The seating arrangement at a wedding ceremony is steeped in tradition and etiquette. This guide will explain the traditional sides for families to sit during the ceremony.
Traditional Seating Arrangement
Traditionally, the bride’s family and guests sit on the left side of the aisle, while the groom’s family and guests sit on the right. This tradition stems from the days of arranged marriages when the groom’s right-hand man (or “best man”) needed to have his right hand free to draw his sword to defend the groom from potential kidnappers.
Exceptions and Modern Adaptations
These days, the seating arrangement can be more flexible and can be adapted to suit the couple’s preferences. For instance, some couples opt for a “choose a seat, not a side” policy to promote more integration between the two families.
Final Thoughts
While the tradition of the bride’s family sitting on the left and the groom’s on the right is still commonly observed, remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and unity. Therefore, choose a seating arrangement that best represents your union and the blending of your families.
