With Memorial Day being around the corner, Chapel of the Flowers wants to give reverence to all that paid the ultimate price to keep our country safe. See our top picks for military traditions brides and grooms can incorporate in their military wedding to honor their love for America and the fallen heroes in their lives.

Military Wedding Ideas

Whether you have decided on having a military wedding or if someone else you know is planning theirs we thought we can help you guys out on some ideas. Here are 7 traditions and ideas you can incorporate into your military wedding.

Remembrance Photo

Idea #1: Reserving a chair in their honor, perhaps decorate it with a yellow ribbon or flower and their name

Here is a great idea that a bride did at her reception. You can do something like this even for your ceremony, Just have a custom banner made and maybe grab a helmet or a piece of memorabilia. There are so many ways you can approach this.  

Arch of Sabers

Idea #2: A salute to your love and loyalty with a saber archway.

This is my absolute favorite tradition that is done at military weddings. Not all ranks have this honor but this ceremonious act symbolizes the military’s loyalty to the newly married couple. It represents the protection of our military for American families.  Here is a cute short video of the arch!

The Price to Pay is a Kiss! Who knew that walking through this arch would be so fun. If the welcome aboard is a little too much you can always tell them not to do it!

Photos on Bouquet

Idea #3: Adding pendants to your bouquet or boutonniere is a charming way to honor your loved ones.

If you have a family member that has served in the military, one way you can honor them is by adding a pendant of them to your bouquet. This will surely bring a tear of joy to those who got the chance to know them while they were here. 

Military Wedding Cake Cutting

Idea #4: You will make a statement when you cut your wedding cake with a military-grade saber.

Although this may just be a sword to us. The cutting of the cake is both romantic and symbolic. It is a reminder. It represents the band of brothers and warriors that your husband is a part of. The Saber symbolizes the commitment all soldiers have made to the “carrying of the sword,” so that our nation may live in peace. 

Wedding Lanterns

Idea #5: Let their light shine over with a rustic lantern.

At the wedding reception you could light a lantern for our fallen heroes. Add some pictures of our favorite memories and any piece of clothing that may remind you of them. This idea can be done so many different ways. The best touch is always personal so make sure to add that element and I’m sure the whole family would be grateful.

Memory Table

Idea #6: Set up a memory table & keep framed photos of those who have passed away.

The pendant idea was great for a bouquet of flowers. But for you maybe it’s just not big enough. One way to do this is to create a table for those who can’t attend physically but can in spirit.  Here is a great example of someone creating a memory table of their fallen hero. She created a tree and attached photos of all the fond memories. 

Flag Display

Idea #7: Consider displaying a flag to honor your loved ones.

Last but not least, hanging a flag in your ceremony. If you’re having a military wedding this is definitely a no-brainer. But the protocol is that the flag should be to the left side of the officiant from the guest’s point of perspective. There really isn’t anything else more patriotic than that flag.

Chapel of the Flowers is honored to offer a military discount for all active members of our military as a thank you for serving our country. For help with planning your special day, visit littlechapel.com and chat with one of our wedding planners today!