 Canadian military weddings are very dramatic, formal events. Formal military wear is permitted to be worn by both the bride and the groom, and members of the wedding party are allowed to wear swords in the church. After the wedding, it is customary for the serviceperson to walk under an arch of swords, which signifies safe passage for the couple into their new life. This tradition is usually involved for the wedding of a serviceperson, whether or not the wedding party is in uniform. This arch is formed by 3-4 pairs of fellow officers lined up, normally just outside the church, and is commanded by one person. At the command of, Form Arch, the sword is brought to a position known as the recover position, then after a regulation pause, they extend their right arms upward at a 45-degree angle. The wrist is then rotated 270 counter-clockwise, and into the final position with the edge of the blade facing up and the back of the sword facing down. Once the couple has passed under, the command Attention is given, and the movements are repeated in reverse. (The exact instructions can be located in the Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial). The bridesmaids do not follow under the arch, but they leave the church two by two. Navy ceremonies usually use an arch of swords, whil Army ceremonies tend to use sabers.
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The groom and bride are permitted to cut the cake with a sword as well. As the bride and groom pass by it is respectable for the wedding party to stand at attention, civilian or not. Outside, it is customary for their to be a gun limber for the bride and groom to ride on from their military wedding, to their reception. Red and white are patriotic Canadian colours, and should be considered when decorating your traditional Canadian military wedding event! Also, consider a camouflage theme as well.
