Uneven Bridal Parties: How To Make It Work

It's not uncommon for couples to have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen in their wedding party. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as having more siblings or a larger circle of friends. While tradition used to dictate that the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen should match, modern weddings are subverting these expectations. Couples are now prioritising having those they feel closest to by their side on their wedding day, regardless of the symmetry of the wedding party. There are also creative ways to make an uneven bridal party work, from having each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids or vice versa, to having the wedding party walk down the aisle individually or in smaller groups. Ultimately, it's the couple's decision and there is no need to feel pressured to add or subtract people just to have even numbers.

It's common and not a big deal

Having an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is not only common but it's also not a big deal. In fact, it's becoming more and more accepted as couples are choosing to prioritise their closest friends and family over symmetry and tradition. Lizzie Post, an etiquette expert and co-president of the Emily Post Institute, asserts that "the idea of having to ask people you [don't want] just for the sake of being even means you're putting numbers and symmetry above people".

While it's understandable that brides and grooms may worry about the processional, there are actually no rules stating that bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances. For example, you could have one bridesmaid walk with two groomsmen, or vice versa. You could also have each member of the bridal party process alone or have all the groomsmen start out the ceremony at the altar, leaving the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle unpaired.

When it comes to the ceremony, chances are that your guests will be too focused on you and your spouse to notice the number of attendants. However, if you're concerned about appearances, you can always mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle or have a select few stand during your vows while the rest of the bridal party takes a seat.

As for photos, your photographer will be able to arrange everyone to create a balanced and cohesive aesthetic. You can also mix up the bridal party and have them pose in a semi-circle around you and your spouse, or stagger them on a staircase for a non-linear format where the uneven number is barely noticeable.

Remember, your wedding party should include the people you feel closest to, so don't feel pressured to add or subtract members just to make the numbers match. Embrace the uneven bridal party and get creative with your processional, ceremony, and photographs to make your big day even more unique and special!

You can add or remove people

It is absolutely fine to have an uneven bridal party. Couples may have uneven wedding parties for a multitude of reasons: more siblings or relatives on one side, different expectations from friends and family, or simply having a larger circle of friends.

If you are concerned about the look of an uneven bridal party, there are a few things you can do to add or remove people from their duties. Firstly, consider adding extra bridesmaids or groomsmen as needed. Think about all the people in your life that you would consider to be a part of your wedding party, such as your closest childhood friends, best friends, siblings, cousins, close work colleagues, or any other good friends.

On the other hand, if you cannot think of anyone else that you want standing up there with you on your wedding day, consider removing someone from their duties. For example, if you are not very close with one of the bridesmaids or groomsmen, you can still invite them to events such as the bachelorette party or bridal shower and ask them to give a toast or a reading at the rehearsal dinner or reception instead.

Remember, you don't have to feel pressured to add or remove people simply to make your numbers match. Your wedding party should be a collection of your nearest and dearest friends, who you trust and want to stand beside you as you say "I do".

Creative ways to make it work

Walking Down the Aisle

If you're worried about who each person will walk down the aisle with, remember that there's no rule saying bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances. You could try matching one bridesmaid with two groomsmen, or vice versa, or have each member of the bridal party process alone. Alternatively, you could have all the groomsmen start out the ceremony at the altar, which means the bridesmaids will be the only ones to walk down the aisle.

Standing During the Ceremony

If you're concerned about how a mismatched wedding party will look during the ceremony, don't be. Chances are, your guests will be focusing on you and your partner. If you're set on making things look even, you could mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, arranging them so the unbalanced number isn't noticeable. You could also have a select few (like the best man and maid of honour) stand during your vows while the rest of the party sits down.

Photographs

For your formal pictures, it's not necessary to have the bridesmaids on one side and the groomsmen on the other. Interspersing everyone around the married couple can be a great way of reflecting how you all spend time together. You could also try the "windows" strategy, creating two lines and spacing each person so that each is visible in their own "window" by the camera. If you're after symmetry, you could bring your flower girl or page boy into the photos, or even include your pet!

How to pose for photos

Having an uneven bridal party is becoming more and more common, and there's no need to panic! You'll have all your closest friends and family by your side, and the number of bridesmaids versus groomsmen doesn't matter.

• Form a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides".
• Blend the bridal party together in couples or groups of three and have them stand on both sides of the couple.
• If you want to uphold the tradition of splitting the bridesmaids and groomsmen, have them stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even.
• For something unique, choose candid, action shots—like the group walking towards the photographer—where everyone is mixed up and there's less focus on position.
• Separate your bridal party by having them pose in rows instead of sides. Have the larger group stand in the back, while the smaller group sits on chairs in the front, with the couple in the middle, for a staggered, organic look.
• Use spacing to your advantage. During the ceremony, 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.
• Make things symmetrical by mixing the bridesmaids and groomsmen up on both sides. This works well if the total number of attendants is even, like seven bridesmaids and three groomsmen.
• If there is a very noticeable difference in the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, have them all stand on one side. You can mix up the groomsmen and bridesmaids for less contrast, or have them stand on the same side but keep the bridesmaids and groomsmen together.

Remember, there are countless ways to pose, and a good photographer will be able to make any photo shine.

Walking down the aisle

It's perfectly fine to have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen walking down the aisle. Couples may have uneven wedding parties for a variety of reasons, such as having more siblings or a larger circle of friends. The most important thing is to have those you feel closest to by your side on your big day.

• One option is to have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids, or vice versa. This can be adjusted based on the specific numbers in your wedding party.
• If you only have one extra bridesmaid or groomsman, you can have them walk down the aisle with the best man or maid of honour, respectively.
• Another option is to have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle individually, which can also help to disguise any lopsided numbers.
• If you have more groomsmen than bridesmaids, they can all be standing at the altar with the groom when the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. This way, you won't need to worry about pairing them up.
• You can also have two groomsmen walk down the aisle side by side if you have significantly more groomsmen than bridesmaids.
• If you have a dog, you can pair them with one of the attendants or have them walk down the aisle alone to even out the numbers.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules, and you can get creative with the processional. Don't be afraid to mix things up and do what feels right for you and your wedding party.

Frequently asked questions