Lyla Dejesus
When it comes to wedding seating arrangements, there are no rules set in stone. However, several traditions and factors influence where the groom's side is seated at a wedding. The most common tradition, often seen in American and Christian weddings, is for the groom's side to sit on the right, with the bride's side on the left. This stems from ancient customs where the groom kept his sword arm free to protect the bride. In Jewish weddings, this is reversed, with the groom's side sitting on the left and the bride's side on the right. In Hindu weddings, the bride starts on the groom's right and moves to his left after the marriage, symbolizing their unity. Ultimately, the seating arrangement is up to the couple's preference, and modern weddings often prioritize lighting, facial visibility, and emotional connection over traditional customs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding type | For Christian and American weddings, the groom's side is on the right. For Jewish weddings, the groom is on the left. |
| Couple's preference | Some couples choose not to have a specific side. |
| Photography | The couple may choose sides based on lighting and which is their best side. |
| Guests | The groom's side is usually bigger if most guests are local, while the bride's side is bigger if most guests are travelling. |
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What You'll Learn
The groom's side is traditionally the right side
The tradition of the groom standing on the right and the bride on the left has its roots in ancient European customs. In medieval times, the groom would keep his sword arm, or his right arm, free to protect his bride from any potential danger during the ceremony. This tradition also stems from a biblical verse that says "at thy right hand doth stand the queen."
At Jewish weddings, the positions of the bride and groom are reversed, with the bride standing on the right and the groom on the left under the chuppah, or wedding canopy. During a Hindu wedding ceremony, the bride switches sides, moving from the groom's right side to his left once they are officially married.
Ultimately, the decision of which side to stand on is up to the couple, and there is no "right" answer for every culture or religion. Some couples may choose to stand on the side that is their good side or yields the best photographs. Others may opt for a non-traditional approach and face their guests during the ceremony, turning to face each other for the exchange of vows and rings.
While the groom's side is traditionally on the right, modern weddings allow for flexibility and personalization, ensuring that the happy couple can create a ceremony that reflects their unique preferences and values.
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The bride's family traditionally sits on the left
The wedding party's seating arrangement is an important aspect of the wedding ceremony. While some couples opt for a ''merge the sides and be one family'' approach, allowing guests to sit wherever they please, others choose to observe the traditional arrangement, with ushers to guide guests to their seats.
In Christian weddings, the bride's family traditionally sits on the left, and the groom's family sits on the right. This tradition has roots in ancient European customs, where the groom would keep his sword arm (right arm) free to protect his bride from any potential attackers or hostile suitors during the ceremony.
For Jewish weddings, the seating arrangement is reversed, with the bride's family on the right and the groom's family on the left. This tradition may be linked to a biblical verse: "at thy right hand doth stand the queen."
In some cases, the seating arrangement may be influenced by practical considerations, such as accommodating a large local family on one side and out-of-town guests on the other, or ensuring that the bride's family has a good view of her during the ceremony. Ultimately, the decision on seating arrangements is up to the couple, and they may choose to adapt or disregard traditions as they see fit.
During the wedding rehearsal, it is essential to run through where the family will be seated to avoid any confusion on the wedding day.
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The groom's family traditionally sits on the right
However, it is important to note that wedding seating arrangements are ultimately up to the couple's preference. More and more couples are choosing to merge sides, with ushers seating guests based on available space and encouraging the idea that the two families are blending into one.
Additionally, same-sex couples may choose to follow or adapt traditions to suit their preferences. For example, they may inform guests of their chosen sides through the wedding program or a decorative sign.
In some cases, the seating arrangement may be influenced by practical considerations, such as accommodating a large local family or ensuring that family members have a good view of the ceremony. Ultimately, the decision regarding seating arrangements reflects the couple's unique circumstances and preferences.
Furthermore, in certain religious traditions, such as Jewish weddings, the positions of the bride and groom are reversed, with the bride on the right and the groom on the left. This tradition may be based on the biblical verse that says, "at thy right hand doth stand the queen."
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Same-sex couples can choose their own sides
For same-sex couples, modelling your wedding off traditional ceremonies can be complicated and stressful. There are no rules for LGBTQ+ couples, and they typically stand where they wish. Same-sex couples can choose to have guests sit wherever they want, with no sides, or make a heart or circle around the couple.
Same-sex couples can also choose to walk down the aisle together, or one after the other, or have guests walk down the aisle instead. Couples can also choose to walk down the aisle with their parents or with a person of mutual importance on each arm.
If a same-sex couple wants to keep to the tradition of the bride's side being on the left and the groom's on the right, they can let guests know which side each partner is standing on by including this information in the wedding program or on a decorative sign.
Same-sex couples can also choose to rename their attendants to something different from "groomsmen" and choose their attendants based on who they are closest to, rather than their sex.
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The couple can choose to merge sides
In this scenario, ushers (if the couple chooses to assign these roles) will seat guests based on which side has more available space, informing guests that the two families are merging as one, and guests should follow this trend.
This approach is particularly useful when one side of the aisle is bigger than the other due to one partner having a larger local family. In such cases, couples often choose to not have specific sides, allowing guests to sit wherever they please.
Couples may also choose to have their families sit on the same side as them, rather than behind them, so they can see their faces during the ceremony. This approach can also be used for same-sex couples, who can choose to follow or forgo the traditional seating arrangement.
Ultimately, the decision on seating arrangements is up to the couple, and they can adapt or forgo any traditions as they see fit to create a unique and meaningful ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, traditionally the groom's side is on the right when facing the altar. However, this tradition has become more relaxed in recent times, and ultimately it is up to the couple where they choose to stand.
The groom's family traditionally sits on the right side of the venue when facing the altar/front of the church/venue. However, this is not always the case, and some couples choose to merge sides or seat guests based on other factors such as connection, relation, and comfort.
Yes, the groomsmen stand on the right side of the altar, with the groom in the centre. They enter the ceremony from the side of the venue, walking down the aisle either solo or in pairs.
Ultimately, it is up to the couple whether they follow tradition or not. Some couples choose to stand on the side that photographs better, while others may be restricted by the beliefs of their house of worship.
