Saber arch A Saber Arch is a wedding tradition in which sabers or swords are used to salute a newly married couple . The bride and groom pass under an honorary arch of sabers , typically when exiting the building in which the wedding ceremony took place . The tradition is in use worldwide . United States and United Kingdom . In the United States and United Kingdom , the tradition is often performed at the weddings of military service members and had its origins in the Royal Navy . The tradition varies slightly among the different branches of the U . S . Armed Forces and is considered a privilege accorded to members of the service . Usually , an honor guard composed of officers or NCOs , often from the same unit as the service member , form the arch with sabers or sword s . The Ceremony . Officers and enlisted personnel in the bridal party wear formal dress uniforms in accordance with seasonal regulations of the services . A female may wear a traditional bridal gown , or she may be married in uniform . White gloves are required for all saber or sword bearers , who are normally officers or NCOs . Military guests usually have the option to attend the wedding in uniform or appropriate civilian attire , but none may carry a saber or sword unless attired in a formal dress uniform . Immediately after the marriage ceremony is officiated , usually but not always in a building such as a church or chapel , the saber team positions itself in formation just outside the doorway , with typically six or eight saber bearers taking part . The guests of the wedding are afforded the opportunity to assemble outside to view the event before it begins . On the command , the saber team raises their sabers into a high arch , with tips nearly touching and the blades facing up and away from the bride and groom . As the newly married couple exits the building , the senior usher announces , " Ladies and Gentlemen , it is my honor to present to you ( Rank ) and Mr / s . ( insert name ) " This is modified when both parties are in the military . The bride and groom proceed into the arch , and as the couple passes through , the last two saber bearers usually lower the sabers in front of the couple , detaining them momentarily . Before releasing the couple , the saber bearer to the couple ' s left gives the bride a gentle swat on her backside with his saber , announcing " Welcome to the ( insert branch ) Ma ' am ! " If the bride is in the military , this step is omitted . After the couple leaves the arch , the saber team recovers on command and dissolves formation . Only the bride and groom pass under the arch . It is also traditional at the wedding reception for the wedding cake to be cut with a saber or sword . Germany and Austria . In Germany and Austria , saber arches are commonly employed by various types of male - only Studentenverbindung en ( student fraternities ) . At weddings , the current officials - usually a team of three - salute their newlywed member and his bride by a single arch featuring a flag just outside the church . No further protocol is common . In a similar fashion , the aforementioned officials salute their deceased brothers at funerals . Usually walking directly behind the coffin bearers in the procession , they surround the grave from three sides at the graveyard . The saber arch is then presented from both sides , and the flag is raised above the head of the corpse . As the coffin is lowered into the earth , both the saber arch and the flag follow him , usually resting there while last words are uttered . Sabers are commonly held by the first and second member in charge , whereas the third highest - ranking member presents the flag , usually displaying the fraternity ' s characteristic colors or coat of arms . The process is inspired by military traditions , as early Studentenverbindungen consisted mostly of officers or aristocrats . The uniforms worn are usually derived from those employed in the Polish revolution of 1830 and are complete with hat , sash and jacket in the fraternity ' s colors , white pants , riding boots with spores and white gloves .