Military
Military
Military Weddings bring tradition to life with Royal Weddings being so prominent of late. However, it doesn’t have to be on such a grand scale as these, to delight in Military customs that make the day, that extra bit special!
It all depends on what degree of formality you choose to follow.
Whether one of you or both are serving personnel under The British Armed Forces umbrella, you are entitled to wear your uniform if you proudly choose to do so.
This iconic feature sets aside Military Weddings to other Weddings.
Dependent on the service you’re in will determine the ‘Service Dress’ that is worn.
This is particular for the Army due to the variety of cap badges.
Traditionally, your ‘Best Dress’ is worn along with the people you select for your ‘Guard of Honour’ as you leave the building in which the ceremony takes place.
The Guard of Honour, also known as the ‘Arch of Sabres’ is an old English Army tradition. Consisting typically of six to eight people who stand opposite each other forming an arch with swords.
The Bride & Groom pass through the arch. However, the last two, drop their swords (Sabres) to block the Newlyweds passing with a cross.
This indicates for the Groom to kiss his Bride. The crossed swords are then lifted for the couple to pass on by.
** This is a ‘Picture Perfect’ moment for any Photographer! **
A few details to note:
♥ It’s essential for the Groom to escort his Bride on his left arm, allowing his right hand free to salute.
♥ Swords should never be drawn inside the Place of Worship or Sanctuary. This is why they are just outside. (If it rains, have a Plan B at the ready. Discuss prior to the service with the Clergy, they may allow it in the Foyer or perhaps best kept for the Reception Venue.)
Uniform Hire:
If you are choosing to wear your ‘Best Dress’; yet currently haven’t been issued with it, my suggestion would be to contact a Tailors who hire for on the day.
In addition to hiring uniform for all Services, often accessories can be purchased too. Most have an extensive collection of caps, berets, ties, badges, buttons, cufflinks, gloves, stripes etc
Due to the demand, 6 months prior to your Wedding Day would be advisable to ensure everything has been sized, fitted & ordered.
♥ Some offer a mini–Military Uniform too, perfect for a little Page Boy.
Most Military Tailors are located on Camp or nearby.
If you need any assistance finding one, I can do that for you. It may be better to have a suit sizing appointment with your people, dependent on the number of suits which potentially, may need altering.
Reception:
It’s a great idea to change out of your ‘Best Dress’ to ‘Mess Dress’ for the Reception evening. Time for feeling more relaxed & ready to party.
Not all guests will be in the members of the Armed Forces, so an alternative for them could be to offer to change into a Dinner Suit for a man & an evening dress for women if they wanted.
Toastmaster or Master of Ceremony (as they are also known):
It’s traditional, especially at a Military event for a professional
Toastmaster to be present.
Their role is to mingle amongst the guests making them feel at ease.
Working alongside Banns & Plans, they will arrange the
receiving line ready for the guests to be greeted as they pass &
are guided to their seats.
The Toastmaster will then grab everyone’s attention as they formally announce
the newly married Bride & Groom to make their grand entrance.
This is such a joyous moment.
The reception buzzing in vibrant energy, full of love & happiness.
Another role the Toastmaster may take on is to assist in the Sabrage Champagne opening. This tradition is a technique used for opening bottles using the Sabre. From Napoleon times in History, they would use their sword to open the bottle whilst on horseback.
Opening the Bride & Groom’s Champagne Bottle in this manner to announce the start of the speeches is growing rather popular lately.
It is a skill which would need to be practised prior to the Wedding Day to ensure you get that wonderful ‘pop’ following the Sabre sliding along the bottleneck & the fizz of Champagne flowing out.
An additional little touch to add pizazz to your Wedding Reception - Great when captured on video & a sense of pride when you WOW your guests as you perform this magnificently!
Cake Cutting:
The first cut is a symbol of the love & commitment Newlywed’s hold for one another. It’s a public display to say that they are willing to share everything including food & drink.
Military Weddings are slightly different as either the Bride or Groom’s sword (Sabre) is used for cutting the cake with both holding the sword to cut through, making a wish with a symbol of their love.
**This is beautiful & another ‘Picture Perfect’ moment for the Photographer! **
Style & Decoration Ideas:
The little touches in styling can make a big difference. Here are some ideas to continue the Military theme:
♥ Names of places you have visited together, been deployed to or where you met are great seating plan additional details indicating which table number you should make your way to.
♥ Colours adding hints of your Service on your stationary, invitations, or flowers.
♥ Cake Toppers & Military themed tiered cake tailored to your Service.
♥ Napkin Rings: Army – Swords, RAF – Wings, Royal Navy – Anchors
♥ Chunky LED candles
♥ Favours – Shortbread iced biscuits with Military themed designs on.
♥ Military Music in the background
♥ Ribbons & Bows in your Service colours
Military Chapels / Churches / Venues:
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst – RMAS, Camberley, GU15 4NL
The grounds to Officer Training Army Cadets will bring back great nostalgia for many when getting married here.
The Royal Military Chapel or commonly now known as The Guards’ Chapel - Wellington Barracks, London, SW1
The spiritual home of the Household Division in their Ceremonial and Combat roles; as the only Royal Military Chapel in London, they also serve all troops within the London District who are not part of the Household Division.
The Brompton Oratory – London, SW7 2RP
The architecture is stunning with a beautiful service & music. This is a Catholic Church. One or both of you must be Catholic to marry here.
Craig Y Nos Castle - Brecon Rd, Craig-y-nos, Swansea SA9 1GL
Magnificent Castle located in the South of Wales offering a discount for Armed Forces Personnel. This venue understands that occasionally, due to unforeseen deployment, booked dates sometimes need to be changed.
Britannia Royal Naval College Chapel - Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0HJ
Royal Navy & Royal Marine Weddings in this historic setting.
St Clement Danes Church - Strand, London, WC2R 1DH
Central Church for the Royal Air Force. The interior is stunning. Service Personnel and the dependants of former Serving Personnel may marry here.
The In & Out Naval and Military Club – No. 4, St James’ Square, London, SW1Y 4JU
Fully Licensed magnificent Grade II listed building. This venue offers an impressive range of grand rooms available to host both Civil Ceremonies, Partnership, and celebrations up to 300 members or non-members. Exquisite.
"The Tower of London" – Historic Royal Palaces offers 3 venues for hire at The Tower of London.
Chapel Royal of St. Peter and Vincula - 35 Tower Hill, London EC3N 4DR
The Chapel can be entered via the Middle Drawbridge. This historic building is stunning.
Access to other areas of the Tower of London requires a ticket to be purchased.
The Kings Great Hall in The White Tower - on the first floor is a truly special space for dinners and receptions. A magnificent night out.
The Reveller – Contemporary building adjacent to The Tower of London, located on the Wharf overlooking the iconic London Skyline & River Thames. This venue can seat a large number 100-250 people. Outdoor Terrace.
♥ There are many Chapels/Churches & beautiful venues Nationwide. If you have one of interest already, or you would like assistance searching, please email:
♥ enquiries@bannsandplans.co.uk or complete the online enquiry form
Banns & Plans are excited to assist you in the Planning & Coordination of your special day.
This is for The British Armed Forces including all Military Branches & The Armed Forces Community.
(Past & Present Serving Personnel)
Whether you choose to have a traditional Military Wedding in full uniform or not, we understand that some may prefer to just be in their ‘Civvies’ .