prepared, and that any other necessary prepara-
tions have been carried out. The cleanliness and
proper order of the chapel should be assured.
The Rehearsal
The wedding rehearsal is an area of primary
concern to the RP. The RP may be expected to
conduct rehearsals without the presence of a
chaplain. It is very important then that the
RP be thoroughly familiar with all aspects
of the wedding ceremony in order to be able
to assist the members of the wedding in the
performance of their respective roles at the
wedding ceremony. Some weddings conducted
at Navy chapels are not strictly formal and may
not require a rehearsal. However, most couples
and chaplains prefer a rehearsal to reduce the
anxiety of the couple and to ensure that the
ceremony will proceed smoothly.
The date and time of the rehearsal are deter-
mined by the chaplain and the couple. An alter-
nate date and time should be scheduled in the
event that the first date cannot be met. At the
rehearsal for a formal military wedding, the RP
may be required to brief the members of the
wedding party concerning the wedding cere-
mony. Ushers should be instructed as to their
role and should be aware of any etiquette or
protocol requirements associated with the
ceremony. The members of the wedding party
should be instructed in the procedures for the
processional to the chancel, the recessional from
the chancel, and the “Arch of Swords/Arch of
Rifles” ceremony.
The RP should also provide information, if
directed by the chaplain, regarding the religious
rite to be conducted and any special instruc-
tions to the couple and wedding party. A general
description of the religious rites for weddings for
various denominations is provided later in this
chapter. The areas in which the RP should pro-
vide general instruction and guidance at the
rehearsal are as follows:
USHERING.—The following paragraphs
contain general instructions, subject to modifi-
cation as necessary, which should be provided to
the ushers by the RP at the wedding rehearsal.
When guests arrive at the chapel, ushers may
ask the guests if they wish to be seated on the
bride’s side or on the groom’s side, or they may
ask “Are you a relative (or friend) of the bride,
or the groom?” Friends of the bride are seated
on the left side of the chapel facing the chancel,
friends of the groom are seated on the right side
of the chapel. An usher always offers the right
arm to a female when escorting her down the
aisle.
The ushers should attempt to place people
having no seating preference on that side of the
chapel where fewer persons are seated.
A woman who arrives with her husband or
other male guest is escorted to the proper pew by
the usher; the man is asked to follow them.
Children follow their parents. A man attending
alone walks beside the usher.
Traditionally, each woman is escorted to a
pew unless there are many guests waiting to be
seated. Under these circumstances, the usher
may offer one of the ladies his right arm and ask
the others in the party to follow. He may make
appropriate remarks while escorting them to
their seats, but quietly, and in keeping with the
dignity and reverence accorded the event. Guests
should not be hurried to their seats, but the
seating must be done with a minimum of delay;
guests are generally not seated during the presen-
tation of special music (solos, duets).
Guests who arrive first may be given the
choice aisle seats while later arrivals take the
inner seats. At a formal wedding, the head usher
may be given a typed alphabetical list of guests
and the seating arrangement.
The commanding officer of the bride or
groom, and the commanding officer’s spouse,
may be invited to sit in the front pew if the
parents are unable to attend. If the parents are in
attendance, the commanding officer’s party may
be seated with the family.
Flag and general officers, other commanding
officers or dignitaries, may be seated in accord-
ance with rank or station just behind the families
of the couple, but rigid military protocol is not
adhered to on these occasions.
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