| Any man or woman who is an active member of | | | | the sharp edge facing up. The couple enters the |
| the military may have a military wedding. | | | | arch, stops to kiss, then pass through. The |
| A military ceremony is conducted according to | | | | newlywed(s) in uniform salutes the honor guard. |
| the religion and traditions of the couple but with a | | | | The officers then return the swords/sabers to |
| few twists. A military wedding is different from a | | | | the carry position. |
| civilian wedding in the following ways. | | | | RECEPTION |
| ATTIRE | | | | At a seated reception, military guests are shown |
| Formal attire must be worn. Any man in the | | | | to their places in order of rank. |
| military must wear his full-dress uniform including | | | | The bride and groom cut the wedding cake with a |
| white gloves and sword/saber. Men in uniform do | | | | sword/saber. |
| not wear boutonnieres. | | | | DECORATING IDEAS |
| If the bride is a military member, she may wear | | | | The reception hall can be decorated in military |
| her uniform if she so chooses. | | | | style. You can use the standards of the couples |
| Since this is a formal wedding the bride should | | | | military unit(s) for the color scheme. |
| wear an appropriate gown - no low-cut necklines | | | | Feature regimental decorations. Display the |
| or backs, and nothing strapless. A long elegant | | | | American flag and place mini flags on tables. |
| gown with a flowing train would be ideal. | | | | Green wreaths with white flowers would make |
| All non-military attendants must wear formal | | | | lovely centerpieces. |
| attire. | | | | Special touch: Play the theme song of the |
| If a bride wears her uniform, she cannot wear | | | | groom’s and/or bride’s branch of service. |
| flowers or a corsage. | | | | MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION |
| An American flag should be displayed along with | | | | A military wedding can be held in the couple’s |
| the standards (colors) of the couple’s military | | | | own church, synagogue, or the chapel at a military |
| unit(s) during the ceremony. | | | | base. You can also marry at a military academy if |
| RECESSIONAL | | | | you are a graduate (active, or retired); a child of |
| The bride and groom pass under an arch of | | | | a graduate or a member of the staff. |
| drawn swords or sabers. The arch is formed by | | | | Only someone who is wearing a full-dress uniform |
| an honor guard (made up of commissioned | | | | can carry a sword or saber. |
| officers), and symbolizes a safe passage into | | | | Naval officers carry swords, while Army, Air |
| marriage. | | | | force, and Marine Officers carry sabers. |
| On command swords or sabers are raised with | | | | |