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Maren
Champion October 2021

Will the bride stand on the left side?

Maren, on January 15, 2019 at 11:05 AM

Posted in Wedding Ceremony 89

Traditionally, the bride stands on the left side of the altar for the wedding ceremony so that the groom can use his right hand in case he needs to fight for his bride, should someone try to steal her away last minute on the wedding day! Thankfully the kidnapping part of this tradition died long...

Traditionally, the bride stands on the left side of the altar for the wedding ceremony so that the groom can use his right hand in case he needs to fight for his bride, should someone try to steal her away last minute on the wedding day! Thankfully the kidnapping part of this tradition died long long ago, but brides still keep up the tradition of standing on the left side.

Which side are you going to stand on for your wedding ceremony? Are you doing or ditching this tradition?

If you’re a same-sex couple, how are you deciding which side to stand on?

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Photo by Momentous Image in Seattle, Washington


Thank you, next (tradition): Are you ditching the traditional wedding party?

Back to the beginning: Which wedding traditions are you ditching?


89 Comments

  • A
    Just Said Yes August 2019
    Amber ·
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    This is the first I've heard of this particular tradition, but I like it so I will probably do it
    • Reply
  • Arkilia
    Super November 2021
    Arkilia ·
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    We are keeping this tradition I was unaware of... Hilarious story though
    • Reply
  • AJ
    VIP September 2018
    AJ ·
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    Huh--wish I'd known this interesting tidbit before our wedding. My husband is left- handed so it would have been fun to make him be on the left!
    • Reply
  • Martika
    Expert September 2019
    Martika ·
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    Lol! I never knew this. I didn't know it was a tradition. I just planned on doing it. Hope I don't get kidnapped!

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  • Rachel
    Super May 2019
    Rachel ·
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    I'm probably going to stand on the right side. One, because we just figured it would be fun to do everything a little differently. But mostly, it's because my left side is my better side, haha!

    • Reply
  • #WhenYouWishUponAWelch
    Devoted July 2019
    #WhenYouWishUponAWelch ·
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    I hadn't thought too much about it but will probably keep that tradition

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  • Erin Wood
    Master July 2017
    Erin Wood ·
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    I stood on the left but I kind of wish I hadn’t. My family could only see the back of me the entire time. Unless there’s a lot of suave between you and the front row, it’s something to keep in mind.
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  • Maren
    Champion October 2021
    Maren ·
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    Hi Erin Wood! Did your wedding seating have "sides"? That's a good point, definitely something to keep in mind given the seating, venue, and view of the guests! Smiley heart

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  • Maren
    Champion October 2021
    Maren ·
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    Haha! Smiley laugh Fingers crossed!

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  • Maren
    Champion October 2021
    Maren ·
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    Hi Amber! Welcome to WeddingWire and congrats on your engagement! It's definitely a unique tradition but I agree, I will probably keep this one too Smiley smile

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  • Erin Wood
    Master July 2017
    Erin Wood ·
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    We didn’t have sides on purpose but most of my people stood on my side. We didn’t have anyone guiding people. My Aunt and Mom and Dad all said they couldn’t really see me. I didn’t even think to make sure there was a large space between the first row and the alter. Even at a church if you are at the end of a row you most likely can’t see straight on.
    • Reply
  • Maren
    Champion October 2021
    Maren ·
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    That would have been fun, AJ! Smiley smile

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  • Maren
    Champion October 2021
    Maren ·
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    Makes perfect sense, thank you so much for this advice! Smiley heart

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  • Macy
    Expert September 2019
    Macy ·
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    We’re doing this tradition. I didn’t know the history for it though lol
    • Reply
  • Brittany
    Savvy July 2021
    Brittany ·
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    Keeping this one
    • Reply
  • Cara
    Savvy July 2019
    Cara ·
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    Never heard of this!! But yes, sure.... it looks "right" xD

    • Reply
  • Aretha
    Savvy April 2019
    Aretha ·
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    I've never known or realized the bride should be on the left, so that's where I'll be.
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  • Kayla
    Dedicated October 2020
    Kayla ·
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    I will be on the left simply for traditions sake, my fiance is actually left handed
    • Reply
  • Alexandria
    Beginner January 2027
    Alexandria ·
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    Definitely keeping! Even though he’s left handed😂❤️
    • Reply
  • Cassy
    Beginner May 2019
    Cassy ·
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    Staying on the left side
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