Is there a rule that the bride has to be on the left for the ceremony?

I don't think there's any rule, and who cares if there were/are, do whatever's comfortable for you

It is customary for the bride to stand to the left at the altar, though you may not be so keen on the reasons why. The tradition actually stems from the old days of "marriage by capture", when the groom needed to leave his right hand (his fighting hand) -- which he used to hold his sword -- free in the event that he should need to defend his bride from other suitors who may try to wisk her off at the last minute. Pretty dramatic, huh?

WTH o_O

Today, most couples still choose to stand with the gent on the right -- probably because they haven't really given it much thought. If you would like to mix things up, feel free to stand on whichever side makes you feel most comfortable. One thing to consider if you are having a religious ceremony, check with your officiant and make sure that changing your positions at the altar won't go against the beliefs of your church in any way.

The original tradition of the woman standing on the left was to leave the man's right arm available to fend of other men.

In your case I think it would definitely be acceptable to stand where you wish considering the circumstances. Do what makes you feel most comfortable.

-mekmek beat me to it ;P

@MekMek & Nicole B.- I never knew that! Interesting. Well if that's all it is then I'm sure it'll be no problem if I'm on the right. I didn't know if there was some sort of bad luck thing associated with it or something. Thanks for the quick replies

In Jewish ceremonies, it is actually traditional for the bride to stand on the right. In any event, I'm a big believer in dumping traditions when they don't work for a couple--and yours is a perfect example.

Interesting as to why this is customary! It's military custom to stand on the man's right side due to the fact his sabre/sword is carried on the left hip. It's simply a matter of it getting in the way. At first I pictured it I thought it was a little odd, I guess since it's just a matter of to the left is what you usually see now a days. Maybe officiants when staging everyone just does it that way because that's the way they just do it. Do what makes you feel comfortable. Maybe a few people will notice, but I'm sure given the circumstances saying, "I wanted to look my best!" is reason enough.

OMG good question. Am lefty and I always do everything lefty even grabing my fiance hand I always use my left hand. I would consider to do whatever you feel like it. Maybe I should consider thinking of this too. @MekMek I never thought of that so thank you now I know the old tales

Do what makes you feel comfortable! I was on the left side of the alter, but our priest had us face the congregation for the vows (he said "no fanny to the faithful") so our parents switched sides....this allowed our families to see our respective faces as we exchanged vows. I didn't care...but it was a big deal to my husband.

Because of this nonsense I WILL be standing on the right. If someone comes up to try and whisk me away they'd better pull out there checkbook and have a dang good reason for ruining our day. And because I love her doesn't fly with me.

haha Nicole : P

@MekMek- Hahaha I know! If some other man shows up to our wedding and tries to take me away I don't think it'd make much difference what side I'm standing on, my man would knock him out with his left just as easy as he would with his right!

@MekMek- Hahaha I know! If some other man shows up to our wedding and tries to take me away I don't think it'd make much difference what side I'm standing on, my man would knock him out with his left just as easy as he would with his right!

Do what works for you! I always suggest to my couples that the 'brides' side sit behind the groom and visa versa, so that the parents, etc, can actually see their children's faces instead of the back of their head.

See I thought most wedding the bride on the left of the groom but at a wedding that I was in we started off on the left side but the pastor actually made the bride and groom change places

As the ladies stated the groom leaving his right hand to defend is how it supposedly all started. I also read in a bridal mag that different cultures/religions have it where birde is on right and groom on left. I say so what makes you comfortable.

Thanks for the input. I definitely think I'll be standing on the right. I'm not that concerned about sticking to traditions, and I doubt anyone would have an issue with it.

With my dress, I think standing on the right would show off more of the detail, since the stripe goes down the left side

Thanks for the good question!

@Merfy Lou- I didn't even think about that. Mine has a sash with a flower and feathers on the left side, so if I'm on the right and we turn to do our kiss, it'll show in the pictures. I like your dress by the way, it's really pretty

If there is a rule, I broke it. Oops!

Good point, I always hold my FH's right hand so I think it would feel awkward for me to stand on his left!

I always thought it was to fend off danger too.

Do what works best for you! I am a major fan of untraditional.