Military weddings with the solemnity of uniform and of swords or
sabers, are similar to both civil and religious weddings. Military persons on
active duty, and certain retirees, retain the privilege of a military wedding.
Military academy students can’t get married until they graduate, so academy
chapels are usually completely booked within hours after graduation. Since
having a military wedding is a great honor and privilege—any military person
can rent a tux or buy a wedding dress—couples have an obligation to plan a
proper wedding. The following are some points to keep in mind when planning a
military wedding:
• Because a military wedding is a special ceremony, it should be
as formal as possible.
• Attendants don’t have to wear their uniforms; they may rent
tuxedos or buy gowns.
• If the groom is in the military, his rank always appears on the
invitation.
If the bride is in the military, her name appears on the invitation
only if she plans to marry while wearing her uniform. All military personnel
have a Class A uniform, which is usually acceptable for a military wedding.
Grooms should pair their Class A uniforms with a white dress shirt and a long black
tie for day or a bow tie for evening. Officers and individuals who have careers
in the military usually buy a dress uniform. Like Class A uniforms, dress uniforms
can be worn with white dress shirts and long black ties or bow ties. A military
bride can opt for a dress uniform with a long or short skirt, depending on when
the reception will begin. However, know that commanders are responsible for
determining which type of uniform is permitted.
Overall, the image you must achieve is the bride, groom, and attendants
looking consistent. In addition, guests should wear the same category of
uniform as the wedding party, if possible. The following are additional details
regarding attire:
• Flowers and boutonnieres are never pinned to a uniform, but
brides and attendants in uniform may carry flowers.
• Signs of patriotism, such as an American flag and unit flags,
are appropriate at the ceremony and reception.
• All members of the wedding party who are wearing uniforms should
wear the same medals and ribbons. The bride and groom can choose full medals,
miniature medals, or ribbons. The idea, again, is to have the wedding party
look consistent. The military wedding ceremony is the same as a traditional wedding
ceremony up until the recessional. At that point, the bride and groom wait in a
quiet area as the arch is formed; remember to ask military guests ahead of time
whether they would like to participate in the formation. The military sword or saber
arch, which is unique to military weddings, is the ceremony’s most visual
aspect and provides great photo opportunities. Note that Navy, Marine, and Coast
Guard weddings often use swords to form the arch, while Army and Air Force
weddings often use sabers. Attendants and other guests in uniform exit the site
after the arch is formed. At the command of the highest ranking official, all
raise their swords or sabers to form the arch. Traditionally, the last two
sword bearers lower their swords to stop the couple. After the newlyweds kiss,
they then raise their swords to allow the couple to pass. At most military
bases, the swords and sabers used during a military wedding are available at
the chapel. Usually, the best man is responsible for ensuring that these items
are obtained for the ceremony. At the reception, military protocol is also followed.
Inviting the bride’s or groom’s superior, as well as that person’s superior, to
the wedding is proper etiquette; however, the bride’s or groom’s immediate
superior is usually the only one who attends. During the reception, a sword or
saber is also used to cut the wedding cake. Seating arrangements, especially
for formal military weddings, are determined by rank; the highest-ranking
official should be sitting closest to the front of the room, and the lowest-ranking
official should be sitting closest to the back of the room. The same seating
arrangements are also used for the reception.
Happy Planning- Information pout forward by the ABC
