Tending the Side.

Piping as a ceremony with side boys is a custom evolving from the days when visitors were hoisted aboard by use of the boatswain's chair.  The pipe was used for the commands "hoist away" and "avast heaving."  Members of the crew of the host ship did the hoisting.  It is from the aid they rendered in tending the side that the custom originated of having a certain number of men, ("side boys,") present.  In time it became a courtesy for high ranking officers and diplomatic officials to honored by sideboys and piping ceremony. 

Arch of Swords

Traditionally, a young officer sought the permission of his Commanding Officer to marry, partly because many did not necessarily have the means to support a spouse. Although we would often like to, they don’t let us say no anymore. Nevertheless, it is still polite to seek permission to marry, and to give your CO the opportunity to congratulate you before the fact. 

In the past, it was also required to have permission to marry in uniform. This has become more popular of late, and the arch of swords has been adopted by wedding planners everywhere as something a little out of the ordinary. This custom of forming an arch, with the sword’s cutting edges upward in the “quinte” or fifth guard position, symbolizes the guarding of the couple as they embark on married life.
Watch a marriage of an officer of Indian navy in my native place.