In many ways, the U.S. Military wedding is like any other wedding, but there are some special wedding traditions.

Military wedding are a privilege of those in the armed forces or cadets. All are formal, with military personnel in dress uniform and commanding officers seated according to rank. Traditionally the couple walks through the arch of swords. Such passage symbolized the couple’s safe transition into their new life together.

If the groom is a member of the military, traditionally he wears his appropriate military dress uniform. But it can depend of the formality of the wedding. Dress uniforms are appropriate for a very formal wedding; “dress blues” are a good choice for an informal wedding. The color of uniforms depends of season; navy uniforms are usually worn in winter and white uniforms in summer. You may ask the ushers to wear white gloves, but the groom and best man shouldn’t. As usual the groom wears his sword (if he serves in the Navy or in the Coast Guard) or saber (if he serves in the army and in the Marines). And don’t forget to include military decorations in place of boutonnieres.

If the bride is in the service, she has her choice of wearing either her military dress uniform or a traditional wedding dress. If you choose traditional dress, select a very formal one that will complement the men’s attire. And it will be better if you wear a long train and veil. Also you may select to hold or not a bridal bouquet.

If the father of the bride or the groom’s father are active or retired officers, they may wear either their uniforms.

A guest list will have Commanders, other Officers within the unit and peers. Everyone associated with a service member (i.e. their Commanders, Officers and peers within the unit or office) should be invited to the wedding. It is important to know the proper seating arrangements for military guests. Special considerations must be made when arranging the seating at a military wedding. All high-ranking officers must be seated in positions of honor at both the ceremony and reception. Commander and spouse, seat them with the family of the bride or groom, whichever group they represent. All military guests should also be seated according rank.

You may use small American flags or other military symbols as decoration at the reception.