Wedding Q&A

Fulfilling a different type of Orders

Ask an Expert - Q & A's about Military Weddings

Can our ushers perform the Arch of Sabers? Yes, unless you are in the Air Force.

What if my fiancés ushers are from different branches of service? If any of the wedding party is from a different branch of service he would then wear his branch choice of uniform for the specific occasion (i.e. formal or informal uniform). It is authorized for all branches to be combined within a wedding ceremony.

Can we have two Arch of Sabers? In most cases yes, but you will have to arrange this with the Chaplain (if you are going to request the Arch inside the Chapel) as well as arranging it with the saber bearers.

Where can we get the Sabers or Swords? Check with Chaplain first, many of them have enough on hand for this occasion. You or your fiancés Commander may also be able to assist. You can contact the nearest Military Academy, the Civil Air Patrol, the National Guard, Color Guard or a Military Museum. If the Saber or Sword can not be obtained you can substitute them with the Rifle.

Can the Arch be performed in the Chapel? Since the Chapel or Church is a sanctuary you will need the permission of the Chaplain before doing so. In most cases during bad weather they will allow this within the vestibule.

Using the Saber or Sword to cut the cake. It is tradition for the bride to use the grooms Saber to cut the first piece of cake. The groom would hand his unsheathed saber to the bride and place his hands over hers then cut their first piece of cake. At no time can the saber or sword be decorated (as a civilian cake cutting knife is).

Does the swat on the brides rear have to take place? For the sake of etiquette and tradition this should take place. After walking under the Arch of Sabers the bride and groom will pause as the last two men lower their sabers in front of the bride and groom. The bride and groom may kiss while they pause then the saber bearer on the right, with his saber will give a "gentle" swat on brides rear and says "Welcome to the Army" (or the appropriate branch of service). This step will not take place if the bride is in the Military herself. The groom however should warn the bride of this formality and request that the swat be done very lightly. There should not be any offense taken to this, as it is a way for the Military to welcome you into your new life.

What is the difference between the Saber or Sword? The Air Force and the Army use Sabers, the Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy use Swords.

Q & A's about Weddings and Vow Renewals

I would like to combine our Vow Renewal Ceremony with my husbands Retirement Ceremony from the Navy, can this be done? We suggest that you have the vow renewal ceremony during the retirement ceremony that you or your family host and not the formal retirement ceremony that his Commander hosts, since it is an official military ceremony. You will want to invite the same guests, Commanders and peers at his office/unit for the vow renewal ceremony. The ceremony can be performed in anyway that you wish. Formal dress or informal dress.

My fiancé is being deployed and we will be married at the courthouse by a judge before he leaves, can we have a traditional Military Wedding when he returns? You should set an appointment with the base Chaplain before making this decision. If no reception had taken place after the civil ceremony then this is accepted. The second wedding ceremony can take place as if it were your first wedding, a ceremony and a reception to follow where you would invite his Commanders and peers. If a civil ceremony was preformed and a large reception followed it is suggested that a vow renewal/re-affirmation take place with a small reception with only close friends and family.

We are planning a Military Wedding do I have to invite persons in his unit? Yes, you should always invite Commanders, Officers and other peers within his office or unit.

We are wanting to have a Military Wedding with the Arch and everything, but at the same time it will be casual/semi-formal. Can we do this? Yes, the military has several variations of uniforms to be worn. From daily wear, informal dress to formal dress. You or your fiancé which ever is the military service member will know which uniform to wear. Just make this statement known on your invitations so that all other military service members are aware of the uniform choice.

Can we have a traditional style formal or informal wedding and still have the Arch of Sabers performed? Yes, the only difference will be the ushers will be in tuxedos to match your spouses attire. So you will have to arrange for the personnel to perform the Arch. It is not appropriate for those out of uniform to perform the Arch.

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