A Soldier's Saber Arch Wedding: Enlisted And Eligible

A saber arch is a wedding tradition in which sabers or swords are used to salute a newly married couple. The tradition is in use worldwide and is especially popular in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where it is often performed at the weddings of military or police service members. The tradition originated in the Royal Navy and is considered a privilege for members of the service. Typically, an honor guard of officers or NCOs forms the arch with sabers or swords. So, can an enlisted soldier have a saber arch wedding? Yes, as long as they are a member of the military or police service and can arrange for an honor guard of officers or NCOs to perform the saber arch.

Saber arches are a privilege for military members

The saber arch, also known as the Sword Arch or Arch of Swords, is a privilege reserved for military members and their spouses on their wedding day. This tradition, which originated in the British Royal Navy, is now observed by military members worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is considered a special military "salute" to the newly married couple, symbolising loyalty and protection as they begin their new life together.

The saber arch is typically formed by six to eight officers or non-commissioned officers (NCOs), often from the same unit as the service member. They line up in two columns, facing each other, with the most senior in rank standing farthest from the door. Only those in formal dress uniforms and white gloves are permitted to bear sabers or swords, while enlisted personnel usually create a similar arch with rifles. Military members not bearing arms may replace their weapons with hand salutes.

The saber arch ceremony is carefully choreographed and executed. After the wedding ceremony, the saber team positions itself just outside the doorway. On command, they raise their sabers to form a high arch, with the tips nearly touching and the blades facing up and away from the couple. The senior usher then announces the entrance of the newlyweds, who proceed under the arch. As they pass through, the final two saber bearers lower their sabers to stop the couple momentarily, and the saber bearer on the right gently taps the bride on her backside with the saber, welcoming her to the military family. This step is omitted if the bride is already in the military.

The saber arch is a time-honoured tradition exclusive to military weddings, adding a touch of pomp and circumstance, pageantry, and patriotism to the celebration. It is a privilege granted to military couples as a symbol of respect and honour from their fellow service members.

Arch formation and commands

The arch formation is a military wedding tradition in which sabres or swords are used to salute a newly married couple. The bride and groom pass under an honorary arch of sabres, usually when exiting the building in which the wedding ceremony took place. The tradition is in use worldwide and is especially popular in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where it is often performed at the weddings of military or police service members. The tradition is slightly different among the different branches of the military.

The arch formation is typically composed of six or eight women and/or men, in two columns, standing at the foot of the stairs or just outside the door, facing each other. The most senior in rank stands farthest from the door. All swords remain sheathed until the ceremony begins. The best man or groom typically manages the honours ceremony, ensuring it runs smoothly by picking participants and providing them with their sabres.

The head usher then announces:

> Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to present to you, [Rank or Rate] Name and [Mrs. or Mr.] Name.

The specific wording of this greeting is customised to each couple, depending on their military status.

The usher then gives the command:

> Draw swords!

All ushers raise their swords and touch the tips, with the blades facing away from the newlyweds, forming the arch. The command to "invert swords" finalises the arch. This can also be done with rifles or salutes.

After the couple has passed through the arch, the rite continues with the command:

> Return swords.

Each participant places their swords into the scabbards simultaneously, stopping when four inches of the blade top remain. They then click the swords into place at the same time.

Variations

In some ceremonies, the last two sabre bearers lower their swords in front of the couple, detaining them momentarily. The sabre bearer on the right then gives the bride a gentle "swat" on her backside with the sabre, announcing:

> Welcome to the [insert branch]!

If the bride is in the military, this step is omitted. In other ceremonies, every pair of sabre bearers may lower their sabres, stopping the couple from proceeding each time. One of the pair may say something like:

> Kiss required to pass.

The sabre bearers will not raise their sabres again until the couple shares a kiss.

Saber bearer requirements

Saber arches are a wedding tradition in which sabers or swords are used to salute a newly married couple. The bride and groom pass under an honorary arch of sabers, usually when exiting the building in which the wedding ceremony took place. The tradition is in use worldwide and is considered a privilege accorded to members of the service.

The saber team is usually composed of officers or NCOs, often from the same unit as the service member. Saber bearers are normally officers or NCOs and are required to wear white gloves.

Before the Ceremony:

• The ushers, usually 6 to 8, will seat the guests.
• The swordsmen, who are often the ushers, will wear their swords until it is time to form the arch.
• If the ceremony is held in a place of worship, the swords are not to be unsheathed inside.
• In the case of bad weather, the arch may be formed inside with the permission of the pastor or priest.
• Rifles can be substituted for sabers if there is difficulty in obtaining the required amount.

Forming the Arch:

• The senior saber bearer issues a quiet cue, and all saber bearers turn and proceed to the center aisle in pairs, facing the guests.
• With the command "Center Face", the officers pivot and form two lines facing each other.
• At the "Arch Sabers" command, the saber is raised with the right hand until it touches the tip of the saber directly opposite. The cutting edge should be facing up.
• As the guests stand, the bride and groom start the recessional, passing beneath the arch.
• After the newlyweds have walked through, the saber bearers exit the chapel to prepare for the second arch with the commands "Carry Sabers", "Rear Face", and "Forward March".

The Second Arch:

• The last two saber bearers lower their swords in front of the couple, detaining them momentarily.
• The saber bearer on the right gives the bride a gentle "swat" on her backside with the sword, welcoming her to the branch of service. This step is omitted if the bride is in the military.
• The couple may be asked to kiss before passing through the second arch.
• The saber bearers then recover on command and dissolve formation.

The Wedding Reception:

• At the reception, if the groom is in uniform, he precedes the bride in the receiving line.
• The saber bearers enter the reception room in formation, lining up in front of the wedding cake, facing each other.
• The bride and groom leave the receiving line and pass beneath the arch, pausing to kiss before proceeding to cut the cake with the saber.
• The saber must remain undecorated.

The couple's exit through the arch

The saber arch is a wedding tradition that involves using sabers or swords to salute a newly married couple. Typically, the couple passes under the arch when exiting the building in which the wedding ceremony took place. This tradition is considered a privilege for members of the military or police service.

After the marriage ceremony, the saber team positions itself just outside the doorway. Usually, six to eight saber bearers take part, forming an honorary arch with their swords or sabers. The guests of the wedding are given the opportunity to assemble outside and view the event. On command, the saber team raises their sabers into a high arch, with the tips nearly touching and the blades facing up and away from the couple.

As the newly married couple exits the building, the senior usher announces:

> "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you (American Rank or Canadian Rank) and Mr/s. (insert name)".

This announcement is modified when both parties are in the military or the police. The bride and groom then proceed into the arch. As they pass through, the last two saber bearers will usually lower their sabers in front of the couple, detaining them momentarily. Before releasing the couple, the saber bearer to the couple's left gives the bride a gentle swat on her backside with his saber, announcing:

> "Welcome to the (insert branch) Ma'am!"

If the bride is in the military or police, this step is omitted. In some ceremonies, every pair of saber bearers may lower their sabers, stopping the couple from proceeding each time. One of the pair may say:

> "Kiss required to pass".

The bearers will not raise their sabers until the couple shares a kiss. After the couple leaves the arch, the saber team recovers on command and dissolves formation.

The saber arch at the reception

The saber arch is a time-honoured tradition at military weddings, and it can also be included at the reception. The newlyweds will pass under the arch, which is formed by six to eight service members, who can be friends, wedding guests, or local honour guards. The service members will line up in two lines facing each other, holding their swords or sabres out to meet each other to form a tunnel. The couple will walk under this tunnel and, before they reach the final pair of sabres, the two service members will lower their weapons to stop them. The couple will then share a kiss before passing through the final arch into their new life as a married couple.

The saber arch is a fun addition to the reception and can be set up in front of the wedding cake. The bride and groom will leave the receiving line and pass beneath the arch, pausing to kiss before proceeding to cut the cake with a sabre or sword. The groom will hand the bride his unsheathed sabre, and they will cut the first piece together, with the groom's hands over hers.

The saber arch is a symbol of loyalty and protection, welcoming the couple into the military family. It is a privilege accorded to members of the service and is a powerful way to honour their military service.

Frequently asked questions