Army Life 101 - There's a special place in heaven for an Army Wife!

Army Wife 101 * The Army *Webring * My Life * Korea * Poems * Friend's Links * Thanks

Military Weddings

The Army Wife Handbook by Ann Crossley and Carol A. Keller (ABI Press, Sarasota FL $14.95) is a great source of information on military weddings.

Military weddings are not all that different than a civilian wedding. The main differences are that the groom, or the bride, and the wedding party will be in uniform. A saber arch is usually formed for the couple to depart the church or chapel. Also, a saber is used to cut the cake, rather than a knife. Sometimes the groom's unit may arrange special transportation to the reception, such as a horse drawn caisson, for the couple. Frequently the national and unit colors are crossed behind the position of the chaplain. Military weddings often take place on post with the reception at the Officers or NCO Club, put the wedding can take place anywhere. It is the uniforms that make a military wedding.

The formality of the wedding is determined by the bride and groom and the uniforms they choose. The trend is to dress more formally the later the time of day. A morning wedding is usually less formal than an evening one.

At an informal wedding the dresses tend to be shorter, and more casual. The bride's dress is simple, with a short veil. The Officers and NCO's can wear either Blues or Greens with a four-in-hand tie. If it is summer the Officers can wear Whites. The Enlisted wear Greens with the four-in-hand tie.

With a formal wedding the dresses are longer. The bride's dress has a train and a long veil. Officers can wear either Blues of Mess Dress with a bow tie. NCO's and enlisted members can wear either Blues or Greens with a white shirt and bow tie.

Military chapels book quickly in the spring and summer months. The Chapel at West Point is filled usually a year in advance. The clergy at the chapel will assist you in making arrangements. Most require pre-marital counseling, so check with them in advance. If you are planning a saber arch, check to see if the chapel has sabers you can use.

A saber arch is not necessary, but is adds a nice touch. It offers a beautiful chance for pictures too. As I said above, check with the chapel to see if they have sabers available. If they do not, then try local ROTC units or military schools. Usually there are six to eight ushers in uniform for the saber arch. If that number of ushers is not need, the bride and groom can ask other uniformed guests, in advance to participate in the saber arch. It is not necessary for there to be the same number of bridesmaids. Consult with the chaplain on the location of the saber arch. Only the bride and groom will pass under the saber arch.

The invitations are done the same as a civilian wedding, only some minor wording differences.

For lieutenants, their full name appears on a line by itself, with rank and branch of service on the line beneath. Both first and second lieutenants of the Army are designated with simply Lieutenant, but those in the Air Force or Marines use their complete title.

For noncommissioned officers and enlisted men, rank is usually omitted. Their full name is written on one line, with the branch of service underneath.

A father-of-the-bride who is retired uses his rank only. Only if he is a widower, or issuing the invitation alone, does he note he is retired. If the groom or the father-of-the-bride issuing the invitation in his name only and is retired military, it is noted.

When addressing the invitations use black ink. Do not abbreviate the rank or title. Address the outer envelope with the full name and title and the inner envelope with the casual names.

Army Wife 101 * The Army *Webring * My Life * Korea * Poems * Friend's Links * Thanks

I love my guest book, who else has been here!
This page is hosted by Get your own Free Homepage.