The bridesmaids should recognize that they are present to provide a beautiful frame for a beautiful picture. When the bouquet and the garter have been tossed and the toasted couple has gone, the bridesmaids may have moments of their own; but at the wedding they are charming accessories. As such, they should blend into the pattern set by the bride. The bride-to-be, in fact, has selected the color scheme that the bridesmaids will carefully follow. If they do not all have gowns of the same design, these should be planned carefully so that no one outshines the others, or draws attention from the bride. This balance should be maintained also, in the bridesmaids’ choice of jewels. It may be that a simple pin or pair of earclips will be a gift to each bridesmaid; such a jewel should of course be worn. If any necklace is worn, it should be small. Pearl or gold earclips, without pendants, should be chosen to blend with the person and the costume, not to stand out. A small gold clip, with perhaps one precious stone or a small pattern, will not be too conspicuous. There may be one gold bracelet, not wide. Such jewels will preserve the individual grace of the bridesmaid while softening her into the harmony of the whole, as a background of youth and loveliness for the bride. _The Mother of the Bride_ As every mother knows, her proudest moment is not that of her own wedding, but that when she watches her daughter being wed. This is the altar of her dreams. The mother of the bride symbolizes the continuance of tradition, the unity of the family, the onward flow of the race. She will dominate the hour before the ceremony, and she will continue to receive congratulations and good wishes as she presides over the festivity long after the bride and groom have slipped away. The mother of the bride may therefore wear more elaborate and more colorful jewelry than the bride herself. The bride is adorned for the occasion, her mother is adorned for the guests. The mother may wear, then, important and imposing items: earclips, necklace, ring (not too many rings!), bracelet, and brooch. Equally she may choose among her jewels those that together show to best advantage, diamonds combined with rubies, sapphires, or what she will. Good taste will be her criterion; her desire, to make her daughter as proud as she is happy. There may perhaps also be the suggestion in her costume that, mother though she is, she still possesses freshness, vitality, and youth. Even at the most formal wedding, however, the mother should not wear a tiara unless it is a treasured heirloom and thus a matter of family tradition. What has been said of the mother of the bride holds as well—with a touch more of simplicity—for the mother of the groom. _The Wedding Guests_