A band took part in a wedding ceremony at Clapham as recently as the autumn of 1911. The following extract, referring to the second marriage of Mr. Dombey, shows what bridal parties had to put up with in the good old days: The men who play the bells have got scent of the marriage; and the marrow-bones and cleavers too; and a brass band too.
"Charles Dickens and Music"
James T. Lightwood
The dogs were all over cleavers sticking to their coats, and your boots had to be wiped with a wisp of straw; your pocket was heavy with a couple of rabbits or a hare, and your hands black enough from powder and handling gates and stiles.
"Hodge and His Masters"
Richard Jefferies
It was formerly the custom for butchers' assistants to provide themselves with marrow-bones and cleavers for musical effects.
"Charles Dickens and Music"
James T. Lightwood