Etiquette, etiquette, etiquette…when you are planning a wedding this is a word you will hear many times! But, nowhere is etiquette more important than how it is applied to the symbol of our nation: the American flag.
In displaying the American flag, though, there are rules to keep in mind. The following rules and customs were adopted by Congress in 1976 and are part of the Flag Code. They are not listed here in their exact wording, nor is the code in its entirety, of course, because I have adapted them to fit the theme of this board: weddings!
1. When the American flag is displayed from a staff in a church or other place of marital union (like an altar at a hotel) the flag should hold the position of superior prominence, in front of the audience, and at the clergyperson’s right side as he/she faces the audience. Any other flag displayed on the altar (such as the state flag) should be placed to the left of the clergyperson.
2. If you have an outdoor ceremony or reception in the evening, the flag should only be displayed if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
3. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement (hopefully not your wedding day!!!!)
4. No other flag should ever be placed above, on the same level, or to the right of the American flag when displayed on American soil. So, for example, if you are Irish American and want to display the Irish flag at your reception site, make sure it is to the left of the American flag. The American flag should always be at the center and highest point of the group when a multitude of flags are displayed. In the United States, you should never fly another nation’s flag unless the American flag is also flying above or to the right of it. Also, the American flag displayed should never be smaller in size than any other flag present.
5. The American flag should never touch anything beneath it, like the ground.
6. The American flag should never be used to cover a ceiling. (No using the flag to cover an ugly ceiling at your reception hall! :) )
7. The American flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, or carrying anything.
8. The American flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing, therefore if you where a lapel pin of the flag on your dress or suit, it must be on the left side, near the heart.
9. The American flag should never be printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard (a good rule to remember when planning your wedding favors--no paper napkins with the flag on it).
10. If you bunt red, white, and blue fabric (say to your sign in table) it should be arranged so the blue is highest, then white, and then red.
11. Seeing as though holiday weekends are popular times to marry, it is likely you may share your wedding day with a Flag Holiday. The American flag should always be displayed on all Flag Holidays. The Flag Holidays are:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Lincoln’s Birthday February 12
Washington’s Birthday Third Monday in February
Easter Sunday Variable
Mother’s Day Second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day Third Saturday in May
Memorial Day Last Monday in May (should be flown at half staff until noon)
Flag Day June 14
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day First Monday in September
Constitution Day September 17
Columbus Day Second Monday in October
Navy Day October 27
Veteran’s Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day December 25
Any other day proclaimed by the President; the birthday of your State; and State holidays. On Pearl Harbor Day (December 7) and Korean War Veterans Armistice Day (July 27) or any other day by order of the President, the flag should be flown at half-staff.
I hope you find these tips useful and helpful. As the daughter and grand-daughter of veterans, I had the flag displayed at my church and reception site on my wedding day and am very glad I did! Red, white, and blue were not our wedding "colors," but they truly are important colors, I believe, to have on your special day.
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