Reservists' Military Wedding Dreams: Can They Come True?

Reservists can have military weddings, and they are a great way to celebrate a couple's service and commitment. Military weddings are steeped in tradition and symbolism, from the iconic uniforms to the arch of sabres, creating a unique and memorable occasion. While some practices have been discontinued, such as asking permission from a Commanding Officer, other customs like cutting the cake with a sword add a special touch to the celebration.

Reservists can get married at the base chapel for free

To find out more, start by contacting the chaplain's office. Military bases also offer a variety of options for hosting wedding receptions at a significantly lower cost than non-military venues, hotels, or resorts. Depending on the location of the military base and the available venues, your choices can range from joint-rank clubs, chapels, meeting halls, beaches, lakes, mountains, and more.

Reservists can receive military discounts on wedding products and services

Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

• Allurez: 5% military discount
• Arthur's Jewelers: 10% military discount
• Helzberg Diamonds: 10% discount
• James Free Jewelers: 15% discount for service members and their immediate family members
• Larson Jewelers: 5% discount
• Since1910.com: 10% discount
• Tiffany & Co.: 10% discount
• Whiteflash: 1% discount on diamond engagement rings
• Wonder Jewelers: 20% off settings and 1% off diamonds when purchased together
• Zales Diamond Store: 10% military discount

Wedding Dresses

• Brides Across America: free wedding dresses for military brides
• Larenas: 10% discount with a valid military ID
• New York & Company: various discounts through ID.me
• Unique Vintage: 10% discount through ID.me

Wedding Venues

• Military bases: discounted reception venues
• Belltower Chapel & Garden (Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas): 10% discount on the base rental fee
• Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands): 20% discount on destination weddings
• Mon Bel Ami Wedding Chapel (Las Vegas, Nevada): 20% discount on wedding packages
• Ocean Isle Inn (Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina): 15% discount on stays
• Rosehill Manor (Leesburg, Virginia): military discounts available
• Stonebrook Manor (Thornton, CO): complimentary vendors and discounts on per-person packages
• Viva Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada): $50 discount on wedding packages priced at $299 or more
• Battlefield Bed and Breakfast Inn (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania): 10% discount on wedding and reception packages Sunday through Thursday
• Lomas Santa Fe Country Club (Solana Beach, California): waived ceremony site fee (up to $2,000 savings)
• Marcus Weddings (Milwaukee, Wisconsin): 15% discount on hosted food and beverages at select hotels

Wedding Invitations and Stationery

• Invitations by Dawn: 30% military discount sitewide with promo code MILITARY
• StationeryXpress: 10% storewide discount on wedding stationery and thank-you notes

Wedding Supplies

• Michaels: 15% off all purchases, including sale items, every day, when you sync your military status with your Michaels Rewards account
• Yankee Candle: 10% discount online or in-store with a valid military ID

Photography

Many local photographers offer military discounts. It is worth searching online or asking a local photographer about any available discounts.

Reservists can get married in their No 1 dress uniform

If you need to hire a No 1 dress for the wedding, it's a good idea to do this early, especially for popular summer dates. Most hire shops can fit uniforms up to six months in advance, and there are several shops near military garrisons across the country. Clothing stores at your base may also have some in stock that can be loaned temporarily, but they may need altering. The price to hire a uniform ranges from £99 to £150, and some shops offer discounts for multiple uniforms.

For a nice touch, you could also hire military Page boy uniforms to match the Groom's uniform.

Reservists can have a Guard of Honour at their wedding

To ensure that everything goes smoothly, the Guard of Honour should organise the swords well in advance and have a secure place to store them before and after the wedding. It is also a good idea to hire the uniforms early, especially for popular summer wedding dates. Most hire shops can provide fittings up to 6 months before the wedding, and some shops even offer discounts for multiple uniform hires.

Reservists can have a military-themed cake

Cutting the cake with a sword is another way to add to the military theme. This could be a nice touch if you are looking to incorporate military traditions into your wedding. You could also consider using your Regiment or Corps colours for your wedding colour scheme.

For those looking to include a military cake in their wedding, there are a few options to consider. One idea is to choose a cake with military-themed decorations, such as flags, badges, or other symbols. Another option is to have a cake that resembles a military vehicle or aircraft. Alternatively, you could have a cake with a camouflage pattern or one that is shaped like a military hat. Finally, you could also include military-themed treats such as cookies or cupcakes as part of your wedding dessert table.

Frequently asked questions