If you have ever had the pleasure of being a guest
at a military wedding, you have a basic understanding
of how rich heritage and deep tradition helps create
a truly memorable event. Not to mention, it legitimizes
that old saying: “I love a man in a uniform”.
There are numerous publications and books written about
weddings. The majority of these books talk about civilian
weddings. What about military weddings? At BUTTERFLY
we are trained wedding consultants and are proud of
our knowledge of military customs and courtesies. We
help “military brides” and families figure
out what uniforms to wear, whether to use a military
chapel or a civilian church, and how to coordinate a
saber team. We will “remind” those rugged
field types about ushering guidelines and wedding etiquette.
Most of our work is done via e-mail and telephone, and
ladies in the military; we’ve got your back too!
The main difference between a military and civilian
wedding is that, in a military wedding, the military
members of the bridal party wear uniforms. If the bride
is in the armed forces, she has the choice of marrying
in a wedding gown or in full military uniform. In addition,
one or more of the following military touches may be
included per Ann Crossley, The
Army Wife Handbook (ABI press, 2000):
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The wedding may be held in a chapel
on an Army post. |
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An arch of sabers may be formed for the couple
after the wedding ceremony if the bride or groom
is an officer. |
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The groom’s unit may arrange for a special
military transportation from the chapel to the reception,
such as a horse-drawn caisson. |
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The reception may be held at an officers’
or NCO club on post. |
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A military sword may be used by the couple to
cut the first piece of wedding cake. |
Of course the one part of a military wedding that everyone
remembers is the Arch of Sabers when honor guards or
military wedding attendants form an arch for the Bride
and Groom to walk through. Please click on this 
butterfly if you would like to read additional information
about crossed sabers for the Navy or swords for the
Army, Marines, and Air Force. The enclosed text about
the Arch of Sabers is from Oretha D. Swartz’s
book, Service
Etiquette (Naval Institute Press, 1988).
The first edition which was printed in 1958 is considered
the crème de la crème in service etiquette
and protocol.
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Collingwood
Library and Museum |
| One of our favorite museums for outdoor
weddings! |
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Rehearsal & Wedding Day Directing |
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Uniform Dress Selection Assistance |
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Invitation Wording Guidelines |
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Reception Planning |
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Processional/Recessional Assistance |
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Proper Protocol and Etiquette for Civilian &
Military Entertaining |
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Wedding Month Coordinating |
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(out of town brides, this service can be offered
via the telephone and e-mail) |
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Telephone consultation to discuss
wedding formality and logistics of military members |
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Creating a Point of Contact sheet for military
wedding participants |
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Helping with reservations at a military chapel/military
housing |
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Dress selection assistance (Officers, NCO &
Enlisted uniforms for all military branches) |
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Wording guidelines for the invitation and for
military guests names |
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Assisting with menu creation and selection of
rental items |
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Saber Team coordination with the Best Man and/or
Chaplain |
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Save The Date cards |
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Developing a time schedule for wedding day
activities |
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Supervising last-minute details with your Matron/Maid
of honor |
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And, we always suggest creative, fresh touches,
as well as military, that will personalize your
wedding. |
Military
Dress/Uniform Selection and Invitation Guidelines
~ $125
Maria
and Chas Package ~
$500
This service is ideal for the couple that will
do the majority of the planning but are deployed a lot
and simply needs BUTTERFLY
to assist with a few items.
Full
service wedding planning and/or rehearsal dinners
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Please e-mail info@partyatbutterfly.com
or call (910) 528-7079.
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