Pomp and Circumstance - Military Weddings
A military wedding is unlike any other when it comes to tradition and pageantry.
These ceremonies are rich with customs that add a whole extra layer to a traditional church wedding.
Because of the highly ritualized nature of a military wedding, they are often very formal (and besides, those dress uniforms just look so dashing!).
The first way in a which a military wedding is special is the attire worn.
For the groom and any other members of the bridal party in the military, they wear the uniform appropriate to the formality of the wedding.
For instance, an officer's evening dress uniform is equivalent to white tie, which is the most formal option.
A dinner or mess uniform is on the level of black tie.
Military guests may also wear their uniforms, if they wish.
If the bride is in the military, she has the choice of wearing her uniform or a wedding gown.
Because military weddings to tend to be formal, the bride's gown is usually on the ornate side.
This would be an occasion to choose a gown with elaborate silver embroidery or rich beaded lace.
A cathedral length train would not be out of place, nor would a gown with long sleeves.
The pageantry and tradition of a military wedding call for a timeless dress for the bride, not anything too trendy or modern.
The right accessories make all the difference at a formal wedding.
A long veil would be lovely, as would gloves with a sleeveless or strapless gown.
Consider bridal jewelry sets created from twinkling Swarovski crystals, luminous pearls, and bright sterling silver.
With a formal gown, it would be very appropriate to choose from some of the more ornate bridal jewelry sets.
This is not the time to "dress down"! One of the signatures of a military wedding is the arch of sabers or swords.
There is very strict protocol regarding this wonderful custom, and it varies slightly for each branch of the armed forces.
The basic idea is that as the newlyweds leave the church, men in their dress uniforms form two columns and create an arch of swords (cutting edge facing up, please!) that the bride and groom will pass through.
Only the newlyweds may go through the arch.
The concept behind it is that the couple (especially the bride if she is not in the military) is being welcomed into the family of the armed services.
It is very important symbolism, and undoubtedly one of the highlights of any military wedding.
These ceremonies are rich with customs that add a whole extra layer to a traditional church wedding.
Because of the highly ritualized nature of a military wedding, they are often very formal (and besides, those dress uniforms just look so dashing!).
The first way in a which a military wedding is special is the attire worn.
For the groom and any other members of the bridal party in the military, they wear the uniform appropriate to the formality of the wedding.
For instance, an officer's evening dress uniform is equivalent to white tie, which is the most formal option.
A dinner or mess uniform is on the level of black tie.
Military guests may also wear their uniforms, if they wish.
If the bride is in the military, she has the choice of wearing her uniform or a wedding gown.
Because military weddings to tend to be formal, the bride's gown is usually on the ornate side.
This would be an occasion to choose a gown with elaborate silver embroidery or rich beaded lace.
A cathedral length train would not be out of place, nor would a gown with long sleeves.
The pageantry and tradition of a military wedding call for a timeless dress for the bride, not anything too trendy or modern.
The right accessories make all the difference at a formal wedding.
A long veil would be lovely, as would gloves with a sleeveless or strapless gown.
Consider bridal jewelry sets created from twinkling Swarovski crystals, luminous pearls, and bright sterling silver.
With a formal gown, it would be very appropriate to choose from some of the more ornate bridal jewelry sets.
This is not the time to "dress down"! One of the signatures of a military wedding is the arch of sabers or swords.
There is very strict protocol regarding this wonderful custom, and it varies slightly for each branch of the armed forces.
The basic idea is that as the newlyweds leave the church, men in their dress uniforms form two columns and create an arch of swords (cutting edge facing up, please!) that the bride and groom will pass through.
Only the newlyweds may go through the arch.
The concept behind it is that the couple (especially the bride if she is not in the military) is being welcomed into the family of the armed services.
It is very important symbolism, and undoubtedly one of the highlights of any military wedding.
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