CHURCHES RUSHED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 27, 1 February 1941, Page 17

CHURCHES RUSHED

SYDNEY'S WEDDING RECORD

CLERGY WORK OVERTIME

On Sydney's biggest wedding day of 1940 —leap year—between 400 and 500 couples were married the Saturday before Christmas, establishing what ministers claim to be a record. So great was the rush at some churches that difficulty was experienced in performing the full list of ceremonies.

The unprecedented list of weddings is attributed to the number of soldiers and airmen on Christmas leave, many having proposed by letter from camp. One couple who met 10 days before were married after a three days' engagement. Others held double weddings. Unable to find accommodation for receptions, several couples postponed their weddings until later. Requests that the bride waive, the custom of arriving late were made by clergy, who feared that otherwise they might be unable to cope with the number of weddings. ■ From both Brisbane and Melbourne come similar reports of an unprecedented number of weddings. A Melbourne clergyman performed ceremonies at the rate of one each halfhour, while the Assistant Government Statistician gave up his half-holiday to marry ten couples.

Dressmakers experienced an unprecedented rush and brides stepped into frocks vfrhich had been finished only an hour or two before the ceremony. One bride who had only a three-day engagement borrowed a wedding frock. The majority of brides chose traditional white dress and veil, and most bridegrooms were in uniform.