Bridesmaids And Groomsmen: Equal Numbers For Wedding Bliss?

It's your wedding day, and you want everything to be perfect. But what if your dream bridal party includes six of your closest girlfriends as bridesmaids, and your partner only has three people in mind for groomsmen? Do you need to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen? The short answer is no. While it's true that symmetry and aesthetics are important to some couples, modern weddings are increasingly subverting traditional expectations. Ultimately, the people you choose to stand with you at your wedding should be those you feel closest to, regardless of whether the numbers match up.

It's not a problem to have uneven bridal parties

It's becoming increasingly common for couples to have uneven bridal parties, and it's absolutely fine to do so. The most important thing is to have the people you feel closest to by your side on your wedding day. If that's a different number for each partner, then so be it!

The Processional

One of the main concerns for couples with uneven bridal parties is the processional, and who will walk down the aisle with whom. However, there are no rules stating that bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances. Here are some options for how to handle the processional:

• Match one bridesmaid with two groomsmen, or vice versa.
• Have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone.
• Have all groomsmen start out the ceremony at the altar, leaving the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle.
• Have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids, or vice versa, depending on which party outnumbers the other.
• If there is only a difference of one attendant, the dog lover in the bigger group could walk down the aisle with your pup.
• If the bridal party is something like 10 bridesmaids and two groomsmen, the groomsmen could enter from the side while the bridesmaids walk down the aisle.
• Each member of the bridal party can walk down the aisle individually, at a quicker pace.

Standing During the Ceremony

Some couples worry about how an uneven bridal party will look during the ceremony. However, guests will likely be focused on the happy couple, not the number of attendants. If you're concerned about appearances, there are a few things you can do:

• Mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, arranging them so the unbalanced number isn't noticeable.
• Have only a select group of people, like the best man and maid of honour, stand during your vows while everyone else sits down.
• Have the best man and maid of honour stand beside the couple, while the rest of the bridal party takes a seat in the front row.

Photographs

A good photographer can make any photo shine and will be able to arrange everyone to create a balanced, cohesive aesthetic. Here are some tips for taking photos with an uneven bridal party:

• Have the wedding party form a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides" photo.
• Blend the bridal party together in couples or groups of three, and have them stand on both sides of the couple instead of separating bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• If you want to keep the bridesmaids and groomsmen separate in photos, have them stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even.
• Choose candid, motion-filled pictures, like the group walking towards the photographer, where there is less focus on position.
• Separate the bridal party by having them pose in rows instead of sides. Have the larger party stand in the back, while the smaller party sits on chairs in the front, with the couple in the middle.
• Trick the camera into thinking your numbers are even by using space to your advantage. Have the side with fewer attendants spread out, creating extra space between each person, while the side with more attendants stands closer together.
• Mix the bridesmaids and groomsmen up on both sides to create symmetry.
• Have the bridal party stand on the same side of the altar, with the bridesmaids and groomsmen 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, solving any unevenness during the ceremony.

Couples may have uneven bridal parties for a variety of reasons

It is important to remember that the people you choose to stand with you in your bridal party should reflect those you feel closest to, and it is perfectly acceptable to have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. This is now commonplace and widely accepted, so there is no need to feel pressured to add or subtract people just to make the numbers match.

If you are concerned about how an uneven bridal party will look during the ceremony or in photographs, there are several creative solutions to this problem. For example, you could have each bridesmaid walk with two groomsmen, or vice versa, or have the entire wedding party walk in individually without pairs. You could also have the wedding party enter separately, with the groomsmen entering from the side and the bridesmaids walking down the aisle. Another option is to have the wedding party form a semi-circle around the couple during photos, or to blend them together in couples or groups of three, with some standing on both sides of the couple.

There are ways to make an uneven bridal party less noticeable during the processional

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

Have them walk down the aisle individually

It is perfectly fine to have people enter by themselves, but at a quicker pace. This is the easiest way to disguise lopsided numbers.

Pair each groomsman with two bridesmaids (or vice versa)

If there is only a difference of one attendant, match up the dog lover in the bigger group with your pup.

Have the bridal party enter separately

If the party is something like 10 bridesmaids and two groomsmen, then it is suggested to have the groomsmen enter from the side and the bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

Send them down the aisle in smaller groups

If numbers permit, a bridesmaid walking with two groomsmen, or a groomsman walking with two bridesmaids, can look incredibly sweet and well-thought-out.

Send them down the aisle single file, alternating between bridesmaids and groomsmen

If there's only a difference of one, you can alternate – otherwise, send one side down the aisle at a time.

There are ways to make an uneven bridal party less noticeable during the ceremony

There is no need to panic if you have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. You will still have all your loved ones by your side on your big day, and the number of bridesmaids versus groomsmen does not matter.

> The old rules for weddings are out, and weddings should be the way the couples want them to be. -- Jackie Chaban, owner of About Joy Events in San Francisco.

There are several ways to make an uneven bridal party less noticeable during the ceremony. Here are some suggestions:

During the Processional and Recessional

You have a few options for the walk down the aisle. One is to have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids or vice versa, depending on which group has more people. You can also adjust this strategy based on your specific numbers. For example, if there is only a difference of one attendant, you can pair the dog lover in the bigger group with your pup.

If the groups are more unevenly matched, you could have them enter separately, with the groomsmen entering from the side and the bridesmaids walking down the aisle. You could also have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle individually at a quicker pace.

At the Altar

The wedding party members should stand in order of importance, with the best man and maid/matron of honor closest to the couple. If the numbers look too lopsided, you can have just the best man and maid/matron of honor stand beside the couple while the rest of the wedding party takes a seat in the front row.

In Photographs

There are many ways to pose for photographs, and a good photographer can make any photo shine. Instead of the traditional "sides" photo, you could have the wedding party form a semi-circle around the couple. You could also blend them together in couples or groups of three and have them stand on both sides of the couple.

If you want to maintain the tradition of splitting the bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can have them stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even. This shape will conceal the spaces between attendants. For something unique, choose candid, motion-filled pictures, like the group walking towards the photographer, where there is less focus on position.

You can also separate your uneven bridal party by having them pose in rows instead of sides. Have the larger group stand in the back while the smaller group sits in the front, with the couple in the middle, creating a staggered and organic-looking photo.

During the Ceremony

Trick the camera and your guests by using space to your advantage. 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.

You can also mix the bridesmaids and groomsmen up on both sides, especially if the total number of attendants is even, such as seven bridesmaids and three groomsmen. This approach creates symmetry and makes the numbers less noticeable.

If there is a very noticeable difference in the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, you can have them all stand on one side. Mix up the groomsmen and bridesmaids for less contrast, or place the bridesmaids and groomsmen together on the same side of the altar.

If you are getting married in a church, the bridal party may be asked to sit in pews off to the side of the altar, which solves any unevenness during the ceremony. You can also seat them in one of the first two rows, which are usually reserved for family.

There are ways to make an uneven bridal party less noticeable in photos

There is no need to panic if you have an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen does not matter and it is absolutely fine to have an uneven wedding party. Couples may have uneven wedding parties for a multitude of reasons: one partner may have more siblings, they may want to have more than one maid of honour or best man, or simply have a larger circle of close friends.

• The wedding party can form a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides".
• Blend the wedding party together in couples or groups of three and have them stand on both sides of the couple instead of splitting bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Have the wedding party stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even.
• Choose candid, motion-filled pictures, such as the group walking towards the photographer, where there is less focus on position.
• Separate the wedding party by having them pose in rows instead of sides. Have the larger party stand in the back while the smaller party sits in the front, with the couple in the middle.
• Trick the camera by using space to your advantage. Have the side with fewer attendants spread out, creating extra space in between each person, while the side with more attendants stands closer together.
• Have the wedding party mixed on both sides, especially if the total number of attendants is even, such as seven bridesmaids to three groomsmen.
• Have the wedding party stand on the same side of the altar, mixing up the bridesmaids and groomsmen to create less of a contrast.

Remember, a good photographer can make any photo shine and there are countless ways to get creative with photographs.

Frequently asked questions