Posted on May 26, 2016
CPT Detachment Commander
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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.?
Posted in these groups: Wedding logo Wedding
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Responses: 5
CAPT Kevin B.
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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.
LTC Stephen C.
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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)
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CAPT Kevin B.
CAPT Kevin B.
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That's why it's OK to use the narthex in a number of churches as it's more like a lobby.
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SSG Warren Swan
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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
SSG Warren Swan
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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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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
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SSG Warren Swan - Don't forget the Sappers. Always have to have Sappers present.
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SSG Warren Swan
SSG Warren Swan
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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 Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
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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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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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