From sand-pouring and handfasting rituals to tree planting and time capsules, there are plenty of traditions to include in your ceremony to add that extra personal touch. The Guard of Honour, also known as a sabre arch, or arch of swords, is a superb wedding photo op that finds its origins in military tradition, but which can in many different ways to celebrate any team affiliation. A great way to kick off or close out your ceremony with a bang, check out the different iterations of this tradition below, as well as how to include a Guard of Honour in your own ceremony.
What is a Guard of Honour?
The Guard of Honour most often occurs at the end of a ceremony as the newlyweds exit, but, of course, you're free to include it at the beginning if you wish! This tradition typically involves a group from the couple's social circle, teammates, workplace, family or military unit, standing on either side of the couple, holding something aloft to create a canopy or arch for you to pass through.
Origins of the Guard of Honour
Traditionally a military custom, the Guard of Honour is carried out across the globe to close out wedding ceremonies of army and police force members. To welcome the newlyweds, fully uniformed guests create a passage with their swords raised, with one member of the group taking on the role of announcing the couple to the rest of your guests.
How to carry out a Guard of Honour
Departing from the original military use of the tradition, there are many couples nowadays putting their own spin on the Guard of Honour. From sweeping brushes to golf clubs, rowing oars to hurleys, there are a whole host of ways to put a creative twist on this ceremony ritual that is meaningful to you.
With plenty of GAA fans opting to invite the team over to raise hurls in place of swords, the world is your oyster when it comes to choosing what represents you and your partner best.
Top Tips for Doing a Guard of Honour
- Organise your equipment beforehand, so they're easy to access for the exit!
- Make sure that all the guests are already outside before kicking off your Guard of Honour so the whole wedding party gets to witness this fun tradition.
- Ideally you'd match people of similar height opposite each other.
- If the Guard of Honour is on flat ground then start with the shortest first, going to tallest.
- If the Guard of Honour is on steps, reverse the order from tallest to shortest.
Check out our list of celebrants, our essential list of ceremony readings, and our ultimate list of wedding ceremony rituals.
