June 1964

WHAT DOES IT COST TO GET MARRIED TODAY?

For church weddings, anywhere from $200 on up. The bride's father foots the major portion of the bill: wedding gown and accessories can be held to $75, but $150 is average; engraved invitations and announcements, $35 to $60 per hundred; flowers for church, reception, and bridesmaids, anywhere from $40 on up; bridesmaids' gifts, at least $5 apiece. Such extras as candles, aisle runners, pew ribbons, a canopy, services of a sexton, custodian, organist, and soloist can easily add $70 or more.

WHO TAKES CARE OF THE FAMILY WHEN MOTHER IS ILL?

HOW EXPENSIVE IS IT TO LEAVE YOUR HOUSE VACANT?

The cost is considerably more than you would expect: you not only have to keep up with all the regular expenses such as taxes and mortgage, but you must also pay for maintenance that you would ordinarily do yourself. And there may be special insurance charges. The additional total expense easily can run to $50 or more per month.

HOW CAN YOU GUARD YOURSELF AGAINST BECOMING UNINSURABLE?

Only by staying healthy-- and no one can make absolutely sure of that. But there are ways to protect yourself against the possibility of having your life insurance application turned down or being charged extra-high rates (in grave risk cases, sometimes more than double the usual premiums) just at a time when you feel the greatest need for insurance-- when threatening illness strikes.

CAN STOCK ADVISORY SERVICES REALLY HELP YOU MAKE WISE INVESTMENTS?

A large number of organizations offer subscriptions to weekly or monthly bulletins that analyze the securities market. These advisory services can-- and often do-- help with investments by pointing out, at the right time, stocks and bonds that should be bought because they show promise, and other stocks and bonds that should be sold because they look overpriced and thus likely to drop in value.

YOUR TEN RESPONSIBILITIES IN AN ACCIDENT

1. Have the equipment and information you need in case of an accident: pen, pencil, note pad, first-aid kit, insurance card, auto ownership certificate, blanket, flashlight or lantern, flares, and other warning devices for day or night.

A TAILGATE WINDOW TIP THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

HOW TO CUT THE COST OF RUNNING YOUR CAR

It's not hard if you treat your automobile with the attention it deserves as the family's second largest investment (after housing). With good buymanship and a little care, you can easily save $200 or more a year.

GOOD DRIVING CAN SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR CAR INSURANCE

With many insurance companies, if your driving record shows that you haven't caused any accidents or committed any serious traffic violations for a period of at least three years, you are generally entitled to a saving of up to 15 or 20 per cent on your premiums. But before you are eligible for this lower rate, everyone who takes the wheel of your car must have a similar safety record.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO VACATION IN A CAR?

HOW TO PUT A NEW CAR THROUGH ITS PACES

Before you buy a new car, try it out for yourself. All the facts and figures on head room, knee room, super-soft ride, handling, and so on sound good-- but what do they mean to YOU? Spend time in the car-- drive it, park it, get in and out of it, use it the way it will be used after you own it.

GOOD NEWS FOR MEN!

A report to the family man on products for the home, auto, shop, and garden.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PLANT FOOD

There is no secret formula for having beautiful flowers, a lush green lawn, or healthy trees. It is a well-known fact that plants, like people, must have food to flourish. This too-often-neglected element makes the difference between success and failure with many garden efforts.

TRIMMING AND TRAINING EVERGREENS

If you like the way your evergreens look, leave them alone. If you think their appearance can be improved, or if you wish to reduce their size, now is the time.

DESIGN YOUR OWN CUSTOM LIGHTING

Mix your imagination with the new materials now available at lighting specialty shops, and you can design handsome light units to fit your needs exactly.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR BIG WINDOWS

DECORATING WRONGS MADE RIGHT

A COURTYARD ALL ITS OWN

A house around a courtyard sounds like something from the romantic past, but here's one that's completely practical for today. Architect Kenneth W. Brooks, A.I.A. designed this interesting plan for his own family. And they all heartily concur on the success and pleasure of the central court-- it is almost an outdoor family room. At night, it is especially glamorous; no need to draw draperies for privacy.

GARDEN POOLS--HOW, WHAT, AND WHERE

The cooling, relaxing effect of water sets a peaceful pace in any garden. Whether in a quiet reflecting pool or a splashing fountain, water works its magic.

COLOR SCHEMES THAT BLOOM!

In this third installment of our "Better Homes and Gardens Selects" series, we present flowers that not only bloom at the same time, but go together beautifully. Study what we have done on these four pages, then plan a growing color scheme for your garden.

THE NEW EDITORS' CHOICE HOUSE PAINT COLORS!

People who live in drab houses shouldn't! If your family has been putting off a color change for the house, this article is for you. We've chosen the 12 colors on these pages to guide you in selecting the right shades in the best color ranges. To buy any one of them, just snip out a swatch and match it at your favorite paint store.

PROJECTS YOU CAN BUILD AND ENJOY THIS SUMMER

Now's the time-- the weather's fine for building, and those long lazy days of summer are coming up for you to enjoy these wonderful outdoor projects.

SUNNY STITCHING!

A summer sunburst of brilliant canvas glorifies the garden and patio. All of these original designs can be appliqued on ready-made covers or on new covers patterned from the old. Try gay flowers sprinkled on covers and cloths, a series of radiating suns, or a profusion of pattern everywhere-- all simple to sew.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A GOOD TWO-STORY, THIS IS IT!

Like most two-story houses, this one combines unusual space and economy. It has 1,893 square feet of enclosed space, with minimum roof and foundation costs. It has the complete privacy of a separate floor of bedrooms, and the flexibility of large, well-planned rooms.

COOL, COOL WINDOW TREATMENTS

On these pages, you see stunning window treatments that abound with practical new materials, stylishness, and first-class versatility. Each-- in its own special way-- does a job of providing cool comfort. Some are excellent for air-conditioned rooms; others are perfect anywhere. There's sure to be one for you.

CONSIDERING A HOME ORGAN?

There are three good reasons for the popularity of the home organ: the versatility of its sound, ease and speed in learning to play (comparatively, that is, with more difficult instruments) and the enjoyment it provides for the whole family.

GIVE YOUR TABLE A NEW "GLAD" LOOK

CONTAINERS FROM THE KITCHEN

MORE FOR YOUR TRAVEL DOLLAR!

Can't make up your mind where to go on vacation? We're sure one or more of these wonderful trips-- covering the U.S., Hawaii, Canada, Europe, Japan, Mexico, and The Caribbean-- will appeal to your interest and budget. The travel industry is cooperating with Better Homes & Gardens to see that you get additional free information. For full details, just clip out the coupon below, paste it on a standard-size post card, and mail it to: BH Travel Dept., P.O. Box 4229, New York 17, N.Y. If you know other people who would be interested in having this free information, they may simply use a standard post card.

FIVE TERRIFIC GARDEN IDEAS

A double header. Garden hose ages fast when it is not taken care of properly. So hang it up when not in use.

HOW TO ADD OUTDOOR LIVING TO A MOBILE HOME

RELAXED READING

START MUMS FROM CUTTINGS--NOW

HOW TO ORDER PLANS FOR HOUSES AND PROJECTS

Better Homes for All America Did you find what you've been looking for in, "If you're looking for a good two story, this is it!" shown on page 62? If so, here's the best news of all! You can order a complete set of plans for this house. The package includes complete working drawings, a list of materials to help estimate costs, an outline of specifications for workmanship and materials, and points for you to include in your builder-homeowner agreement.

HOW TO CARE FOR ELECTRIC BLANKETS

Electric blankets need very little attention, but the right care is important. Read your blanket instruction booklet for special helps and precautions to follow.

BEGINNERS' BOUQUETS ... AND WHAT TO DO WITH THEM

Do you like to pick flowers? Most everybody does. But before you start there are a few rules you should know. Always check with Mom before you cut one single posy. Because if you don't, it may turn out the flower you thought nobody would miss was your neighbor's prize petunia. Cut the stems as long as possible, and put the flowers in water.

THE GREAT LAKES CIRCLE DRIVE

Across the Corn Belt on a humid midsummer's night, it's said you can actually listen to corn grow. You also hear the whine of automobile tires headed north, because not far away is the lure of fragrant pines, sky-blue lakes, sunny days, and cool evenings. Join Better Homes & Gardens Family Features Editor Neil Kuehnl on this drive, and see the "laughing waters" brave Hiawatha swam at Minnehaha Falls;

SHOPPING BY MAIL WITH BETTER HOMES & GARDENS

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

It seems impossible, but maybe we would get tired of a calendar that consisted of twelve Junes.