Posted on May 26, 2016
Does anyone have any tips for Officer Weddings?
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I'm currently engaged and plan on having a military wedding in June of 2017 after I graduate and receive my commission. Does anybody have tips, information about protocols or any other useful information? For example, should I wear my saber to the ceremony or only for the reception (cake cutting ceremony), etc.?
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The biggest faux pas I recall is wearing the sword (weapon) inside the church. It's disrespectful of the House you're in. Be sure to check with their policy. Even if OK, I'd go for the respect piece. It also frees up the groomsmen to be better ushers without the hardware getting in the way. A separate table which the covers and swords placed in the narthex is a nice touch. It's just a minute on the way out to gear up for the arch and butt whack.
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LTC Stephen C.
I totally agree about being armed inside the church, CAPT Kevin B.. If you take a look at the multi-service funeral detail for President Ronald Reagan (a funeral, not a wedding, I know), not one of them is under arms, to include the OIC. Interestingly enough, all are covered, including Nancy Reagan's escort officer.
As soon as the detail exits the narthex of the church, they pass through another detail and are joined by a color guard. All of these members of the funeral detail are under arms.
I've seen a number of military weddings where the groom wears a sabre and the sabre arch ceremony is actually performed inside the church. To me, it is inappropriate, and I can't imagine any chaplain, pastor or priest that would/should really feel any differently. CPT (Join to see)
As soon as the detail exits the narthex of the church, they pass through another detail and are joined by a color guard. All of these members of the funeral detail are under arms.
I've seen a number of military weddings where the groom wears a sabre and the sabre arch ceremony is actually performed inside the church. To me, it is inappropriate, and I can't imagine any chaplain, pastor or priest that would/should really feel any differently. CPT (Join to see)
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Make sure you invite EVERY enlisted person you can find. I can guarantee your wedding reception will be a day to remember. Make sure you invite a few CSM/SGM's too!! Ohh and Clint Eastwood...he talks to empty chairs. Congrats!
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SSG Warren Swan
MSG (Join to see) - He might need a few cops, MP's, whatever. It's gonna be a shindig from hell!!!
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SSG Warren Swan
MSG (Join to see) - If you invite them.....that's WORSE than having infantry and Calvary together. At least those two will just fight. Sappers blow stuff up, THEN fight. Nothing good will come of a party with Sappers present, unless you're into heavy construction and know there will be a crater here a few hours after everyone leaves.
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MSG (Join to see)
SSG Warren Swan - Ah, but when the Sappers are there, then the MPs, Cav and Infantry are a little cautious about starting any kind of guff. We are the explosive peace keepers and wall breachers.
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U.S. Military Traditions – Wedding Details
Requirements If the service is performed by a ACTIVE DUTY military chaplain, there is never a fee. However,for a Reserve/NG chaplain they only are pay for drill and weddings (with all the counseling) usually happens on their own time and they SHOULD be paid. a gift of money is VERY much appreciated! So often RC chaplains serve at small churches and live on very small salaries and compensating them for their time spent away from family is the...
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