Giving Away the Bride...
In times when women were granted few privileges and even fewer personal rights, the bride was literally given away to the groom by the father, usually in exchange for monetary gain.
Today, it is seen as symbolic of the blessings and support of her union as a promise of continued trust and affection.
Bride stands to the Groom's Left...
In the past, sometimes a jealous suitor would try to take the bride away from the groom. The groom would hold the bride off to the side with his left hand, leaving his right hand free to grip his sword and fight. To this day, the bride stands to the groom's left while marrying.
