Defending True Love
It’s usually because that’s where the nearest exit is.
No, just kidding. The groom’s position is a tradition dating back to medieval times. It is also why many European countries drive on, according to us, the wrong side of the road.
Without going into detail, back in the day the left hand was considered the dirty hand. Let’s just say that back then there was no Sears Catalog to bring to the privy. Thus, children were taught to use their right hand for just about everything, including sword-fighting. So, if on his wedding day a groom was challenged by a fellow suitor, he could draw his sword with his right hand without performing impromptu surgery on his bride. Of course, if the suitor was smart, he would sneak up on the groom’s left side, and victory is his! So there.
Which brings us back to driving on the so-called wrong side of the road. In the middle ages, if two men passed one another on horseback, each would be on the others’ right side. If one were to challenge the other, swords would be drawn on the right. This tradition has carried on to European modern day rules of the road, replacing swords with semi-automatic weapons. It’s easier to roll down your window to shoot at your foe than it is to ask a passenger to kindly lower the window, cover ears and duck.
So at every wedding, the groom is in position to defend his true love. The same can be said for the reception, when the keg is tapped.