best man, who knows the
destination, and should keep it an inviolate
secret, revealing it only in case of accident.
It is becoming the fashion for the married
couple to do away with the trip, and instead
to begin their married life in their own home.
VEIL. This should be white. While its length
depends upon the wishes of the bride, the
long veil is more in keeping with the
traditions and customs of the wedding ceremony.
WOMEN-CARDS. When invitations have been
received to the church but not to the
wedding reception, cards should be sent to the
bride's parents and to the bridal couple.
WEDDINGS.
AISLE PROCESSION. See Weddings-Procession
Up the Aisle.
ANNIVERSARIES. See Anniversaries-Wedding.
ANNOUNCEMENTS. Announcement cards are sent
the day after the wedding, and need not be
acknowledged. They should be prepared
beforehand and ready to be mailed. The
expense is borne by the family of the bride.
At a home or a private wedding, announcement
cards can be sent to friends out of town.
AT HOME. See Home Weddings.
BEST MAN. See Best Man.
BEST WISHES. Best wishes should be given to
the bride and congratulations to the groom.
BOUQUETS. The bouquet carried by the bride is
furnished by the groom, who may also provide
bouquets for the bridesmaids if he wishes.
BRIDE. See Bride.
BRIDESMAIDS. See Bridesmaids.
CAKE. See Wedding Cake.
CALLS. See Weddings-Invitations-Calls.
CARDS OF ADMISSION TO CHURCH. These cards
are used at all public weddings held in
churches, and when used no one should be
admitted to the church without one. They
are sent with the wedding invitations.
They are kept in stock by the stationer,
and are not expensive.
CARDS, VISITING, AFTER MARRIAGE. Mr. and
Mrs. cards are used by the wife only within
one year after the marriage, after which
separate cards are in order. These Mr. and
Mrs. cards are used in sending gifts,
congratulations, condolence, and at ceremonious
affairs, when both the husband and wife are
represented.
CARRIAGES. Carriages should be provided to
take the bride and her family to the church
and back to the house, and also the guests
from the church to the receptions.
The expense is borne by the family of the
bride, save for the carriage used by the
groom, which takes him and the best man to
the church, and later takes the married
couple to the house, and after the reception,
to the station.
CHOIR-BOYS. See CHOIR-BOYS AT WEDDINGS.
CONGRATULATIONS. Congratulations may be
sent with letter of acceptance or declination
of an invitation to a wedding to those
sending the invitations. And if acquaintance
with bride and groom warrant, a note of
congratulations may be sent to them also.
Guests in personal conversation with the
latter give best wishes to the bride and
congratulations to the groom.
CHURCH. See BEST MAN--CHURCH. BRIDE--CHURCH.
BRIDESMAIDS--CHURCH. GROOM--CHURCH. USHERS-CHURCH.
DANCES. It is not usual to have dances after the
wedding.
DEPARTURE OF MARRIED COUPLE. See WEDDINGS--MARRIED
COUPLE.
DRESS. See BEST MAN--DRESS. BRIDE--DRESS.
GROOM-DRESS. WEDDINGS-GUESTS-DRESS,
ETC.
EXPENSES. All the expenses are borne by the
bride's family, except the fees for the license,
clergyman, organist, and sexton. The wedding-ring,
the carriages for the groom, ushers,
best man, and the carriage which takes away
the married couple, are also paid for by the
groom.
He also furnishes souvenirs to the maid of
honor and bridesmaids, best man and ushers,
and all expenses of the wedding trip.
If the groom gives a farewell bachelor dinner,
he bears all expenses.
FAREWELL BACHELOR DINNERS. See Groom-
Farewell Dinner.
FAREWELL BRIDAL LUNCHEON. See Bride--
Farewell Luncheons.
FEES. The wedding fee, preferably gold or
clean bills in sealed envelope, is given by the
best man to the officiating clergyman.
Custom leaves the amount to the groom, who
should give at least five dollars or more, in
proportion to his income and social position.
The clergyman usually gives the fee to his
wife.
FLOWER GIRLS. See Flower Girls.
FLOWERS are in general use. The quantity and
quality of floral decorations must depend
upon the taste and the wealth of the parties
concerned.
BRIDE. The bride, if she desires, carries at the
wedding ceremony a bouquet given by the
groom. Flowers are sometimes dispensed
with, and a Prayer-Book used.
CHURCH. In addition to the palms in the chancel,
a string of flowers or white ribbons is stretched
across the middle aisle, to reserve this place
for the immediate family and specially invited guests.
USHERS. Boutonnieres, provided by the bride's
family, should be given to the sexton by the
florist on the wedding-day. They may be
made of lilies of the valley, white roses, or
the like.
Sometimes the ushers call at the house of
the bride to have her fix them in the lapel of
their coats.
GIFTS. The nearest members of each family
should arrange among themselves what gifts
to send, and thus avoid duplicates.
Expensive presents are sent only by most intimate
friends, and articles of utility by relatives or
near friends. All gifts should be sent within
two months of date of marriage, and should
have thereon the woman's maiden name,
initial cipher, or monogram, and should be
acknowledged by the bride at the earliest
moment, and not later than ten days after
her marriage.
It is not in good taste to make an ostentatious
display of the gifts, and if they are exhibited,
the cards of the donors should be removed,
and only intimate friends invited.
Those sending gifts should have the courtesy
of an invitation to the wedding breakfast
or reception.
If any gifts are sent to the groom, they
should bear his initial.
A wedding invitation does not necessarily
imply that a gift must be sent, as the sending
of a gift is optional.
GROOM. See Groom.
GUESTS-BREAKFASTS OR RECEPTIONS. The
invited guests leave the church for the bride's
residence, and there are introduced by the
ushers to the married couple and those standing
up with them. If the guests are unknown to
the ushers, they should give their names to
one of them, who offers his left arm to the woman,
while her escort follows and is introduced at the same
time.
At the breakfast, guests are usually assigned places,
but, if not, may take any
seat. Only the specially invited guests await
the departure of the married couple, which
ends the reception or breakfast.
If boxes of wedding-cake are placed on a
table, each guest takes one on his departure.
GUESTS-CALLS. Invited guests should call at
least within ten days and leave their cards.
DRESS. Broadly speaking, at a morning or afternoon
wedding the guest wears afternoon dress,
and at an evening wedding evening dress.
From the latter rule there are no deviations
possible, but in the former there is
greater latitude. Thus it would be possible
for a man to wear a black cutaway coat at
an afternoon wedding.
MEN. If the wraps are not left in the carriage,
they are removed in the vestibule and are
carried on the arm into the pew. A man
follows the woman, who is escorted to the
pew by the usher. At the end of the ceremony
the guests should not leave until the
immediate family have passed out.
Guests who are not invited to the breakfast
or reception should not take offense, as
the number present on such occasions is
necessarily limited. These guests may seat
themselves or are seated by the ushers, but
not in the pews reserved for the family and
specially invited guests.
WOMEN. No one should be present at a wedding
in mourning, and it should be laid aside temporarily
even by the mother, who wears
purple velvet or silk. Women on entering
the church take the usher's left arm, and are
escorted to the pew, while their escort follows
behind.
If they are immediate members of the
family or are specially invited guests, they
should give their names to the usher that he
may seat them in the places reserved for
them.
HATS OF GROOM AND OF BEST MAN. To do
away with the possibility of the best man
having to take care of the hats of groom and
best man during the wedding ceremony, it
is a good plan for both groom and best man
to leave them in the vestry, and to have them
carried out to the front of the church, ready
for them at the end of the ceremony.
HOME See Home Weddings.
HOST. See Father of Bride.
HOSTESS. See Mother of Bride.
HOURS. Any hour from nine in the morning to
nine in the evening is appropriate.
The morning hours are usually selected for
quiet home affairs; twelve o'clock, or high
noon, is still considered as the fashionable
hour, while from three to six is the hour
most convenient for all concerned.
Evening weddings are not very convenient,
chiefly because it is not as easy to handle the
details as in the daytime.
INVITATIONS. The woman's parents, guardians,
or others give the wedding, send out the invitations,
and bear all the expense of engraving and sending
out the same. They are issued in the name of the
one giving the wedding, and should be sent to
near-by friends about twenty days in advance of
the weddingday and earlier to out-of-town friends.
With them are sent the invitation to the wedding
breakfast or reception, and also the card of
admission to the church.
The groom should supply a list of names
of such persons as he desires to have present,
designating his preference for those to be
present at the breakfast or reception.
In addressing wedding invitations, two
envelopes are used. The inner one, unsealed,
bears the name only of the person addressed,
and is enclosed in another envelope, sealed,
bearing the address of the person invited.
Parents should, of course, order these
invitations of a fashionable dealer in stationery,
that good taste may be observed.
If the invitation contains an invitation to
the breakfast or reception, it should be accepted
or declined at once, and the answer
sent to those issuing the invitation. If the
invitation does not include a breakfast or
reception invitation, no acknowledgment is
necessary.
Should the wedding, however, be at home,
and the guests limited in number, an
acknowledgment should be sent.
If the invitations bear the letters R. S. V. P.
an acknowledgment is necessary.
BRIDESMAIDS. At a large church wedding several
invitations are usually given to the
bridesmaids for their own personal use.
CALLS. Very intimate friends can call personally.
Friends of the groom who have no
acquaintance with the bride's family should
send their cards to those inviting them.
Those who do not receive with wedding
invitations and announcements At Home
cards should not call, but consider themselves
dropped from the circle of acquaintances
of the married couple.
CARDS, LEAVING. If a person is invited to a
wedding at a church, but not to the reception
or breakfast, a card should be left or mailed
both to the bride's parents and to the
married couple.
Those present at the ceremony should
leave cards in person for those inviting them,
and if this is not possible, they can send
them by mail or messenger.
Those invited but not present should send
cards to those who invited them.
RECALLED. When for some good reason a
wedding has to be canceled or postponed,
the parents of the bride should, as soon as
possible, send printed notices, giving the
reasons, to all the invited guests.
JOURNEY. See Wedding Trip.
MAID OF HONOR. See Maid of Honor.
MARKING GIFTS. See Marking Wedding Gifts.
MARRIED COUPLE. Immediately after the wedding
breakfast or reception, the bride, with
her maid of honor, retires to change her
clothes for those suitable for travel. The
groom, with his best man, does likewise, and
waits for his wife at the foot of the stairs.
As she comes down the stairs she lets fall
her bridal bouquet among the bridesmaids,
who strive to secure it, as its possession is
deemed a lucky sign of being the next bride.
As the couple pass out of the front door
it is customary for the guests to throw after
them, for luck, rice, rose leaves, flowers, old
shoes, etc.
The form to be used in signing the hotel
register is: Mr. and Mrs. John K. Wilson.
Good taste and a desire for personal comfort
demand that their public acts and words
be not of such a character as to attract attention.
See also Wedding Trip.
AT HOME. At the end of the wedding trip they
proceed to their own home, and immediately
send out their At Home cards, unless they
have followed the better plan of enclosing
them with their wedding cards.
They are at perfect liberty to send them to
whom they please, and thus to select their
friends. At these "At Homes" light refreshment
is served, and the married couple wear full
evening dress.
They are generally given a dinner by the
bridesmaids, and are entertained by both
families in appropriate ways.
MEN-DRESS. At a morning or afternoon wedding
the groom, best man, and ushers wear
afternoon dress, but at an evening wedding
they wear evening dress.
For further details see Best Man--Dress.
Groom--Dress. Ushers--Dress.
MOURNING should not be worn at a wedding, but
should be laid aside temporarily, the wearer
appearing in purple.
MUSIC. The organist and the music are usually
selected by the bride. Before the arrival of
the bride the organist plays some bright
selection, but on her entering the church
and passing up the aisle he plays the Wedding March.
PAGES. See Pages.
PRIVATE. See Private Wedding.
PROCESSION UP THE AISLE. Many styles are
adopted for the procession up the aisle. A
good order is for the ushers to come first in
pairs, then the bridesmaids, maid of honor,
and last the bride on her father's arm. At
the altar the ushers and bridesmaids open
ranks to allow the bride to pass through.
This order is usually reversed in the procession
down the aisle.
RECALLING INVITATIONS. See Wedding Invitations
(Recalled).
RECEPTIONS. See Wedding Receptions.
REHEARSALS. 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. See Reporters--Weddings.
RIBBONS. See Ribbons at Church Weddings.
RICE. See Weddings--Throwing of Rice.
RING. This may be dispensed with, save in the
Roman Catholic and in the Episcopal Church
service. It is usually of plain gold, with
initials of bride and groom and date of marriage
engraved therein.
It is bought by the groom, who should give
it to the best man to be kept till it is called
for by the clergyman during the ceremony.
It is worn on the third finger of the bride's
left hand.
SECOND MARRIAGES. See Widows--Weddings.
SIGNING THE REGISTER. This is sometimes done
by the bride and the groom, and takes place
in the vestry, where the best man signs as
chief witness and some of the guests as witnesses.
SOUVENIRS. See Souvenirs.
THROWING OF RICE. 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.
TOASTS. Toasts to the bride and groom are customary
at the wedding breakfast.
If the groom gives a farewell bachelor dinner,
he should propose a toast to the bride.
TROUSSEAU. See Trousseau.
USHERS. See USHERS
WHITE RIBBONS. See RIBBONS.
WIDOWS. See WIDOWS--WEDDINGS.
WOMEN--DRESS. Women wear afternoon or
evening dress, as the occasion requires.
See also WIDOWS. GUESTS.
WEDDINGS--GUESTS. WEDDINGS--WIDOWS.
WHITE RIBBONS AT WEDDINGS. See RIBBONS.
WIDOWS.
CARD. During the first year of mourning a
widow has no cards, as she makes no formal
visits. After the first year, cards with border
of any desired depth are used.
Either the husband's name or the widow's
baptismal name may be used, but if in the
immediate family the husband's name is
duplicated, she should use her own name to
avoid confusion. When her married son has
his father's full name, the widow should add
SR. to hers, as the son's wife is entitled to
the name.
MOURNING. A widow should wear crape with a
bonnet having a small border of white. The
veil should be long and worn over the face
for three months, after which a shorter veil
may be worn for a year, and then the face
may be exposed. Six months later white
and lilac may be used, and colors resumed
after two years.
STATIONERY, MOURNING. A widow's stationery
should be heavily bordered, and is continued
as long as she is in deep mourning. This is
gradually decreased, in accordance with her
change of mourning.
All embossing or stamping should be done
in black.
WEDDINGS. Widows should avoid anything distinctively
white, even in flowers--especially
white orange blossoms and white veil,
these two being distinctively indicative of
the first wedding. If she wishes, she can
have bridesmaids and ushers. Her wedding-cards
should show her maiden name as part of her full name.
WIDOWERS--STATIONERY, MOURNING. The width of
black on his stationery should be reduced as
the interval is diminished.
All stamping should be in black.
WIFE--CARDS. Only the wife of the oldest member
of the oldest branch may use her husband's
name without the initials.
WIFE AND HUSBAND--CARDS, VISITING. When the wife
is calling, she can leave cards of the husband
and sons if it is impossible for them to do so
themselves.
After an entertainment cards of the family
can be left for the host and hostess by either
the wife or any of the daughters.
WIFE OF BARONET--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Madam, and ends: I have the honor
to remain your Ladyship's most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, Lady Wilson, sincerely
yours,
The address on the envelope is: To Lady
Wilson.
WIFE OF A KNIGHT--HOW ADDRESSED. An official letter
begins: Madam, and ends: I have the honor
to remain your Ladyship's most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, Lady Wilson, sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope reads: To
Lady Wilson.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF BARON--HOW ADDRESSED.
An official letter begins: Madam, and ends:
I have the honor to remain, madam, your
obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Mrs. Wilson,
and ends: Sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Honorable Mrs. Wilson.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF DUKE--HOW ADDRESSED.
An official letter begins: Madam, and ends:
I have the honor to remain, your Ladyship's
most obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable the Lady John Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady John
Kent, and ends: Believe me, dear Lady John
Kent, faithfully yours.
The address is: To the Lady John Kent.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF EARL--HOW ADDRESSED. An
official letter begins: Madam, and ends: I
have the honor to remain, madam, your obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Mrs. Wilson,
and ends: Believe me, Mrs. Wilson, sincerely
yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Honorable Mrs. Wilson.
WIFE Of YOUNGER SON OF MARQUIS--HOW ADDRESSED.
An official letter begins: Madam, and ends:
I have the honor to remain your Ladyship's
most obedient servant.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Right Honorable, The Lady John Kent.
A social letter begins: Dear Lady John Kent, and ends:
Believe me, dear Lady John Kent, faithfully yours.
The address is: To the Lady John Kent.
WIFE OF YOUNGER SON OF VISCOUNT--HOW ADDRESSED.
An official letter begins: Madam, and ends:
I have the honour to remain, madam, your
obedient servant.
A social letter begins: Dear Mrs. Wilson,
and ends: Sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: To the
Honorable Mrs. Wilson.
WINE. A guest not caring for wine should turn
down his glass and leave it in that position,
or a mere sign of dissent when it is offered
is sufficient.
WITNESSES AT WEDDINGS. If witnesses are needed,
the best man selects them, and himself signs
as the chief witness.
WOODEN WEDDINGS. Five years after the marriage
comes the wooden wedding. On the invitations
sent out may be engraved, if desired,
No presents received. Congratulations may
be extended in accepting or declining these
invitations.
Those invited make suitable presents, and
on this occasion any device made of wood is
appropriate, including articles of utility--as,
kitchen utensils, household ornaments, etc.
An entertainment usually follows,
WOOLEN WEDDINGS. This is the name of the fortieth
wedding anniversary, and is seldom celebrated.
The invitations may have the words:
No presents received, and in accepting or
declining the invitations, congratulations may
be sent.
An entertainment should be provided, and
any article of woolen would be appropriate
as a gift.
WOMEN.
BACHELOR'S DINNERS. Women do not call upon
a bachelor after attending a dinner given by
him.
CONDUCT TOWARD MEN. Male acquaintances
should be carefully chosen, and great care
exercised in accepting invitations from them.
When declining invitations from a man
personally given, explanations are not
necessary. If they are deemed desirable, they
should be given as delicately as possible and
without giving offence.
It is well never to receive men alone, unless
they are most intimate friends. Compromising
positions are easily fallen into, and a woman
should be constantly on her guard.
WOMEN SERVANTS--TIPS. It is customary for guests
at the end of a house-party visit to give tips
to the maid for extra attention and taking
care of the room, and also to the cook. The
latter is usually tipped by the married men
and bachelors.
AFTERNOON DRESS. See AFTERNOON DRESS--WOMEN.
AFTERNOON TEAS. See AFTERNOON TEAS (FORMAL)
--WOMEN. AFTERNOON TEAS (INFORMAL)--WOMEN.
BACHELORS' DINNERS. See BACHELORS' DINNERS--WOMEN.
BACHELORS' TEAS. See BACHELORS' TEAS--WOMEN.
BALLS. See BALLS--WOMEN.
BOWING. See BOWING--WOMEN.
BREAKFASTS. See BREAKFASTS--WOMEN.
CALLS. See CALLS--WOMEN.
CARDS. See CARDS (VISITING)--WOMEN.
CHAPERONE. See CHAPERONE.
CHRISTENINGS. See CHRISTENINGS--WOMEN.
CONCLUSION OF LETTERS. See Conclusion of a
Letter--Women.
COTILLIONS BY SUBSCRIPTIONS. See Cotillions
by Subscriptions--Women.
DANCES. See Dances--Women.
DANCING. See Dancing--Women.
DINNERS. See Dinners--Women.
DRESS. See Dress--Women.
DRIVING. See Driving--Women.
ENGAGEMENT. See Engagement--Women.
EVENING DRESS. See Evening Dress--Women.
FUNERALS. See Funerals--Women.
GARDEN PARTIES. See Garden Parties--Women.
GLOVES. See Gloves--Women.
HIGH TEA. See High Tea--Women.
HOUSE PARTIES. See House Parties--Women.
INTRODUCTIONS. See Introductions--Women.
INVITATIONS. See Invitations--Women.
LETTERS. See fetters-Women.
LUNCHEONS. See Luncheons--Women.
MORNING DRESS. See Morning Dress--Women.
MOURNING. See Mourning--Women.
MOURNING CARDS. See Mourning Cards--
Women.
NEW ACQUAINTANCE. See New Acquaintances--
Women.
NEWCOMERS. See Newcomers--Residents' Duty
to Women.
RIDING. See Riding--Women.
SALUTATIONS. See Salutations--Women.
SHAKING HANDS. See Shaking Hands--Women.
STATIONERY. See Stationery--Women.
STREET-CARS. See Street-cars--Women.
STREET ETIQUETTE. See Street Etiquette--
Women.
THEATRE PARTIES. See Theatre Parties--
Women.
TITLES. See Titles--Women.
TRAVELING. See Traveling--Women.
WEDDINGS. See Weddings--Women.
WRITTEN CARDS are in bad taste, but in case of
necessity may be used. The name should be
written in full if not too long, and should
be the autograph of the sender.
YOUNGER SON. See Son (Younger).