IRREVERENT BRIDES

Evening Star, Issue 20252, 13 August 1929, Page 12

IRREVERENT BRIDES

EXPERIENCES OF VICAR Under the heading of ‘ Naughty Brides’ the Rev. H. W. R. EWley, vicar of St.- Michael’s Church, Tokyngton, Wembley, has some amusing things to say in his parish magazine. “I have married some pretty rough customers m my time,” he writes, “and though some of them had obviously started, the wedding breakfast before coming to the church I have only found one unsatisfactory bridegroom. Bridegrooms are always subdued, and usually nervous. They generally appear relieved and thankful if the clergyman approaches with a friendly smile and a handshake before the ceremony. “The behaviour of most brides in church is. of course, all that could be desired. But when there is any irreverence it comes from the bride, and not from the groom. I make nothing of the fact that a highly-strung girl will sometimes burst into tears. This is a little embarrassing for the priest. Is she being married against her will? However, we must assume it is just ‘nerves.’ ‘ ‘ Nor do I dwell on the fact that a shy girl often has to be helped out with her part. 1 refer to the frivolous type of girl that cannot even behave during the fifteen minutes that it takes her to be married, but must titter and whisper all the way There is one thing thal type of bride always ' does; So soon ns the ring is on her finger she shows it, whispering and i smiling, to the bridegroom kneeling be- ' side her, oblivious to the fact that the i priest 'is engaged in pronouncing a blessing .over her. But 1 - ■ bridegroom never responds He kneels, blushing, silent and ashamed ; “ I air .willing to believe that many ;oi thew unsatisfactory’ brides are i just too excited r o knov vf they are I doing, and ilia' the rest dlond out of j sheer ignorant*. But it soetn» .rather ! sad thatthere should te young girls 1 who not only do not know how to bei have duitne great event of their j wedding. hnt apparently have no friends Jot jreiativeß who do fiuow,’