Rhiannon Hendricks
Deciding on the number of bridesmaids for your wedding can be a tricky task. While some brides opt for symmetry and prefer an even number of bridesmaids, others choose to forgo this tradition and have an odd number of bridesmaids by their side. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and there is no correct number. Brides are encouraged to choose their bridal party based on those they feel closest to, rather than for the sake of symmetry. If you're worried about how an uneven bridal party will look in photos, there are several options for posing and pairing your bridesmaids and groomsmen to create a balanced look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of bridesmaids | There is no correct number of bridesmaids. It is up to the bride to decide. |
| Odd vs Even | Odd or even numbers of bridesmaids are both acceptable. |
| Symmetry | Some people prefer even numbers for symmetry in photos. |
| Aesthetics | An odd number of bridesmaids is more appealing to the eye than an even number. |
What You'll Learn
It's your wedding, your choice
The number of bridesmaids you have is entirely up to you. It's your day, and you can have as few or as many bridesmaids as you want by your side. There is no "correct" number of people in your bridal party. It's not a numbers game, and there's no hard-and-fast rule you should abide by when it comes to how many people you want to be part of your bridal party.
If you're worried about how your group photos will look with an uneven bridal party, ask the photographer to stage different setups and poses so it's not just a straight line of people standing beside one another. You can also have everyone walk down the aisle single file so that it's not as obvious that the number is uneven.
If you're concerned about any awkwardness appearing in your ceremony photos, you can arrange seats in the front row for bridesmaids and groomsmen to sit in after walking down the aisle. You can also have the bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on one side together during the ceremony. This is a more modern take that works best for non-traditional wedding ceremonies.
If you're still struggling to decide, think about all the people in your life that you would consider to be a part of your wedding party. Your closest childhood friends, best friends from school, siblings, cousins, and other family members are all great candidates. Remember that your bridesmaids are your support system throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day, so only consider including people that you know you can rely on and that would be a good addition to the group.
At the end of the day, what's most important is having those who you feel closest to by your side.
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There is no 'correct' number of bridesmaids
There is no correct number of bridesmaids. The number of bridesmaids you choose is entirely up to you. It is your day, and you can have as many or as few bridesmaids as you want.
It is not a numbers game, and there is no hard-and-fast rule about the number of people you should have in your bridal party. The most important thing is to have those you love by your side. The number of bridal party members in a ceremony often depends on the size of the wedding. Typically, three to five is the range most people fall into, but there is no need to feel restricted by this.
If you are concerned about the symmetry of your wedding photos, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, ask your photographer to stage different setups and poses so that it's not just a straight line of people standing beside one another. Secondly, you can arrange the processional to accommodate your bridesmaids and groomsmen. For example, if you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, you can have each groomsman walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid on either arm. Alternatively, you can have everyone walk down the aisle single file so that it's not obvious that the number is uneven.
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Bridesmaids are not props
When choosing your bridesmaids, you should not feel pressured to include someone just to even out the numbers or because you were a bridesmaid at their wedding. Your bridal party is made up of the people you want to be first in line to see you get married, and who you want to be able to depend on, laugh with, and cry with throughout the wedding process. If you have one "ride-or-die" friend, then you only need one bridesmaid!
If you are concerned about how your group photos will look with an uneven bridal party, ask the photographer to stage different setups and poses so that it's not just a straight line of people standing next to each other. There are plenty of ways to accommodate an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen in the processional. For example, if you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, each groomsman can walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid on either arm. If you have one extra bridesmaid, you can have pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together and have the best man walk down with a bridesmaid on both arms.
Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you can have as many or as few bridesmaids as you want. Don't worry about what other people are doing or how your photos will look. Choose the people who you truly want to stand by your side as you get married.
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Photographers can work around uneven numbers
If you would still prefer the traditional format, there are a few ways to pose the wedding party to make the uneven numbers less obvious. One option is to mix and match the bridesmaids and groomsmen on each side of the altar until there's only one extra person on one side. For example, if you have 13 people in your wedding party, you can have seven stand on the right and six on the left. Alternatively, you can have the wedding party stand on one side together, which works particularly well for non-traditional ceremonies.
There are also ways to arrange the processional to accommodate an uneven number of attendants. If you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, you can have each groomsman walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid on either arm. If you have one extra bridesmaid, you can have pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together and have the final groomsman walk with a bridesmaid on both arms. If you have more groomsmen than bridesmaids, you can have the groomsmen already standing with the groom at the altar, so you won't need to worry about pairing them with the bridesmaids. The bridesmaids can walk down the aisle one by one, or in pairs.
Remember, there is no "correct" number of bridesmaids or groomsmen, and you should choose the people you feel closest to. Your photographer will be able to work with the numbers you have and ensure your photos look great.
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There are ways to even out the wedding party
There is no rule that says you must have an even number of bridesmaids, and uneven bridal parties are quite common. However, if you are concerned about the aesthetics of an uneven bridal party, there are a few things you can do to even out the wedding party:
Firstly, you can add more bridesmaids or groomsmen to balance out the numbers. Consider including your closest friends, family members, or even colleagues. Remember that your bridal party is your support system, so only include people you can rely on. If you are unable to think of anyone else to include, you could consider removing someone from their duties. For example, if you are not particularly close with one of your bridesmaids, you could still invite them to events such as the bachelorette party and ask them to give a toast or a reading at the rehearsal dinner instead.
Secondly, you can arrange the processional to accommodate an uneven number of attendants. If you have more groomsmen than bridesmaids, they can take their place by the groom before the processional starts, and the bridesmaids can walk down the aisle one by one. Alternatively, if you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, you can have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids, or have the maid of honour walk down the aisle by herself.
Thirdly, when it comes to photos, your photographer will be able to help you pose aesthetically and balance any uneven numbers. You can also get creative with the seating arrangements; for example, you could have the entire wedding party seated in the front row, or have the bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on one side together.
Remember, the most important thing is to have those you feel closest to by your side on your big day, regardless of whether the numbers are even or odd.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary to have an even number of bridesmaids. You can have as many bridesmaids as you want, and there is no rule that dictates the number should be even.
If you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, you can have each groomsman walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid on either arm. Alternatively, you can have pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen walk together and have the final groomsman walk with two bridesmaids.
If you have fewer bridesmaids than groomsmen, you can have the groomsmen take their place by the groom before the processional starts, and the bridesmaids can walk down the aisle one by one.
If you are concerned about symmetry in your photos, you can ask your photographer to stage different setups and poses so that it's not just a straight line of people standing beside one another.
If you have OCD or simply prefer even numbers, you can try to even out the number of people in your wedding party by adding or removing bridesmaids or groomsmen as needed. However, remember that the most important thing is to choose the people you feel closest to, regardless of the final number.
