My mom kept a cedar chest and a few boxes of mementos from high school, 4H, college, her wedding showers and beyond. I discovered a pile of “Congratulatory Telegrams” where wedding shower attendees wrote their advice. I included names when I could, and funny, but I know a number of these people.Times have clearly changed.

Advice for a bride in 1963:

Let him know that aprons fit men, too!

Don’t spoil him! Make him help with some of the housework, especially cooking. Peggy Chapman

Mary and Don – May all rosy years and darling ones new always be yours.

I think the word “Togetherness” is the most important thing I can tell you. Don’t spoil him too much, and in turn don’t expect too much! Terry Raap

Be sure to get up and get his breakfast and always have meals on time.

Don should always prepare the breakfast.

If supper is going to be late, set the table and put the bread and butter on anyway. It will fool him for awhile.

P.S. I hope you’ll share the advice you get and I’ll give you more in a couple of weeks. Nancy Wise

Always have Don help with the dishes. Lucille L

Dear Mary and Don, Since I don’t know either you or your husband very well I’ll start off by saying good luck. The first few weeks are the most glorious of all. If you were like me, the thing I worried about the most was cooking for him, but if he loves you enough he won’t care what he eats. Best Wishes

Dear Mary – “Be slow to anger, quick to forgive.” Aunt Abby

Best wishes, good luck, Just jump when he calls and baby him. He will love you.

Mary –: I will only say Best Wishes. How can a spinster give advice to a bride! CAROL

Mary, Don’t let Don buy a dog. MAP

Don’t go to bed with your hair up in rollers!

Congratulations! Always start each day by having breakfast together. Shirley Pierce

Train him right. No breakfast in bed. No picking up after him. Let him wait on you now and then. Joan Donovan

Keep smiling. Das ist gut!