Bridesmaids And Groomsmen: Balancing The Wedding Party Numbers

When it comes to weddings, there are many traditions and expectations that couples may feel pressured to adhere to. One common question that arises is whether the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen needs to be equal. In the past, symmetry and aesthetics played a significant role in wedding planning, leading to concerns about uneven bridal parties. However, modern weddings are breaking free from these constraints, embracing individuality and diverse preferences. The short answer is that there is no obligation to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Ultimately, it is the couple's decision, and their priority should be to include the people they feel closest to, regardless of the symmetry.

It's your wedding, so you don't have to do anything

If you're worried about how an uneven wedding party will look, there are some creative ways to make it work. For example, you can have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids or vice versa, have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone, or have all the groomsmen start the ceremony at the altar. You can also mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, arranging them so that the unbalanced number isn't noticeable.

When it comes to standing during the ceremony, don't stress too much about how your uneven wedding party will look. Chances are, guests will be focused on you and your spouse. If you want to make things look more even, you can choose to have only the best man and maid of honor stand with you during your vows, or mix up the bridal party on both sides of the altar.

For wedding photos, your photographer will know how to pose everyone to create a balanced and cohesive aesthetic. Trust them to capture beautiful snapshots that you'll love. You can also consider more candid or non-linear formats, such as photos of the group walking together or staggered on a staircase, where the uneven numbers are less noticeable.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can choose to include the people you feel closest to, regardless of whether the numbers match. Don't feel pressured to add or subtract people just to make the numbers even. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love and surrounding yourself with the people who matter most to you.

It's common to have uneven bridal parties

If you're worried about how an uneven bridal party will look, there are a few things you can do. For example, during the processional, you can match 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. For the ceremony itself, you can mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, or have a select group of people (like the best man and maid of honour) stand with you during your vows while the rest of the bridal party takes a seat.

When it comes to photos, your photographer will know how to pose everyone to create a balanced and cohesive aesthetic. They may suggest forming a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides" photo, blending the bridal party together in couples or groups of three, or having them stand on both sides of the couple. You could also try candid, in-motion photos, such as the group walking towards the photographer, or separate your bridal party by having them pose in rows instead of sides.

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love with the people you care about, so don't stress too much about the numbers!

You can get creative with entrances and exits

The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen in your wedding party doesn't have to be equal. In fact, there are many creative ways to make an entrance or exit, even with an uneven number of attendants. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Creative Entrances

• Have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids (or vice versa) down the aisle.
• If there is only a difference of one attendant, pair up the dog lover in the bigger group with your pup.
• For a more uneven match, such as ten bridesmaids and two groomsmen, have them enter separately—the groomsmen from the side and the bridesmaids down the aisle.
• Let each bridal party member walk down the aisle individually at a quicker pace.
• If you're making your way straight to the reception, turn it into a dance party! Migrate to the celebration area with your family and friends, showing off a few moves along the way.
• Make a statement by dancing into one of your favourite songs.
• If you're planning a seaside wedding, consider arriving by boat, either with your wedding party or as a private moment for just the two of you.
• If your venue has stairs, dress them up with greenery, flowers, or candles, and make your entrance there to draw attention.
• If you're adventurous, consider arriving in a hot air balloon. Take a ride after the ceremony for some privacy, then hop out in front of your reception venue, ready to party.
• For a fun and unique entrance, ride in on kids' scooters or a tandem bike.
• If you're sports fans, run through a paper banner at the start of your reception. Get creative and write your names, song lyrics, or your favourite quote on the banner.

Creative Exits

• Make a grand exit with sparklers.
• If you're at a country club, resort, or farm, borrow a golf cart to transport you and your partner to the party.
• Travel to your venue in style by arriving via trolley or train, and have your guests line up to greet you as you step off your ride.
• If you love horses and have riding experience, why not ride in on horseback while still wearing your wedding attire?
• For the daring couple, parachute into your outdoor reception venue.
• Arrive in style by riding up to your reception in a vintage car.

Photographers can help balance photos

Another creative technique is to pose the wedding party in a V-shape, with careful spacing to ensure each side appears even. This technique is especially useful for concealing any gaps between attendants. For a truly unique look, consider candid, motion-filled shots, such as capturing the group walking towards the camera, resulting in a dynamic and less-posed photograph where the focus is on the energy and happiness of the moment, rather than strict positioning.

Additionally, photographers can suggest staggering the wedding party in rows, with the larger group standing at the back and the smaller group seated in the front, creating a natural-looking photo with depth. For the ceremony, photographers can also help to balance the visuals by suggesting the side with fewer attendants spread out, creating extra space between each person, while the larger group stands closer together, making each side appear similar in length.

Remember, your wedding photographer is a professional who knows how to capture beautiful, balanced snapshots, so trust them to help you create stunning and memorable photos, regardless of the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen.

You can mix up the sides or have them all stand on one side

If you're worried about how an uneven bridal party will look during the ceremony and in photos, there are a few options for mixing up the sides or having them all stand on one side.

Mixing up the sides

If the difference in numbers isn't too great, you can have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids (or vice versa if there are more groomsmen). If the numbers are more uneven, you could have the groomsmen enter from the side and the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. Alternatively, each member of the bridal party can walk down the aisle individually, at a quicker pace.

Having them all stand on one side

This option works best if there is a very noticeable difference in numbers. You can mix up the groomsmen and bridesmaids to reduce the contrast, or have them all stand on the same side of the altar, with the bridesmaids and groomsmen standing together.

If you're getting married in a church, the bridal party may be asked to sit in pews off to the side of the altar, or in the first two rows, which are usually reserved for family.

Frequently asked questions