Selecting The Wedding Party: Groomsmen And Bridesmaids Numbers

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the many decisions to make is whether to have an even number of groomsmen and bridesmaids. While it's not a requirement to have the same number on each side, some couples prefer the symmetry and aesthetics of a balanced wedding party. However, modern weddings are subverting traditional expectations, and it's becoming more common to have an uneven bridal party. Ultimately, the most important consideration is including the people you feel closest to, regardless of the numbers.

It's not necessary to match numbers, but it can be advantageous

It is not necessary to have the same number of groomsmen and bridesmaids at your wedding. In fact, it is now commonplace for couples to have uneven wedding parties, and there are many creative ways to make this work.

Firstly, it is important to remember that it is your wedding, and you can do what you want. You can ask as many or as few people as you like to be in your bridal party, and you don't have to worry about matching numbers. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of siblings, a larger circle of close friends, or want to include people of different genders in your bridal party.

Secondly, having an uneven bridal party can add a unique and creative element to your wedding. For example, you can get creative with the processional and recessional, the photographs, and other aspects of the celebration. If you are worried about how an uneven bridal party will look in photos, rest assured that photographers are professionals who can advise on poses and arrangements to create a balanced and cohesive aesthetic.

If you are concerned about the processional, there are several options to consider. You could have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids or vice versa, depending on which group is larger. Alternatively, you could have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle individually, or have the groomsmen enter from the side while the bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

For the ceremony, the wedding party will stand on the side of the person they are closest to. If you want to make things look symmetrical, you can mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, or have a select group of people, such as the best man and maid of honour, stand with you during your vows while the rest of the bridal party sits down.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary to match the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids, doing so can have its advantages. It can add a sense of unity and creativity to your wedding, and there are many ways to make it work if you are concerned about aesthetics or logistics.

There are creative ways to manage an uneven wedding party

It is not uncommon for couples to have an uneven number of groomsmen and bridesmaids. While tradition used to dictate that the wedding party be symmetrical, it is not always feasible for couples to have an equal number of close friends or siblings.

If you are worried about how an uneven bridal party will look, there are several creative ways to manage the situation. Here are some tips to help you:

The Procession

You don't have to stick to the traditional pairing of one groomsman with one bridesmaid. You can mix and match to make the procession seamless. Have two groomsmen walk one bridesmaid down the aisle, or vice versa. There is also nothing wrong with having two bridesmaids or two groomsmen walk down the aisle together.

The Wedding Photos

Instead of the traditional photo with all the bridesmaids on the bride's side and all the groomsmen on the groom's side, try mixing and matching to create a more fluid arrangement. Intersperse the groomsmen and bridesmaids around the couple to distribute the numbers more evenly. You can also form a semi-circle around the couple or blend them together in couples or groups of three. If you want to stick with the traditional split, have them stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even.

The Ceremony

If you are set on having the bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on their respective sides during the ceremony, you can use spacing to create the illusion of even numbers. Have the side with fewer attendants spread out, creating extra space between each person, while the side with more attendants stands closer together. This will make each side appear to be a similar length. Alternatively, you can have the wedding party sit in the front row during the ceremony, which is typical of Catholic weddings.

The Outfits

While it is challenging to match your bridal party's outfits completely, you can coordinate them by choosing one matching element, such as colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print. For example, you can have the bridesmaids' dress colour match the groomsmen's ties, pocket squares, or socks.

Remember, this is your wedding, and the bridal party consists of people who are important to you. Don't feel pressured to add or subtract people just to make the numbers match. Embrace the uneven wedding party and use these tips to create a seamless and creative celebration.

You can coordinate bridesmaids and groomsmen without matching

Matching the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids is not necessary. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to have uneven bridal parties. If you are concerned about how this might look, there are several ways to get creative with the wedding ceremony processional and recessional, photographs, and other aspects of the celebration. Here are some tips to help you coordinate your bridesmaids and groomsmen without matching their numbers:

Choose a common element

Select one element, such as colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print, that will be the same for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. For example, the bridesmaids' dress colour could match the groomsmen's ties, pocket squares, or even socks!

Decide on a colour palette

Pick 3-5 colours for your wedding palette, including primary and secondary "accent" colours. This will give you a variety of options to mix and match.

Mismatched dresses

Consider having your bridesmaids wear mismatched dresses in different shades of your chosen primary colour. This can add a unique and dynamic look to your bridal party and is a great way to incorporate more of your wedding colours.

Get creative with spacing

If you are concerned about how an uneven bridal party will look in photographs, trick the camera by using space to your advantage. During the ceremony, have the side with fewer attendants spread out, creating extra space between each person, while the larger side stands closer together. This will make each side appear to be a similar length.

Separate entrances

If your bridal party is very uneven, such as 10 bridesmaids and 2 groomsmen, you can have them enter separately from different sides during the processional.

Individual entrances

Another option is to have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle individually, which can be done at a quicker pace to keep things moving.

Semi-circle formation

For photographs, the wedding party can form a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides" formation. This will create a beautiful, blended look and take the focus off the numbers.

Sit some members down

If the uneven numbers are making your photos look lopsided, you can have the best man and maid/matron of honour stand beside the couple, while the rest of the wedding party takes a seat in the front row.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose what feels right for you and your partner. There are no rules when it comes to your wedding day, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

It's common to have mismatched wedding parties

There are many reasons why a couple might have mismatched wedding parties, such as having a lot of siblings, wanting more than one maid of honour or best man, or simply having a larger circle of close friends. Modern weddings are subverting traditional expectations, and today's couples are increasingly incorporating wedding party members of different genders or choosing to forgo a wedding party altogether.

Walking Down the Aisle

There is no rule that bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances. You could have one bridesmaid with two groomsmen (or vice versa), have each member of the bridal party walk alone, or have all the groomsmen start the ceremony at the altar, leaving the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle.

Standing During the Ceremony

If you're concerned about an asymmetrical group, you can mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle so that the unbalanced number is less noticeable. Alternatively, you could choose a select group of people, such as the best man and maid of honour, to stand during your vows while everyone else sits down.

Photographs

Your photographer will know how to arrange everyone to create a balanced and cohesive aesthetic. Documentary-style photography is becoming more popular, and the traditional wedding party photo with separate sides is becoming less common. Your photographer may choose to take photos of the group walking together, staggered on a staircase, or in other non-linear formats where the uneven numbers are less obvious.

Reception Entrance

There are several options for announcing an uneven wedding party at the reception. Each person can be announced individually, or the unpaired person can walk in alone or with another couple. It's also becoming more common for couples to announce wedding party members with their spouse or date, even if that person isn't in the wedding party.

Head Table

It can be challenging to decide who sits at the head table, even without an uneven wedding party. Some couples opt for a sweetheart table, while others include their wedding party and their plus-ones. The general rule is that the couple sits next to each other, with the maid of honour and best man on each side. From there, you can place the rest of the wedding party accordingly. Since head tables usually face out, it's okay if your wedding party is uneven as they won't need to be seated across from each other.

Colour Matching

While you don't have to match the groomsmen to the bridesmaids, it can be a great way to run an aesthetic and theme throughout your wedding. You can colour match accessories such as ties, pocket squares, and socks, or even match the cake or your pets!

There are tips for handling mismatched wedding parties

It is perfectly fine to have a mismatched wedding party, and there are many ways to handle the situation gracefully. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

Planning and Preparation:

Firstly, it is important to know what you are getting into. While the idea of a mismatched wedding party might initially seem easier, it can actually be more challenging and may not be significantly more cost-effective. Communicate with your partner about your preferences and expectations, and decide whether you want your wedding party to match or mismatch.

Choosing Colours and Fabrics:

If you opt for a mismatched look, providing guidelines for your wedding party can help create a cohesive aesthetic. For bridesmaids, you can suggest a colour range or palette and specify fabric types, such as chiffon or chiffon-like materials, to ensure the dresses complement each other. For groomsmen, you can provide a range of suit colours, such as different shades of grey, and let them choose styles that suit their body types.

Walking Down the Aisle:

There are several options for handling the processional with a mismatched wedding party. You can have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids or vice versa, adjusting the pairing based on your specific numbers. Alternatively, you can have the wedding party walk individually without pairs, so the difference in numbers is less noticeable. If there is only a difference of one attendant, you can pair the unpaired person with a pet, such as a dog, walking down the aisle.

Standing at the Altar:

The wedding party will typically stand on the side of the person they feel closest to. Ensure there is enough room for everyone, and don't worry too much about how the mismatched numbers look, as the focus will be on the couple. If the numbers are very uneven, the best man and maid/matron of honour can stand beside the couple, while the rest of the wedding party takes a seat in the front row.

Posing for Photographs:

A skilled photographer can help pose your wedding party aesthetically and balance any uneven numbers. Consider forming a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides" arrangement. You can also blend the wedding party in couples or groups of three, placing them on both sides of the couple to create a mixed and less formal arrangement. For a unique look, opt for candid, in-motion pictures, such as the group walking towards the photographer, which will result in a less structured and more natural composition.

Reception Entrance:

There are several options for announcing a mismatched wedding party at the reception entrance. Each person can be introduced individually, or the unpaired person can enter on their own or join another couple as a third. Alternatively, modern trends include announcing wedding party members with their spouses or dates, even if they are not part of the wedding party, or forgoing the entrance altogether if the wedding party attended the cocktail hour.

Remember, the most important aspect is to surround yourself with the people you feel closest to, and the number of attendants on each side is a secondary consideration.

Frequently asked questions