Which is the bride’s side of the church?

Dear Polite One

Which is the proper side for the bride's family during the wedding. Our wedding planner said the bride's family is supposed to sit on the right. Is this true?

Planning

Dear Planning,

The wedding planner was incorrect if yours is a Christian or civil wedding. In these weddings, as you look from the front door toward the pew—or where the officiant will stand—the bride is on the left, so her guests sit on that side as well. This is covered in all etiquette books mentioning weddings.

However, the opposite is true for Jewish weddings.

Wedding planners are often merely party planners and typically know little about wedding etiquette.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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