THE WEDDING DAY IN ALL AGES AND COUNTRIES. BY EDWARD J. WOOD, AUTHOR OF "THE CURIOSITIES OF CLOCKS AND WATCHES FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES," RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET, Publisher in Ordinary to Her Majesty, 1869. [The rights of translation and reproduction are reserved.] 223. j. 34. PREFACE. It was at one time the custom in Wales for the intended bride and bridegroom to issue biddingletters, in the form of newspaper advertisements and circulars, inviting all who chose, whether friends or strangers, to come to their marriage, or bidding, as it was called. Each guest was by these letters respectfully asked to contribute something towards the expenses of the wedding; and it usually happened that the visitors were many, and the gifts numerous. This Preface may, perhaps, bear an analogy to a bidding-letter. All the preparations for our "Wedding Day" have been with some anxiety completed; the banns have been duly published by Mr. Bentley; and the "best-men," Dr. Robert Bigsby, John Bullock, Esq., and T. C. Noble, Esq., have rendered their friendly help. It remains only to invite the public, which we now do most cordially. The amount of their indi |