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Weddings

How To Plan Your Wedding If Your Spouse Is In The Military

The military can be unpredictable and planning a wedding while your partner is away can be difficult, not to mention, stressful! However don’t fret!

bride and military army uniform groom

bride and military army uniform groom

Photo: Allison Maxwell Photography

The military can be unpredictable and planning a wedding while your partner is away can be difficult, not to mention, stressful! However don’t fret! We have some helpful tips to guide you through the planning process! If your spouse is deployed or off for training here are some ways to make your life easier while they are away:


Know Each Others' Preferences
First, have an open and honest discussion about what you want for your wedding—and come to some agreement or compromise. Go over your likes and dislikes, so you’ll know how to answer for your spouse if they are unable to. Outdoor or indoor reception, first look or no first look, buffet or family style, etc. Even knowing what your future spouse wants for the small details in advance will be a big help.

Hire A Planner
This will be a lifesaver. You will have someone who you can talk to throughout the planning process when you may not be able to get in touch with your S.O. Also make sure to hire one before deployment. That way your spouse will know who the point of contact is. A planner will definitely relieve stress and help smooth over any obstacles that may pop-up.

Find The Right Vendors
Choose vendors who are both phone and Internet savvy, so that your future spouse can be looped in whenever possible. FaceTime, email and Skype are key to having your spouse be involved.

Have Wedding Insurance
It is always a good idea to have a safe back-up plan. Wedding Insurance will allow for you to be covered if there is an unexpected change of plans such as relocations or deployment.

Consider Military Protocol
When planning your seating chart and addressing invitations it is a good idea to follow protocol. This means when writing formal invitations, make sure you’re addressing service members correctly. Also, if you are having a formal reception, consider seating your military guest by rank.

Include Traditions
It is a great way to honor your spouse by having military traditions be a part of the big day. Have all of your guest who are service members wear their uniforms or have a Saber Arch after saying ‘I do.’ They will be sure to make wonderful photo ops!

Keep The Bigger Picture In Mind
Remember that your wedding should be fun and special, so don’t get caught up with the little details. Whether you are taking your time to plan or are getting married soon, take things one step at a time and remember what's important—you're marrying the one you love!