Why the bride always stands to the left of the groom
Many bridal traditions have fallen by the wayside over the years, but aside from the fashion, music and décor, wedding ceremonies remain relatively unchanged. We still have bridesmaids and groomsmen, still enlist the father of the bride to walk his daughter down the aisle, still have a “first dance” and still toss the bouquet.
However, there’s one wedding tradition that we’ve always wondered about – why does the bride always stand on the left side of the groom when exchanging their vows? The answer will surprise you.
The reason dates back hundreds of years ago to when “marriage by capture” was common practice, according to The Knot. In many cultures in the past – and shockingly in some parts of the world today – it was normal for a man to kidnap the woman he fancied and take her to the altar (whether or not against her will). When it finally came time for the “couple” to tie the knot, the groom needed to keep his right hand (that is, his fighting hand) free in case a rival suitor should come along and attempt to steal his bride at the last minute.
In fact, some historians believe honeymoons to be a lasting relic of marriage by capture, in keeping with the practice of the man and his new wife going into hiding to avoid the backlash of relatives and intending for the woman to fall pregnant by the end of their month away.
At Jewish weddings, on the other hand, the bride stands to the right of the groom in keeping with the interpretation of a verse in Psalms (45:10), “The queen stands on your right hand in fine gold of Ophir.”
Therefore, unless any change might go against your religious beliefs, you’re pretty safe to go ahead and stand however you would like.