In those days (1960's to1970's) two customs must be followed, if not others, even though the families were deeply religious being Methodists.
The bride's make up must be done by a "blessed" relative. Both her in laws and parents must be alive. She must also be blessed by a good husband and children. The last act is to brush the hair.
At my Aunt's wedding, Mrs. Samuel Chiu was selected to do the honours of doing the bridal make up and indeed she was a blessed relative with many good fortunes in her life.
Finally, the mother (or father, if still alive) must veil the bride for the wedding march. The veil since ancient times (Romans) is symbolic of modesty and purity. After veiling the bride, the mother or father would walk her down the aisle (if it was a church wedding) to give her away. When the groom unveiled the bride, he thus became the new authority over her and she would start her new life with the new family. In ancient days, it was also considered a "transfer of property from father to son-in-law" according to several historians.
Aunt Ik Ding's wedding at Sing Fu Yuen Tang was attended by all the elders of the Tiong family and the Chiu family, and the bride groom's family.
The photo shows , from left to right, Nelly, Ik Ding, the bride, and my grand aunt, Chang Yuk Ging.
P/s I also remember that a Foochow girl who was married insisted on carrying a small Bible and a small bouquet of paper flowers. Her mother remarked, "Just the Bible would be nice too, no need the flowers..." But then another relative said, "Brides must have flowers..." So thus she carried both..in her special white gloved hands.
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