Bridesmaids And Groomsmen: Even Numbers Not Necessary

It's your wedding, and you don't have to do anything! While tradition used to dictate that there be the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, this is no longer the case. In fact, it's becoming more and more common for couples to have uneven bridal parties. There are many ways to make this work aesthetically, from having the bridal party walk down the aisle in smaller groups or individually, to getting creative with spacing and posing for photos. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide who you want standing by your side on your big day, regardless of whether the numbers are even or odd.

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

Similarly, there's no rule that says your bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off when walking down the aisle. If you're concerned about how an uneven bridal party will look, there are ways to disguise lopsided numbers. For example, you could have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids, or vice versa. You could also have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone, or have all the groomsmen start the ceremony at the altar. If you're worried about how an uneven bridal party will look in photos, a good photographer can make any photo shine.

The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen you have is entirely up to you. It's not a numbers game, and there's no rule that you should abide by when it comes to how many people you want in your bridal party. You can have as few or as many as you want by your side.

It's common to have uneven bridal parties

Nowadays, it's becoming more and more common for couples to choose not to feel self-conscious about these differences and embrace an uneven wedding party. It's your day, and you can have as few or as many bridesmaids or groomsmen as you want by your side.

If you're concerned about how an uneven bridal party will look, there are some creative ways to make it work. For example, during the processional, you can have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids (or vice versa), have each member of the bridal party process alone, or have all groomsmen start out the ceremony at the altar. You can also mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle or arrange them in a semi-circle around the couple during photos to create a balanced look.

Remember, your wedding photographer is a professional and will know how to capture beautiful snapshots of your entire group.

You can get creative with the processional and recessional

There are countless ways to get creative with the processional and recessional. Here are some ideas to consider:

Processional

• Pairing off: While there is no rule that says bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off, you can pair one bridesmaid with two groomsmen, or vice versa.
• Walking solo: Each member of the bridal party can walk down the aisle alone.
• Starting at the altar: All groomsmen can start out the ceremony at the altar, so the bridesmaids will be the only ones to walk down the aisle.
• Walking in groups: You can instruct your attendants to walk to the altar in smaller groups, usually in threes.
• Alternating: Attendants can walk to the altar in an alternating pattern, with either a bridesmaid or groomsmen leading the way.
• Walking with pets: If you want to include your pets in the ceremony, they could walk in with the groom, or escort one or both of you down the aisle.
• Walking with children: If you have a child in your wedding party, they could walk their parent down the aisle.
• Walking with grandparents: You could have a grandparent flower girl or flower boy.
• Walking with both parents: You don't have to choose between your parents—both can walk you down the aisle.
• Walking with other important people: You could be escorted by two important people, such as a step-parent or a close friend.
• Walking with train bearers: If you have a long train on your dress, you could have a train bearer who holds your train as you walk down the aisle.
• Sign bearers: These attendants can hold signs while they walk down the aisle, such as "here comes the bride" or something more fun like "wait for it...".
• Walking with the couple: The couple can walk down the aisle together, either from the same starting point or by meeting at the aisle.

Recessional

• Traditional: The traditional recessional order is usually the reverse of the processional order, with the married couple going first.
• Dancing: Choose a favourite song to dance down the aisle to as newlyweds, creating a fun and romantic moment.
• Flower petals or bubbles: Guests can toss flower petals or blow bubbles as the newlyweds make their way down the aisle.
• Inflatable beach balls: For a beach wedding, guests could throw tiny inflatable beach balls instead of flower petals.
• Leaves: For a forest wedding, guests could throw oak or maple leaves instead of flower petals.

Photographers can help you pose for balanced photos

It's not uncommon for couples to have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, and photographers can help you pose for balanced photos. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Embrace Creativity

Photographers can suggest creative ways to pose the bridal party to ensure a balanced look. For example, they can arrange the wedding party in a semi-circle around the couple, blending bridesmaids and groomsmen together in couples or groups of three. This way, the focus is on the couple, surrounded by their loved ones, rather than on the uneven numbers.

Mix and Match

Another option is to intersperse the bridesmaids and groomsmen, creating a balanced mix on both sides of the couple. This approach works well for formal pictures, especially if the total number of attendants is even, such as seven bridesmaids and three groomsmen.

Play with Staggered Rows

For a more organic-looking photo, photographers can separate the bridal party by having them pose in rows instead of sides. The larger group can stand in the back, while the smaller group sits in the front, with the couple in the middle. This creates a staggered, natural look that de-emphasizes any unevenness.

Utilize Levels and Depth

Photographers can also create levels by using chairs to bring the bridal party closer together, making it easier to capture everyone in the frame. Additionally, they can look for locations that provide depth, such as a background that the group can be pulled away from, to create a sense of depth and perspective.

Focus on Balance, Not Symmetry

While symmetry may be important to some couples, it's not necessary for everyone. Photographers can embrace the natural poses and stances of the bridal party, making tweaks as needed to create a balanced composition. This approach adds a sense of authenticity and spontaneity to the photos.

Candid Captures

For a unique touch, photographers can suggest candid, in-motion shots, such as the group walking towards the camera, creating a fun and less posed look that takes the focus away from any uneven numbers.

Remember, a skilled photographer will be able to guide you and your bridal party to ensure beautiful, balanced photos that capture the joy of your special day.

You can mix and match bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's suits

It's your wedding, so you should feel free to mix and match bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's suits. There's no rule that says they need to pair off or be dressed identically. In fact, it's pretty common to have a mismatched wedding party these days. Here are some tips to help you mix and match:

Pick a Colour Scheme

First, choose your wedding colours and overall theme. You're not limited to just two or three colours. It's common to have primary wedding colours and secondary "accent" colours. This gives you endless possibilities for your wedding party's attire. Pick 3-5 colours for your wedding palette, and then choose 1-2 primary colours that will be used for the bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories.

Decide on Bridesmaids' Dress Colours

Use your chosen primary colours to determine what your bridesmaids will wear. You can have them all wear the same colour, or you can mix and match different shades and styles to create a unique and dynamic look. This is a great way to incorporate more of your wedding colours and make your bridesmaids feel extra special.

Choose Groomsmen's Suits

When it comes to the groomsmen's suits, stick to neutral colours like grey or black and add pops of colour with their accessories. This will make your wedding party look cohesive without being too matchy-matchy. If you want to get creative, groomsmen's suits also come in other colours like cream, white, red, and beige.

Choose a Common Element

To create a coordinated look, choose one element that will be the same for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This could be a colour, a colour pattern, or a particular print. For example, you could have the bridesmaids' dress colour match the groomsmen's ties, pocket squares, or socks.

Get Creative with Spacing

If you're worried about the bridal party looking uneven, you can get creative with spacing. 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 look more balanced.

Mix and Match for Photos

For your formal wedding photos, instead of having the bridesmaids on one side and the groomsmen on the other, mix everyone up and space them out so that each person is visible. You can also get creative and work with your photographer to get fun, innovative pictures of the wedding party interacting with each other and with you.

Frequently asked questions