MILITARY WEDDING TRADITIONS

If you thought other weddings you’ve been to had a lot of traditions, just wait until you attend your first military wedding. With a slew of unique customs, specific dress codes, and even requirements for invitation wording, there’s etiquette to navigate that you may not have seen before. Plus, different branches of the military have different variations of these traditions.

Like all nuptial ceremonies, military weddings are celebratory and meaningful events but with an added air of patriotism. They’re meant to honor anyone who has served or is currently serving in any branch of the U.S. military, including those enlisted, active and retired officers, and cadets at an academy. Incorporating long-standing traditions makes military weddings that much more special, and there’s a lot more guidance when it comes to making decisions about the venue, decorations, recessional song, and more.

Wondering what to expect at a military wedding? Below, learn all about the traditions, plus what to plan for and expect at a military wedding ceremony.

Seating Based on Military Status and Rank

During the ceremony, commanding officers should sit near the front, either with or directly behind the couple’s families. At the reception, military members should be seated by rank (captains with captains, sergeants with sergeants, etc.). Military personnel may also be seated together at a table of honor near the head table, or they can sit with the civilian guests if the couple prefers.

Each branch of service has specific seating guidelines, but overall, high-ranking officers (generals, captains) are given positions of the highest honor both at the ceremony and reception.

A Flag On Display

An American flag and the bride or groom’s unit standard are usually on display during the ceremony as a sign of respect. Protocol dictates that this should be displayed to the left of the officiant when viewed by the gathered guests. In addition to the flag, the couple may choose to incorporate other patriotic decorations and colors into their ceremony and reception.

The Rules of Grooming

If the groom chooses to be wed in full military uniform, they’ll need to adhere to the unique regulatory standards that each branch holds, including universal grooming standards, such as shaving. All men in uniform must be clean-shaven, and these same rules apply to any vets or retirees planning to don a uniform.

My friends, Marianne and Ski (his last name was Pankowsky but IDR his first name – we just called him Ski! The blue braid on his arm signifies that he was in the 3rd US Infantry)

If you’re a woman marrying a male retiree or vet with a sexy beard and want him to wear his uniform, he’s going to have to get rid of it again. I think we’re all aware that men can get pretty attached to their beards, so that may or may not require some negotiation. However, the opportunity to again wear a uniform that holds so much national and personal significance may be a major motivation.

Groomsmen in White Gloves

Any member of the wedding party in uniform who is carrying a saber or cutlass, whether an officer or enlisted personnel, must wear white gloves. This is typically required of military members for most ceremonial events. The groom and best man are exempt, however, as they will be handling the rings.

The Saber Arch Exit

If one or both of the newlyweds are commissioned officers, they may exit the ceremony beneath an archway of sabers held by other military members, known as the Arch of Sabers (or the Arch of Swords if they’re in the Navy or Marine Corps). If the partners are noncommissioned officers or enlisted personnel, they will instead use a variation known as the Arch of Rifles.

The arch serves as a pledge of loyalty to the couple by their military family and often ends with the final two military members lowering their sabers to prevent the couple from passing.

Traditionally, brides who aren’t in the military may be ceremonially tapped on the behind with a saber before the couple is allowed to pass—it’s considered a way to “welcome” them into the military family. Though less common than it used to be, it’s still practiced today, and brides can request to skip this part if they’re not comfortable with it.

Cake-Cutting With a Sword

The sword cake-cutting is perhaps one of the most recognizable military wedding traditions. If the bride or groom is an officer, they will use a ceremonial military sword to cut their wedding cake instead of a knife or cake server.

Marianne and Ski did cut their cake with a sword but I didn’t get pics of that one!

Traditionally, the military spouse presents the sword to their partner before they cut the cake. Then, customarily, the bride places a hand underneath the groom’s on the handle of the sword, and they cut through the cake together; however, this can be updated according to the couple’s preferences.

M & S with their parents outside the chapel

These are just a few of the traditions – read more:

https://www.brides.com/military-wedding-rules-etiquette-4795873