Posted on Jun 10, 2015
Swords at military weddings: Any sharp tips for their use?
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I'm trying to learn how best to incorporate sword or sabre arches at a military wedding. Have any of you used them before? What sort of advice can you offer? Are they limited to certain MOS or branches? Is it appropriate for a groom who is a Chaplain? Where are the swords obtained? What is the procedure for use? Significance of movements? Is it even worth the hassle? Any tips or clear direction you can offer? Thank you!
Wedding
Ceremony
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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When the last man outside the chapel brings down the saber, preventing the couple from departing,and his opposite swats the bride on the tush welcoming her to the Army/Marines/etc, ensure that his saber is dull. DO NOT ALLOW THE GOWN TO BECOME NICKED!!!!!!!!!!
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CH (MAJ) William Beaver
You for real SFC? How many swords? 4 or 6? Since a Chaplain is a noncom, is it still okay for usage? White gloves? 'Bus driver' cap for Army ASU?
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SFC Mark Merino
I usually saw 8. Each branch has slightly different rules for appearance in uniform, depending on time of day, etc (If in bow tie, no headgear). I'll see if I can find some "official" literature for you. This is an example of the ninja swat. More than once I have seen an incorrect swat high on the tush that cuts into the gown. If he precession doesn't block the 'escape' (usually because the bride and groom start moving out too quickly) that tush swatter tries to become a jedi master. No bueno.
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1LT William Clardy
Roger that, SFC Mark Merino, although my recollection was that the officer you show mis-executing the swat (ALWAYS done with the flat of the blade) should have been the one obstructing the couple's passage.
Another tip is that the members forming the arch should not stretch it out, as you want the bride halting just inside the arch -- the swat comes from the entrance end, so that there is a clear swing.
And where are the gentlemen's saber belts?
Another tip is that the members forming the arch should not stretch it out, as you want the bride halting just inside the arch -- the swat comes from the entrance end, so that there is a clear swing.
And where are the gentlemen's saber belts?
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You are not allowed to be armed in the Church and yes they count having a sword as armed. I got kicked out of the Chapel at NAS Corpus Christi with a friend who was CDR for this exact reason.
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LTC Stephen C.
LCDR (Join to see), I agree that you should not be armed in church. At President Reagan's funeral, none of the honor guard were armed, including the OIC. However, they were all covered. The sword detail should always be formed up outside the church/chapel.
Ironically, I have actually seen the sword ceremony conducted in the narthex of a church (video). Why a preacher/priest/chaplain would allow this is beyond me.
Ironically, I have actually seen the sword ceremony conducted in the narthex of a church (video). Why a preacher/priest/chaplain would allow this is beyond me.
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Used the sword or sabre, or had a sabre arch in a wedding?
Sir, I am old but not that old.
I think a lot is determined by what you, or the groom and...maybe more importantly...what the bride want?
First and foremost, most of the comments relate to the Army. Many principles, however, pertain to all military services.
There are no Army uniform regulations governing the wear of swords or sabers. The closest manual the Army has is FM 3-21.5 Drill and Ceremonies, which details saber and sword manual of arms, but not specific guidance on the wear of the sword and saber.
USE OF THE SWORD AND SABER DURING WEDDINGS:
Check with the officiating clergy to see if the sword or saber may be worn inside of the sanctuary. Some clergy do not allow weapons of any sort on church or synagogue grounds. If the clergy OKs the use of a sword or saber, keep in mind one should never draw the sword or saber inside the sanctuary as it is a place of worship.
The sword arch:
Again, check with your clergy if you wish to perform the sword arch outside the church or synagogue, keeping in mind that some clergy may not allow drawn swords on the grounds and may prefer it to be done at a reception site.
If there is a possibility of rain, and you have planned to have the sword arch outside the entrance (which is a popular location for an arch), you will likely want to move the arch inside to the foyer (but not the sanctuary). Again, check with the clergy ahead of time for this rain contingency.
Tradition dictates that as the bride and groom pass through the arch, the last two bearers drop their sabers or swords, forming a cross to block the path of the couple. The groom then kisses his bride. The crossed swords are raised for the couple to pass through. The bearer on the bride's side, as she passes by, gently swats the bride on the back side and says "Welcome to the Army, Ma'am." Keep in mind that a male Soldier should always escort a woman on his left arm when given a choice, allowing his right hand to remain free to render salutes.
Certainly, keep this in mind as you plan your sword arch. Consider whether the "sword swat" fits the desired purpose of your wedding. At the very least, we recommend that you warn your bride so she can expect it, so that you are not the cause of her embarrassment.
Additional resource discussing the sword/saber arch:
http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/military.htm
Service Etiquette, by Oretha D. Swartz
The sword/saber is often used to cut the wedding cake. If the reception is on the grounds of a church or synagogue, please check again with the clergy.
WEAR OF THE SWORD OR SABER:
The Groom: When a Soldier is under arms ceremonially, he should wear white dress gloves. The gloves present a problem at a wedding, especially during the exchange of rings and during the ceremony when the bride and groom hold hands. Since a Soldier who is getting married has a #1 goal of being a gentleman and honoring his bride, we recommend the groom remove his gloves prior to the wedding ceremony. The gloves can be handed to the best man, who can hold them until the ceremony is over, at which time the groom can put them back on.
Father-of-the-Bride: The Father-of-the-Bride, if wearing a sword ceremonially under arms, will have the same issue discussed above in the Groom section. Many Father-of-the-Bride's enjoy a private time with their Daughter-Bride before the ceremony; it is acceptable to remove your gloves to hold hands during this private time.
The Receiving Line: It is proper to remove your gloves during a receiving line.
Mess Uniform:
The mess uniform is correctly worn in the evening, after retreat.
We recommend wearing a ceremonial belt underneath your cummerbund. The belt will not be visible, although the ceremonial belt leaves less of a "bulge" in front than other belts.
Army Service Uniform:
The Army Service Uniform can be worn at any time of the day.
The ceremonial belt is worn with the ASU.
OTHER SERVICES:
Air Force traditions are generally similar to the Army
Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard: if you have information regarding wedding traditions for these services, see their regulation and guidance.
Sir, I am old but not that old.
I think a lot is determined by what you, or the groom and...maybe more importantly...what the bride want?
First and foremost, most of the comments relate to the Army. Many principles, however, pertain to all military services.
There are no Army uniform regulations governing the wear of swords or sabers. The closest manual the Army has is FM 3-21.5 Drill and Ceremonies, which details saber and sword manual of arms, but not specific guidance on the wear of the sword and saber.
USE OF THE SWORD AND SABER DURING WEDDINGS:
Check with the officiating clergy to see if the sword or saber may be worn inside of the sanctuary. Some clergy do not allow weapons of any sort on church or synagogue grounds. If the clergy OKs the use of a sword or saber, keep in mind one should never draw the sword or saber inside the sanctuary as it is a place of worship.
The sword arch:
Again, check with your clergy if you wish to perform the sword arch outside the church or synagogue, keeping in mind that some clergy may not allow drawn swords on the grounds and may prefer it to be done at a reception site.
If there is a possibility of rain, and you have planned to have the sword arch outside the entrance (which is a popular location for an arch), you will likely want to move the arch inside to the foyer (but not the sanctuary). Again, check with the clergy ahead of time for this rain contingency.
Tradition dictates that as the bride and groom pass through the arch, the last two bearers drop their sabers or swords, forming a cross to block the path of the couple. The groom then kisses his bride. The crossed swords are raised for the couple to pass through. The bearer on the bride's side, as she passes by, gently swats the bride on the back side and says "Welcome to the Army, Ma'am." Keep in mind that a male Soldier should always escort a woman on his left arm when given a choice, allowing his right hand to remain free to render salutes.
Certainly, keep this in mind as you plan your sword arch. Consider whether the "sword swat" fits the desired purpose of your wedding. At the very least, we recommend that you warn your bride so she can expect it, so that you are not the cause of her embarrassment.
Additional resource discussing the sword/saber arch:
http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/military.htm
Service Etiquette, by Oretha D. Swartz
The sword/saber is often used to cut the wedding cake. If the reception is on the grounds of a church or synagogue, please check again with the clergy.
WEAR OF THE SWORD OR SABER:
The Groom: When a Soldier is under arms ceremonially, he should wear white dress gloves. The gloves present a problem at a wedding, especially during the exchange of rings and during the ceremony when the bride and groom hold hands. Since a Soldier who is getting married has a #1 goal of being a gentleman and honoring his bride, we recommend the groom remove his gloves prior to the wedding ceremony. The gloves can be handed to the best man, who can hold them until the ceremony is over, at which time the groom can put them back on.
Father-of-the-Bride: The Father-of-the-Bride, if wearing a sword ceremonially under arms, will have the same issue discussed above in the Groom section. Many Father-of-the-Bride's enjoy a private time with their Daughter-Bride before the ceremony; it is acceptable to remove your gloves to hold hands during this private time.
The Receiving Line: It is proper to remove your gloves during a receiving line.
Mess Uniform:
The mess uniform is correctly worn in the evening, after retreat.
We recommend wearing a ceremonial belt underneath your cummerbund. The belt will not be visible, although the ceremonial belt leaves less of a "bulge" in front than other belts.
Army Service Uniform:
The Army Service Uniform can be worn at any time of the day.
The ceremonial belt is worn with the ASU.
OTHER SERVICES:
Air Force traditions are generally similar to the Army
Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard: if you have information regarding wedding traditions for these services, see their regulation and guidance.
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1LT William Clardy
MSG Brad Sand, the groom should not be armed. He has his best man and groomsmen for protection, so that he can attend to the lady. Therefore, there is no need for bothering with gloves.
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MSG Brad Sand
1LT William Clardy
I think a lot is determined by what the groom and what the bride want? I understand what you are saying but their is a reason why the bride is positioned on the right side too.
I think a lot is determined by what the groom and what the bride want? I understand what you are saying but their is a reason why the bride is positioned on the right side too.
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