Live Life Team
Military traditions can be added to any religious or civil marriage ceremony. There are no set rules or procedures. It is up to the couple to decide how much military participation they are comfortable with as part of their ceremony. Though the rules for seeking permission to marry have been relaxed, it is still considered good form to advise the commanding officer of the intended marriage.
Currently serving military personal may wear uniforms. Full-service dress is the norm with or without swords. The couple may choose to have guests wear uniforms as well as the wedding party. The invitations should state this preference.
It is customary for military personnel who wear swords as part of their uniform to wear them during the ceremony. They may not be drawn inside of a Christian church, and it is likely that other faiths have their own policies about the same subject. It is best to get this preference checked out in advance.
The arch of swords is usually done outside the doors of the church at the end of the ceremony. It is traditional for military guests to line up outside of the church doors to give the couple a courtesy salute as they walk by.
Who says the military has no sense of humour, With the couple’s permission and that of the commanding officer, special transportation can be provided for the trip to the reception. The type of vehicle depends on the job classification of the groom or bride for that matter. This could get interesting. For example, if the groom is an engineer, it is possible that the couple could be greeted by an immaculately cleaned low bed tractor trailer to serve as their chariot for the day.
