Photography: Inoue Photography
Military weddings are always spectacular, what with the sharp-looking uniforms and the regal arch of swords ceremony. If you have ever attended a military wedding, you would probably have been awed by the patriotic spirit of the ceremony. Beyond the exclusivity and magnificence of military weddings, however, are decades of traditions, inherited from the British. Read on to learn about 5 deep-rooted practices of a military wedding!
Traditional military attire
For military weddings in Singapore, the No. 1 Ceremonial Uniform is worn by the spouse who is in commission in the military. The uniform for male personnel consists of a white top with shoulder boards and black trousers, with accents of blue and red. Female counterparts wear black skirts. Grooms are required to wear their uniforms while their brides don a white wedding gown, and in the case of brides in the military, they have a choice between military dress and a wedding gown.
Arch of Swords ceremony
The highlight of military weddings is definitely the Arch of Swords (or sabers) ceremony. In this customary tradition, an archway of swords are formed by six to a maximum of 12 sword bearers positioned in two rows along the aisle. The sword bearers are to be of the same rank of the groom or lower. Commands in the form of orders like "Ready, up!" are given to the bearers to achieve synchronisation, who will perform the following actions:
1. Forming the arch - the sword bearers bring up their swords to form an arch, with the tips of their sword touching the tip of the bearer opposite of them. In this position, the swords are turned such that the cutting edges face the side.
2. Carrying the sword - after the bride and groom have passed the arch, the swords are brought into the recovery position and then the Carry position, whereby the swords are positioned to the right side of the bearers, the back of the blade against the shoulder and held perpendicular.
3.Sheathing the sword - after executing the Carry position, the sword bearers with turn outwards and march towards the entrance, with their swords sheathed.
Common practice
During the ceremony, the first pair of sword bearers may also lower the arch of their swords so that the newlyweds are unable to pass, allowing entry on the condition that the couple fulfill a display of love for each other, such as sharing a kiss, or the groom carrying the bride in his arms through the Arch of Swords.
Cutting the wedding cake
The custom of cutting the wedding cake is also different from civilian weddings. In a military wedding, the sword bearers will enter on command and line up in two rows, in front of the cake. The couple will then pass through the arch for the cake ceremony, with the groom handing the bride his unsheathed sword, placing his hands over hers as they perform the first cut.
Seating of guests according to rank
When organising the seating arrangement for a military wedding, careful considerations must be made based on the military ranks of the guests. High-ranking officials in attendance should be seated in positions of honour during the solemnisation and reception, with the commanding officer of the bride and/or groom seated in a place of honour near the immediate family of the newlyweds. Other commissioned officers attending the wedding should also be seated in accordance to their rank.
