DEAR ABBY: My husband and I had the pleasure of attending two lovely church weddings recently. We arrived early to ensure getting aisle seats so we could get a clear view of the bride and wedding procession as they came down the aisle. (You can probably guess my question at this point.)
A few minutes before the ceremony was to begin, the usher brought some late arrivers to our row and we were then forced to move down to the middle of the pew. How rude! Abby, please inform the young or ignorant for me what is proper and courteous. I have looked in your wedding booklet and cannot find the proper way to handle this. -- M.L.B. IN MIDLOTHIAN, VA.
DEAR M.L.B.: When an usher asks you to "move down, please," tell him (or her) politely and quietly that you arrived early to get an aisle seat, thank you. Then stand up and allow the latecomers to walk past you to the middle -- or end -- of the pew.