The Wedding Planner
Jennifer Morgan, Catering Sales Manager
Crystal City Marriott, Arlington, Virginia

Interested in a military wedding? We asked Jennifer Morgan, Catering Sales Manager at the Crystal City Marriott [see related story] in Arlington, Virginia about military weddings at this popular property. Jennifer, like other planners interviewed in this monthly column, has passed the Marriott International Wedding Certification Program.

What are the biggest differences in planning a military wedding as opposed to planning a traditional ceremony as far as the bride is concerned?

Planning military weddings as opposed to traditional ceremonies varies for the bride for many reasons. For example, when the bride in a military wedding is considering what information to include on their wedding invitations, they must adhere to specific etiquette guidelines that govern the wording on wedding invitations for military weddings, which is not the case for traditional ceremonies.

Another example is, if the bride is in the service, she has the option of wearing her military dress uniform or a traditional wedding gown, however most brides choose traditional gowns. If she does choose to wear a military uniform, she would still hold the bridal bouquet in her hands as she walks down the aisle. The bride would stand to the right side of the military groom during the wedding because the sword is worn on the left side.

Another consideration pertains to the wedding party members; if some are in the military and others are not, the bride may ask the service members to wear civilian clothes.

What special arrangements are made in terms of the ceremony and floral decorations during a military wedding?

Military weddings are all formal, with military personnel in dress uniform and commanding officers seated according to rank at both the ceremony and reception. Traditionally, officers are seated directly behind the families at the ceremonies and a special place should be reserved for the commanding officer.

What most guests at a military wedding recall are the "crossed sabers," also known as the "arch of sabers," or the "arch of steel. Traditionally the bride and groom walk through the arch of swords; a passage meant to ensure the couple's safe transition into their new life together. The arch of swords is an elegant touch to the ceremony as the honor guard forms two lines opposite each other. On the command of "draw sword" or "draw sabers," the steel is raised with the right hand, with the cutting edges facing up. The couple enters the arch, kiss, and then passes through. The newly married couple then salutes the honor guard. Members of the honor guard then sheath the swords or sabers and return them to a carry position. Depending on church rules and on the particular branch of service, the arch can be formed either outside or in the foyer of the chapel, synagogue or church.

Can you describe a recent military wedding you planned and some of the special touches they added to their ceremony?

Military weddings are a perfect example of how traditions and can help establish the foundation for a truly memorable event. Anyone who has been fortunate to participate in or attend such a wedding, will surely agree. While planning a wedding for a member of the United States Marine Corps, the groom wore white gloves, carried a saber and wore military decorations boutonnieres during the ceremony.

When the ceremony was over, the ushers lined up on either side of the aisle to the chapel steps and formed and archway with their sabers. At the head usher's command ' "Draw sabers" the ushers raised their blades in the air and formed an archway for the newlyweds to pass under. While cutting their wedding cake, the bride and groom passed beneath the saber arch again and approached the cake. The groom handed his new bride his saber and with his hands over hers, they cut the first piece of cake together. Additionally, the groom's cake was designed in the shape of his branch of service: a shape of an anchor, which was topped with a military figurine.

For couples who don't want a military wedding, what patriotic touches can you add to ceremonies and receptions?

The American Flag and the unit standard are sometimes displayed during the reception.

To plan a Marriott wedding, call the Marriott of your choice and ask to consult with the hotel's wedding event planner. For more information on Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites, call 1-800-228-9290 or see www.marriott.com.

Photo courtesy Crystal City Marriott