Basically it's tradition.
Long ago, the right arm was considered the sword arm of most fighting men. If a man had to protect his bride, he would hold her with his left hand, and fight off attackers with his right arm.
The reason that men may have had to fight off others was because quite often women were kidnapped. Family members naturally wanted to rescue the stolen brides. Sometimes even during the wedding ceremony, the grooms had to fight off other men who were desirous of their brides, along with the bride's family members. So having his right arm free was an important strategy.
This tradition is followed today by when facing the officiant, having the bride stand to the left, and the groom stand to the right.
Another reason is that the union of the right hands of the bride and groom symbolizes their union as one, their strength in being together, and the combined resources that they bring to their marriage.
During a Jewish ceremony, the bride is often on the right and the groom is on the left.
You can change it if you want but it might freak some people out.
2007-02-26 14:42:52
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answer #1
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answered by raven44012 4
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Yes. It's tradition. The reason was so that if there was a band of invaders rushing the wedding to kidnap the bride, the groom's sword arm was free to start swinging. No need for it now, but it will be extremely wierd for you to switch it up.
2007-02-27 02:41:43
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answer #2
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answered by Pink Denial 6
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Just the way it's been for so long. It has to do with men & their swords. But you can switch if you want.
Another thing that some are doing is having the officiant have this/her back to the guests & the couple facing their guests.
Some photographers complain that they have this black blob in all their photos, others seem to not have a problem.
2007-02-26 15:31:43
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answer #3
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answered by weddrev 6
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It is a tradition, but utlimately it is your decision. I was in a wedding where the bride and groom faced the crowd and she was on the right.
2007-02-26 14:49:33
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answer #4
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answered by mrslang1976 4
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Nanny's got the answer.
Its your wedding, you could switch it up and say screw tradition!
That would be interesting to see it switched.
2007-02-27 00:33:21
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answer #5
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answered by Terri 7
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Yes, when you are facing the altar. Once you are married, you turn and face the people, so you are at his right - where you will stay for the rest of your days!
2007-02-26 22:33:52
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answer #6
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answered by Lydia 7
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It's your wedding. Do what you want!
2007-02-26 15:07:35
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answer #7
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answered by New mommy 2010! 4
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muffins
2007-02-26 14:42:42
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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