How to Dress at Military Weddings

Military weddings are a time honored tradition and a fine way to show the pride you have in your service and in your marital union, as well as the pride you have for the country you defend. There are certain protocols that are followed in wedding dress just as there is in regular military. If you are planning to dress for a military wedding, here are a few steps to assist you in your planning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Deciding on the style of military dress for your wedding will depend on how formal you want the wedding to be. Consider Dress Mess to be the equivalent of semi formal and dress whites (for warmer weather) or Dress Blues (for cold weather).

2. Have the groomsmen and ushers wear white gloves. This rule does not apply to the best man or the groom as gloves may cause a ring fumble during the ceremony.

3. Don your swords and military decorations in place of boutonnieres. Remember, sabers for Army and Marine Corps and swords for Navy and Coast Guard. These are very appropriate dress for a military wedding and the swords/sabers will make a beautiful military arch at the closing of the ceremony.

4. Decide on dress for non-military participants in the wedding party, if there are any. Tuxedos or suits that coordinate with the uniforms being worn are an acceptable substitute for full dress blues or whites.

5. Choose the dress of the bride and bridesmaids. Often the bride will choose to wear a traditional wedding dress instead of her military dress. Whatever is decided, make sure the bridesmaids coordinate with the bride.

6. Dust off your dress uniform if you are a guest or parent of the wedding couple. It is completely appropriate for guests to wear their military dress, but they should also work in accordance with the dress whites and blues rule.

Tips & Warnings

• In a military ceremony the bride must stand to the right of the groom to avoid becoming entangled in his sword or scabbard.
• When filling out the wedding invitations make sure to include the fact that military dress for those either in or retired from military service is encouraged.
• If the groom is the only one in his side of the party with military service, you may consider not wearing uniforms to keep everyone matching.
• The bride may carry a bouquet with a military theme (such as red white and blue lace or military colors of the service line represented).
• If you are not now, nor have ever been a member of the armed services, do not rent or buy a uniform to wear to the wedding. This is considered extremely poor taste and may insult those who have served.
• Do not wear military decorations that are not yours.