Photo Credit: Caroline Studios
Wedding Traditions Explained: Bride Stands on Left of the Groom
You’ve probably noticed at most wedding ceremonies that the bride stands on the left side of the groom. Have you ever given much thought to this wedding tradition? If you haven’t you’re probably in the same boat as most couples getting married, who stick to this tradition without knowing why it began.
Photo Credit: A Practical Wedding
Some people believe that the bride stands on the left of the groom, because that is the closest place to his heart. Others believe this tradition exists, because men and women used to sit in separate areas during church. The men would sit on the right side and the women would sit on the left side. It would make sense that the bride and groom would also stand on their designated church sides during a wedding. Although these explanations make sense, they are not the true reasons why this tradition exists.
Photo Credit: Shang & Chen Photography
Hundreds of years ago, brides were often kidnapped from their families to marry a groom. Often the bride’s family would try to break up the wedding ceremony to stop the marriage from being finalized. If the bride’s family was able to make it past the groomsmen, the groom needed to be ready to protect himself and his bride. Therefore, he needed the bride to stand on his left so he could use his right hand, his fighting arm, to fight off his attackers with his sword. He would then hold his bride with his left hand so she couldn’t escape. This isn’t the reasoning you expected for this ceremony tradition is it?
Photo Credit: Racmed
Like any wedding tradition, couples do not have to incorporate it into their wedding. We have DJ’d at many wedding ceremonies where the bride stands on the right side of the groom. If you want to break tradition and switch up where you stand during your wedding ceremony, first check with your officiant or church to make sure it doesn’t go against any religious rules.
We have more wedding tradition explanations on our blog. Take a look!
