Booking available no earlier than 3 months prior to the event date. This is due to high demand on our service. We can accept fittings a with a month of the event, additional charges may apply
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Booking available no earlier than 3 months prior to the event date. This is due to high demand on our service. We can accept fittings a with a month of the event, additional charges may apply
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The Guard of Honour / Sword / Saber Arch

Military weddings often have unique traditions and customs that reflect the history and culture of the armed forces. Here are some examples:

  • Arch of Sabers / Sword Arch: Is a tradition in which military members form an archway with their swords or sabers for the newlyweds to walk through. The tradition dates back to medieval times, when knights would use their swords to create a passage for their bride to walk through. Today, the Arch of Sabers is a way for military members to honor the newlyweds and show their support.  This part is the more common as you see it outside the place of marriage / vows.

However.... There is more..

  • Sword Arch 'Reception':  A Sword Arch Reception is a tradition where military members form an archway with their swords or sabers for the newlyweds to walk through after the ceremony. This tradition is similar to the Arch of Sabers, but it takes place at the reception instead of the ceremony.

  • Tapping the bum of the bride: NOT WITH YOUR HAND but rather with a sword or saber arch is a military wedding tradition that has been practiced for centuries. This tradition involves a group of uniformed officers or soldiers creating an archway using their swords or sabers, through which the newlywed couple passes.

    As the couple passes through the arch, the last two officers or soldiers in the line lower their swords or sabers and tap the bride on the backside. (lightly) This is done as a symbolic gesture to welcome the bride into the military community and to wish the couple good luck and happiness in their marriage.

    While the tradition may seem playful, it is actually steeped in history and tradition. The use of swords and sabers in weddings dates back to the medieval era, when knights would use their swords to create archways for newlyweds to walk through. The act of tapping the bride, representing the act of bestowing a blessing or good luck upon the newlyweds.

     These are just a few examples of the many unique traditions and customs that are often incorporated into military weddings. Each branch of the military has its own traditions and customs, which reflect the history and culture of that branch.

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