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Military Weddings Buying Guide 

Military weddings can be some of the most exciting.  After all, when you marry a hero you also get with it the military band, lots of swords, and the promise of many men and women in uniform.  Though there are a variety of classy options to pursue regarding decorations and venues, sometimes planning a military wedding does come with its difficulties.  Read on for some ideas and tips on how to handle it.  

 

 

British Army 

Royal Air Force 

Royal Navy 

Choosing the Time

With structured duties to the country, many officers and military personnel know that scheduling any event can be tricky.  Know that deployment can often happen at a moment's notice and there is always the possibility that it could interfere with your wedding date.  Be sure to get VERY good and reliable insurance on the location that you choose to book, just to be safe.  Leave can often be granted for a weekend wedding, so you should look to book your wedding on a Saturday.  However, chances are that you will not get the opportunity to honeymoon immediately after you are wed, as taking two weeks off is difficult for anyone in the military.  It is best to save the honeymooning for another time.       

Choosing the Location

Before the wedding can even take place, the serving man or woman will need to ask permission to be married from his or her Commanding Officer.  Once the request has been approved, plans for the wedding can begin! 

  • Traditional Ceremony:   
    • If you have chosen to undergo a traditional military wedding, you will mostly likely be wed on the military base or at the chapel of a military academy.  You will want to find out if the site is available for the date that you have in mind and be sure to reserve it early. 
    • Photography  may not be allowed on base for security purposes, so you will need to investigate this further.  
    • Ask questions about decorating procedures. Sometimes décor will be provided and other times you have have to bring your own candles,  flowers,  aisle runners,  etc.   
    • Know that if you are marrying on-site, the chaplain is expected to perform the ceremony.  
    • Traditional dress uniforms are required for any military personnel in or attending the wedding. 
  • Non-traditional Ceremony: 
    • If you choose to have your ceremony in your own place of worship or in a private location, the guidelines are not as strict.
    • You have the option of decorating the ceremony and reception however you would like, as there are no restrictions on colours to choose.
    • You will need to find an officiant to marry you, as one will not be provided for a wedding off-site. 
    • Dress uniforms are not required, though it is always a nice touch for military guests to wear them! 

The Proper Attire

The attire is one of the larger factors distinguishing military weddings from civilian ones.  Typically, the way the groom  chooses to dress will set the stage of formality for the groomsmen  and the wedding attendants.  If the groom chooses to wear his dress uniform, his groomsmen must do the same.  If they are from a different branch of the military, they are still expected to wear their equivalent dress uniform, whether active or retired.  Different regiments have different rules about carrying a sword; in some regiments they may be worn and in some they may not.  In all cases, the proper uniform protocols must be followed.   

The bride (even of military rank) will normally wear a white wedding gown,  as dress uniforms are not provided to women and therefore are not required for the ceremony.  Bridesmaids should wear colours that highlight what the groom is wearing.  Colours such as navy,  red,  royal blue,  or gold  are always great choices.     

Seating Guidelines

Respect for rank should always be reflected in the seating arrangements and in the order of which guests are shown to their seats.  Those with a higher rank should be seated closer to the front of the ceremony site and so on.  Officers should also invite their Commanding Officer and spouse; they will sit in the very front next to the parents and family of the bride or groom.   

Military Themes

Use some of these ideas to create a theme or motif for your military wedding! 

Nautical

Nautical Invitations 

Brass Candle Holders 

Cake Topper 

Navy Blue Ribbon 

Blue Chair Covers 

Colours

Red  or White Flowers 

Navy Blue and White China 

Star Confetti 

British Flag 

Red Balloons 

Related Guides

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