A Q and A with Nell Drake

In 1943, during WWII  when this was written, the fee for the clergyman, ranged anywhere from $10 to $100 or $200, according to the means of the groom and the importance of the wedding. Whatever the amount, it was enclosed in an envelope and taken in charge by the best man, who handed it to the clergyman in his vestry room, immediately after the ceremony. 

1. – WHEN YOU ARE complimenting a woman friend, how should one do it?-W.Y.A., San Pedro.

Women are very “catty” when complimenting each other. They are always sure to notice the little mistakes of dress rather than notice the many lovely things about a well-groomed woman. They'll take pains to notice an off colored thread, a fractionally “off the beam” hat, a hairpin that's falling or any other similar little item. If you are complimenting another woman on her dress don't say... “Why, I've never seen you look so nice”... but say in a pleasant tone of voice, minus any sarcasm, “That dress is so becoming.”

2. – HOW DO YOUNG people introduce their friends?-J. В.Los Angeles.

A young girl taking her girl friend to the country club would greet a group of her own friends with “Hello everybody, this is Sally.” In the modern fashionable world, the titles Mister, Missus and Miss are never used except to outsiders. If Sally is accepted as a member of a certain group, she is at once called Sally, or quite likely, Sal. To be called Miss Stranger announces that she is not a member of the group.

3. – WHAT ARE detailed directions for perfect dinner giving? A. T., Los Angeles.

The requisites at every dinner of perfection, whether a great one of 200 people or a little one of six, are as follows:

• Guests, people who are congenial to one another… this is of first importance. 

• Food, a suitable menu perfectly prepared and served hot food should be hot, and cold, cold. 

• Table furnishing, faultlessly laundered linen, brilliantly polished silver, and all other table accessories in perfect condition. 

• There should be of course, a cordial and hospitable host and a hostess of charm. Charm says everything. Tact, sympathy, poise and perfect manners are always proper

4. – WHAT ARE some of the last minute obligations of the bridegroom before the wedding? -L. M., Glendale.

Gifts must be provided for the bridegroom's best man and ushers, as well as their ties, gloves and boutonnieres, a bouquet for his bride, and the fee for the clergyman, which may range anywhere from $10 to $100 or $200, according to the means of the groom and the importance of the wedding. Whatever the amount, it is enclosed in an envelope and taken in charge by the best man, who hands it to the clergyman in his vestry room, immediately after the ceremony. – By Nell Drake, 1943

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