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What happens at a military wedding?

Jen4948Jen4948 member
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in Military Brides
I'm curious about this.  I know that when officers marry there may be a sword arch that the couple walks under, but are there any other special traditions that go with a military wedding?  I've never attended one, but my father, both grandfathers, and several other relatives were veterans so I'm interested.
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Re: What happens at a military wedding?

  • manateehuggermanateehugger member
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    As far as I'm aware, there is no official "military wedding."

    There are a couple traditions, such as the sword arch (there's also a horrible tradition where the last two guys will hit the bride's behind with the saber and say, "Welcome to the Army"), cutting the cake with a saber, wearing dress blues, seating a commander officer in the front pews, having a military chaplain etc. I've seen a Fallen Comrades' table at a wedding as well, but honestly the "military weddings" I've attended look pretty much the same as every other wedding. 
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  • Jen4948Jen4948 member
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    That's the impression I got too, that the things you mention are pretty much the only traditions that distinguish a wedding ceremony for active duty service members from any other wedding.  Thanks.
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  • NYCMercedesNYCMercedes member
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    PDKH said:
    As far as I'm aware, there is no official "military wedding."

    There are a couple traditions, such as the sword arch (there's also a horrible tradition where the last two guys will hit the bride's behind with the saber and say, "Welcome to the Army"), cutting the cake with a saber, wearing dress blues, seating a commander officer in the front pews, having a military chaplain etc. I've seen a Fallen Comrades' table at a wedding as well, but honestly the "military weddings" I've attended look pretty much the same as every other wedding. 

    Yep. This is a wedding with military elements for active duty.
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