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1) Obey Traditional Military Attire
Dress military uniforms are often the only visible sign of a military wedding. While women in the military hardly ever wear their uniform for their weddings, military men more often than not wear their uniform during the wedding ceremony then maybe change to a traditional tux for the reception. When in the military uniform, you have to be very respectful of what that uniform signifies, drink moderately, dance with dignity, and do nothing to disgrace or dishonour the uniform.
Getting married a man/woman of the Armed forces is very exciting but you don't want to get overwhelmed by all the excitement and ignore the basic detailing of a military wedding. Be sure to get full information and incorporate it into your wedding.
However, the Nigerian Armed forces, like most others have branches and for each branch there are different wedding customs and rules that apply which showcase national pride and loyalty.
Here, some tips for planning your military wedding.
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2) Seek Permission
Be it a destination wedding or you want to marry outside of your uniform, you need to seek permission before you make such decisions.
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3) Saber Arch
Many military weddings include a saber arch under which the bride and groom walk. Depending upon the specific military branch’s protocols, the arch is formed at different times during a wedding. The Navy has an indoor arch ceremony that takes place right after the benediction or blessing. Both indoor and outdoor arch ceremonies are options for Army and Air Force weddings. The outdoor arch begins with the ushers going down the church steps, where they face off and raise their swords into an arch under which the new couple walk. Usually when the couple reaches the end of the arch, the final sabers are dropped to the ground and the couple must exchange a kiss.
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4) Seating for reception
Special considerations must be made when arranging the seating at a military wedding. All high-ranking officials (lieutenant, colonel, and above) must be seated in positions of honour at both the ceremony and reception. Additionally, a special place should be reserved for the commanding officer of the bride and/or groom. If the couple's parents aren't present, it's customary to seat their commanding officer(s) and spouses in the front pew. Following, military guests should also be seated according to rank.
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5) Cutting the Cake
For commissioned officers, the military puts a unique spin on this tradition. On command, the saber or cutlass bearers enter the reception room in formation in front of the wedding cake, facing each other. The bride and groom pass beneath the sword/saber arch again, and approach the cake. The groom hands his new bride his unsheathed sword saber, and with his hands over hers, they cut the first piece of cake together.