Balancing The Wedding Party: Equal Bridesmaids And Groomsmen?

It's your wedding day, and you want everything to be perfect. But what if your dream of having six bridesmaids by your side doesn't match your partner's vision of only having three groomsmen? Should you have equal numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen, or is it okay to have an uneven wedding party?

It's your wedding, so don't feel pressured to match numbers

It's your wedding, so don't feel pressured to match the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. It's as simple as that! This is your special day, and you should be surrounded by the people you feel closest to, regardless of whether the numbers are even.

The idea that you should have to ask people to be in your wedding party just for symmetry's sake is outdated and unnecessary. Modern weddings are all about subverting traditional expectations, and that includes doing away with rigid rules. So, if you have a lot of siblings, want more than one maid of honour, or simply have a larger circle of close friends, don't feel bad about having an uneven bridal party. It's a common occurrence and easily managed with a bit of planning.

If you're worried about how an uneven bridal party will look, there are plenty of options to create balance. For the processional, you can have each bridesmaid and groomsman walk down the aisle on their own, or you can pair them up, with two bridesmaids walking with one groomsman, or vice versa. If you have a small ceremony space, you can even have the wedding party sit in the front rows, so they're by your side during the ceremony. For photos, your photographer will be able to arrange everyone to create a balanced and cohesive aesthetic. They can form a semi-circle around you, blend together in couples or groups, or pose in staggered, non-linear formats where the uneven numbers are less noticeable.

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love and surrounding yourself with the people who matter most to you. So, don't stress about matching numbers and focus on enjoying your big day with the people you want by your side.

There are creative ways to manage an uneven wedding party

There is no need to worry about having an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at your wedding. The most important thing is to have the people you feel closest to by your side on your big day. Here are some creative ways to manage an uneven wedding party:

Processional and Recessional

For the processional and recessional, you have a few options. One option is to have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids or vice versa, depending on which group is larger. You can adjust this ratio depending on your specific numbers. If there is only a difference of one attendant, you can pair the dog lover in the bigger group with your pup. For a more uneven match, the groups can enter separately, with the smaller group entering from the side and the larger group walking down the aisle. You can also have each member of the wedding party walk down the aisle individually at a quicker pace.

Altar

As always, the wedding party should stand in order of importance, with the best man and maid/matron of honour closest to the couple. If the numbers are too lopsided, you can have only the best man and maid/matron of honour stand beside the couple while the rest of the wedding party takes a seat in the front row.

Photographs

There are many ways to pose for photographs to conceal any unevenness in the bridal party. The wedding party can form a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides" formation. You can also blend the groups 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. For a unique option, choose candid pictures in motion, such as the group walking towards the photographer, where the focus is not on the position of the wedding party. Another option is to separate the groups by having them pose in rows instead of sides, with the larger group standing in the back and the smaller group sitting in the front, creating a staggered and organic look.

Spacing

You can trick the camera and your guests 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. This will make each side appear to be a similar length. You can also mix the bridesmaids and groomsmen up on both sides to create a symmetrical look.

Seating

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 have them sit in one of the first two rows, which are normally reserved for family, so they are not as secluded.

It's common for couples to have uneven wedding parties

Today's couples are increasingly incorporating wedding party members of different genders, or choosing to forgo a wedding party altogether. As Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute, says, "The idea of having to ask people you wouldn't just for the sake of being even means you're putting numbers and symmetry above people."

There are also a number of ways to get creative with the ceremony processional and recessional, photographs, and other aspects of the celebration. For example, if you have more groomsmen than bridesmaids, they can escort single relatives or the mother of the bride during the processional. If the difference is only one attendant, the dog lover in the bigger group could walk down the aisle with your pup.

If the party is something like 10 bridesmaids and two groomsmen, the groups can enter separately, with the groomsmen entering from the side and the bridesmaids walking down the aisle. Each bridal party member can also walk down the aisle individually, at a quicker pace.

For photographs, the wedding party can form a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides" setup. They can also be blended together in couples or groups of three and stand on both sides of the couple, or stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even.

You can colour-coordinate bridesmaids and groomsmen

It's your wedding, and you want your bridal party to look their best and feel amazing. Colour-coordinating your bridesmaids and groomsmen is a fun part of the wedding planning process and a great way to reflect your style as a couple. Here are some tips to help you pull off a cohesive and well-coordinated bridal party:

Pick a Colour Scheme

First, choose your wedding colours and overall theme. These colours will be used throughout your big day, from decorations to outfits, so it's important to spend time on this decision. You're not limited to just two or three colours; it's common to have primary colours and secondary "accent" colours, giving you endless possibilities. We recommend choosing around 3-5 colours for your wedding palette, ensuring you and your partner love them all.

Solidify Your Primary Colours

Once you've chosen your palette, decide on 1-2 primary colours. These are the colours that will be seen the most during your ceremony and will be used for your bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's accessories. Consider what these colours will look like as a suit or dress, and don't be afraid to get creative. While black, navy blue, and grey are popular choices for groomsmen, other unique options include cream, white, red, and beige.

Match the Primary Colours

Use your primary colours to bring everything together. You can use your primary colour for the bridesmaid dresses and the groomsmen's accessories, such as ties, pocket squares, and even socks. This will create a cohesive look and shape the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Mix and Match

You don't have to stick to just one shade of your primary colour. Feel free to mix and match different shades to create a unique and stylish look for your bridal party. This is an excellent way to incorporate your primary wedding colours and make your bridesmaids feel extra special.

Choose a Common Element

If you want a more effortless look, choose one element, such as colour, pattern, or print, that remains the same for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen. For example, the bridesmaids' dress colour could match the groomsmen's ties or vice versa. This creates a consistent look without being overly matched.

Order Fabric Swatches

Ordering fabric swatches is a perfect way to compare colours and fabrics and make coordinating stress-free. Be sure to order swatches in different fabrics, as colours may appear different across various materials. Fabric swatches are also great for your vendors to colour match, such as your florist or decorator.

Remember, there's no need to stress about having an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. The most important thing is to have the people you love by your side on your special day. Feel free to get creative with the processional, recessional, photographs, and other aspects of the celebration to showcase your bridal party in the best light.

Ultimately, it's about having your closest people by your side

When it comes to your wedding, it's essential to have your closest people by your side. The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is not as important as ensuring that those who matter most to you are included in your celebration.

There is no need to feel pressured to have equal numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen. It is your wedding, and you can choose to include those you feel closest to, regardless of the symmetry. Modern weddings are all about subverting traditional expectations, and this includes moving away from rigid rules like choosing wedding party members solely for the sake of even numbers.

If you are concerned about how an uneven bridal party may look, rest assured that there are creative solutions for the processional, ceremony, and photographs. For the processional, you can have each bridesmaid and groomsman walk down the aisle individually or in pairs, with two bridesmaids or groomsmen walking together. If you have a larger group of groomsmen, they can escort single relatives or the mother of the bride. For the ceremony, the wedding party can be mixed on both sides of the aisle, or you can choose to have only the best man and maid of honour stand with you while the rest of the bridal party sits in the front row.

When it comes to photographs, your photographer will be able to arrange everyone to create a balanced and cohesive aesthetic. They may suggest forming a semi-circle around the couple, blending the bridal party in couples or groups, or having them stand on both sides of the couple instead of the traditional sides format. You can also opt for candid, in-motion photos, where the focus is less on the position of the bridal party.

Remember, the most important thing is to have your closest people by your side on your wedding day, and a little creativity can ensure that everything looks perfect.

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