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form two rows, draw swords and march This custom came from the British Army.
down the aisle. Halt and turn inward to Originally, the tradition demonstrated a
face each another. Upon orders, the sword pledge of faithfulness from the military to the
bearers carry out the following actions: new couple, since the military service
members literally shelter the newly married
couple beneath the arch as they exit the
1. Arch Sword - The sword shall be church.
brought to the Recovery before
thrusting the point of the sword The sword detail should not be used as
upwards – tips touching the tip of the groomsmen or ushers; however, before the
opposite sword bearer. Care should ceremony they can escort honoured guests
be taken to turn the swords so that the like the Mother-of-the-Bride or -Groom to
cutting edge faces sideward. their seat.
2. Carry Sword – (from the Arch Sword CUTTING THE WEDDING CAKE
Position) bring the sword to the
Recovery before assuming the Carry On command, the sword bearers enter the
Position. This is done after the Bride reception room in formation lining up in front
& Groom have past under the Arched of the wedding cake, facing each other. The
Sabers. bride and groom leave their table, and then
pass beneath the arch. They may pause and
kiss, before proceeding to cut the cake.
3. Thereafter, the sword bearers shall
execute an outward turn and march
towards the entrance where the sword
shall be returned to their scabbard.
The arch of swords may be formed again
before the Bride and Groom leaves the
Church or dinner hall in the same manner as
prescribed above.
It is also a common practice that newlywed
couple approaching the first sword bearer
that the arch sword of the first pair shall be
lowered to “disallow” them entry until they The groom would then hand the bride his
fulfil a reasonable wish like kissing one unsheathed sword and with his hands over
another in the view of all present to display hers, their first piece is cut. There is no
their unconditional love or the Groom ornamentation attached to the sword (e.g.
carrying his Bride in his arms and walking ribbon). It must remain undecorated. This is
through the Arch of Swords. seldom practised now as most wedding cakes
are mock-ups.
It is to be remembered that only Commissioned
Officers participate in the arch of swords.
