Saber Arch

A Saber Arch is a UK and US military tradition sometimes performed at the weddings of service members, wherein the newly married bride and groom pass under an honorary arch of sabers. It originated with the Royal Navy.

The tradition varies slightly among the different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and is considered a privilege accorded to members of the service. Usually, officers or NCOs form the arch with sabers or swords respectively.

The Ceremony

Officers and enlisted personnel in the bridal party wear formal dress uniforms in accordance with seasonal regulations of the services. A female officer may wear a traditional bridal gown, or she may be married in uniform. White gloves are required for all saber or sword bearers, who are normally officers or NCOs. Military guests usually have the option to attend the wedding in uniform or appropriate civilian attire, but none may carry a saber or sword unless attired in a formal dress uniform.

Immediately after the marriage ceremony is officiated, usually but not always in a building such as a church or chapel, the saber team positions itself in formation just outside the doorway, with typically six or eight saber bearers taking part. The guests of the wedding are afforded the opportunity to assemble outside to view the event before it begins.

On the command, the saber team raises their sabers into a high arch, with tips nearly touching and the blades facing up and away from the bride and groom. As the newly married couple exits the building, the senior usher announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you (Rank) and Mr/s. (insert name)" This is modified when both parties are in the military.

The bride and groom proceed into the arch, and as the couple passes through, the last two saber bearers usually lower the 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 Army!" or the appropriate branch of service. If the bride herself is in the military, this step is omitted. After the couple leaves the arch, the saber team recovers on command and dissolves formation.

Only the bride and groom pass under the arch. It is also traditional at the wedding reception for the wedding cake to be cut with a saber or sword.

References

*Service Etiquette Fourth Edition, by Oretha D. Swartz. Naval Institute Press, 1988. ISBN 978-0870216206.
* [http://www.cavhooah.com/weddings.htm Cavhooah.com: Arch of Swords (Sabers) Ceremony, retrieved 2007-11-05.]