Tradition detail: During a typical American Christian ceremony, relatives and friends of the groom sit on the right side of the ceremony, and relatives and friends of the bride sit on the left side of the ceremony. At the head of the ceremony stand the officiant, the bride (on the left) and the groom (on the right), and their bridal attendants next to them, all on the corresponding sides.
Where it comes from: Yup, you guessed it, this is another tradition that comes from long ago when many brides were kidnapped by their grooms. By standing on the right, the groom can have his right hand free for his weapon to fend off those trying to stop the wedding.
How couples are changing it: When using ushers, have them simply seat people wherever. No more “groom’s side or bride’s side” questioning - just fill the place up! This is especially helpful if one person has more guests than the other.
Creative ideas: Have your ceremony be in a location where you can be in the center of the room. Line up four different areas of chairs to face towards this center location; your guests, then, all will have a perfect view of the goings-on. There is no right or left (or wrong!) place to sit. This gives you much more freedom for where your processional enters from, where you want to put flowers and other decorations, and ensures your guests will be able to see.
Here’s an actual seating chart a bride sent to me:
And here’s another wedding I photographed, with three areas of chairs all facing the couple. The couple entered from the doors I was facing and stood under those center columns during the ceremony.
See also:
About.com - Marriage
more seating tips from The Knot
Wedding Traditions
Note: “In a Jewish ceremony, it’s the opposite; the bride and her family are on the right, the groom and his are on the left.” - The Knot
by Lara
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