Okay, I admit that I’ve probably talked too much about weddings here for any normal straight guy. Sorry, but I’ve got one more observation to make, and I’ll try and stay away for a while.
As far as I can remember, the wedding party always faces the person conducting the service – whether that person is the minister, the justice of the peace or Elvis. That’s fine. Makes sense, because the officiant is the one conducting the proceedings. I have no problem there.
But why in the world do the betrothed face away from the audience? If I go to a wedding (admittedly, not something I’ve done often), why do I want to see some person I’ve never met before, and the backs of the people that I came to watch?
I’m sure there are certainly some valid reasons – the best friend in the front row who makes faces during the cermony, the giggles or the tears in the middle of the vows, the furtive glances between bride and groom. But why is it that this person conducting the wedding, who at best is probably the pastor of your church, gets to witness those moments, while the people you really care about – friends and family – get to watch your butt?