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Victorian
WeddingsThe ceremony of
marriage is normally governed by the religious formularies
of the church to which the bride may belong, which chooses
the clergyman for its performance.
The bride has usually two bridesmaids, and the groom the same
number of groomsmen. This number is not set in stone, and it
may be increased. The proper Victorian marriage is customarily
performed at 12 o'clock in the day, at the church, which is
first entered by the bride resting on the arm of her father,
uncle, or the person is to "give her away." Next comes the
groom, with the mother or closest female relative. The
groomsmen and bridesmaids, arm in arm follow them. The
immediate relatives complete the procession to the altar, where
the bride and groom take their places in advance, with the
parents closely behind, and the rest gathered in a group about
them.
The groom is responsible for providing the wedding ring, and
have it in readiness at the proper moment when called upon to
place it on the brides ring finger. The ring is placed on the
third finger from, but not counting the thumb of the left
hand.
After the wedding ceremony is complete, the question sometimes
arises whether the bride is to be kissed by the groom.
Traditionally, the kiss is considered improper behavior, but it
is, of course, common practice today. Finally, all their
friends and family in the church congratulate the bride and
groom. Elderly relatives may kiss the bride in congratulation.
Queen Victoria herself was kissed by the Duke of Sussex, but
not by Prince Albert.
The married couple then return to the bride's house together,
taking precedence of all, and, on arrival, assume a standing
position at one end of the reception-room and await the coming
of the invited guests, who, as they enter, are conducted by the
groomsmen to offer their congratulations. The usual breakfast
or lunch closes the ceremony.
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