Groomsman Galore: Creative Ways To Involve Your Bros

Having more groomsmen than bridesmaids at a wedding is not uncommon, and there are several ways to navigate this situation. Firstly, it is important to remember that the wedding party should consist of those closest to the couple, and symmetry is not the top priority. Couples can choose to have the wedding party walk down the aisle individually or in smaller groups, with no fixed pairing of bridesmaids and groomsmen. During the ceremony, the wedding party can stand on traditional sides, allowing for some spacing to disguise any unevenness. Alternatively, they can be mixed together, seated, or arranged in a semi-circle around the couple. For photographs, the wedding party can be posed in a semi-circle, staggered rows, or blended in couples or groups to create a balanced and cohesive look. These suggestions can help ensure that the couple is surrounded by their loved ones on their special day, regardless of the numbers.

Help plan the bachelor party

Planning a bachelor party can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some detailed instructions to help plan an unforgettable bachelor party:

Understand the Basics:

Before you start planning, it's important to understand the purpose of a bachelor party. It's an opportunity for the groom to spend quality time with his closest friends before his wedding. The party can be a single day or a weekend-long event, and it can take various forms, from a relaxed evening at a local bar to a trip to a new city or even a tropical destination.

Talk to the Groom:

The key to planning a successful bachelor party is to involve the groom in the process. Discuss his dos and don'ts, and get his input on the timing, location, and type of activities he would enjoy. This will ensure that the party is tailored to his interests and preferences. It's also important to respect his wishes—a nonstop weekend of bar-hopping, for example, might not be his idea of fun.

Finalize the Guest List:

Work with the groom to decide on the guest list. Traditionally, the best man and groomsmen are invited, but the groom may also want to include other close friends. It's important to get a headcount early on, as it will impact the planning process, especially when booking accommodations and activities.

Discuss the Budget:

Money can be a sensitive topic, so it's essential to have an open conversation about the budget with all the guests. Send out a Google form or conduct an informal group text to gauge everyone's budget and their willingness to spend on travel, accommodations, and activities. Don't forget to factor in the groom's expenses, as it's customary for the group to cover some or all of his costs.

Choose a Theme or Party Style:

Decide on a theme or style for the party. This could be an adventure-packed weekend trip, a night of bar-hopping, a sporting event, or a fancy dinner. Get input from the group and try to choose an option that aligns with the groom's interests and the budget of the guests.

Pick a Date and Location:

Based on the groom's preferences and the group's interests, select a date and location for the party. Popular bachelor party destinations include Miami, Las Vegas, Austin, Chicago, and Scottsdale. Consider the activities the group wants to do and choose a location that offers those options, as well as other attractions like restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Book Travel and Accommodations:

With the guest list and party style in mind, start booking travel and accommodations, such as flights and rental homes or hotel rooms. Get confirmation from everyone in the group before booking to avoid any last-minute surprises or additional costs.

Finalize Activities:

Once you have a time and place, finalize any remaining reservations, such as group dinners, golf outings, comedy shows, or brewery tours. Remember to include some downtime in the schedule to allow guests to relax and recharge.

Confirm Attendees and Share the Itinerary:

A few weeks before the party, check in with the group to get a final headcount and share the itinerary. Provide a timeline of activities, including important details such as hotel information, arrival times, and contact information for the guests. This will help everyone stay organized, especially if it's a multi-day event.

Pack and Travel:

Start packing a few days before the party, and don't forget to bring any decorations or party favours. If you're the host, plan to arrive at the destination earlier than the rest of the group to handle any last-minute setup or preparations.

Regroup and Say Thanks:

After the party, send a quick thank-you note to the group, expressing your appreciation for their time and participation, especially if travel was involved. This is also a good time to follow up on any outstanding expenses or payments.

Remember, the most important aspect of planning a bachelor party is to keep the groom's interests at the forefront and ensure he has a memorable time celebrating with his closest friends.

Attend pre-wedding events

If you're worried about having an uneven bridal party, there are a few things you can do to make sure everyone is included in the pre-wedding events. Here are some suggestions:

• Include the groomsmen and bridesmaids in the pre-wedding events, such as the bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner. This will give everyone a chance to meet and mingle before the wedding.
• If the groomsmen outnumber the bridesmaids, you can pair up each bridesmaid with two groomsmen for the processional and recessional. This will create a balanced look and ensure that everyone has a partner to walk with.
• Alternatively, you can have each member of the bridal party process alone, or have all the groomsmen start out the ceremony at the altar while the bridesmaids walk down the aisle.
• If you want a more relaxed approach, you can mix and match bridesmaids and groomsmen during the processional and recessional. This will create a fun and informal atmosphere and take the pressure off matching numbers.
• For the ceremony itself, you can have the best man and maid/matron of honor stand with the couple, while the rest of the bridal party takes a seat in the front row. This will ensure that everyone is included and involved, without creating a lopsided look.
• When it comes to photos, don't worry too much about the uneven numbers. Your photographer will be able to pose and arrange everyone to create a balanced and cohesive look. You can also try candid, in-motion photos or stagger the bridal party on a staircase to make the uneven numbers less noticeable.
• For the reception entrance, each person can walk in on their own or the unpaired person can tag along as a third to another couple. You can also include non-wedding party members in your entrance or have the bridal party enter together in a group.

Book travel and hotel

If you're worried about having more groomsmen than bridesmaids, don't panic! It's becoming increasingly common for couples to have uneven bridal parties, and there are plenty of ways to manage the logistics of travel and accommodation for your wedding party. Here are some instructive tips to help you book travel and hotel arrangements for an uneven bridal party:

Booking Travel

When booking travel for your bridal party, consider the following:

• Numbers aren't a big deal: First and foremost, remember that having an uneven bridal party is not odd or unusual. Modern weddings are all about subverting traditional expectations, so don't feel pressured to have the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Embrace the uniqueness of your wedding party!
• Discuss travel plans early: Since you'll know about the uneven numbers well in advance, communicate your travel plans to your bridal party early on. This will give everyone enough time to make the necessary arrangements, especially if they're travelling from far away.
• Consider group bookings: Look into group booking options for flights and accommodation. Sometimes, travel agencies or hotels offer discounts for larger groups, which can help you save money.
• Encourage carpooling: If your wedding venue is within driving distance, encourage your bridal party to carpool. This can save costs and also ensure that everyone arrives together, making logistics easier to manage.
• Be mindful of budgets: Keep in mind that being part of a wedding party can be financially demanding. If some members of your bridal party are travelling from far away or have tighter budgets, be mindful of their expenses. You can offer to cover certain costs or provide suggestions for more affordable travel options.

Booking Hotel Accommodations

Now, let's move on to booking hotel accommodations for your uneven bridal party:

• Book a block of rooms: Contact hotels near your wedding venue and ask about booking a block of rooms for your bridal party. Many hotels offer group rates when you reserve a block of rooms, which can save money for your bridal party.
• Consider a variety of options: When booking accommodations, try to offer a range of options to cater to different budgets. Provide suggestions for hotels, Airbnbs, or even hostels to ensure that everyone can find something within their price range.
• Share accommodation suggestions: Create a document or webpage with accommodation suggestions for your bridal party. Include a variety of options, from budget-friendly to more luxurious choices. You can also recommend that your bridal party share rooms to cut costs and spend more time together.
• Be mindful of rooming preferences: Keep in mind that your bridal party may have different rooming preferences. Some may be comfortable sharing rooms, while others may prefer private accommodations. Try to accommodate these preferences as much as possible to ensure everyone's comfort and privacy.
• Book early: Encourage your bridal party to book their accommodations as early as possible. This will help ensure that everyone can secure their preferred lodging options and avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Provide clear instructions: Share detailed instructions and booking information with your bridal party. Let them know the check-in and check-out dates, any group codes or discounts, and any other relevant details.
• Consider a group chat: Create a group chat with your bridal party to facilitate communication about travel and hotel arrangements. This can be a space to share updates, ask questions, and coordinate rides or room sharing.

Remember, the most important thing is to have the people you feel closest to by your side on your wedding day. Don't stress too much about the numbers, and instead focus on creating a memorable experience for you and your beloved bridal party!

Pick up attire on time

Picking up your wedding attire on time is a crucial step in ensuring your big day goes smoothly. Here are some tips to make sure everything runs according to plan:

• Set a Timeline: Ideally, you should start shopping for your wedding attire about a year before the wedding. This is especially important if you want to customise your outfit or if it needs to be made to your measurements. Give yourself enough time for production, shipping, and any necessary alterations.
• Research and Book Appointments: Research different options for attire, whether it's buying off-the-rack, ordering made-to-measure, or renting. Book appointments with bridal salons or suit retailers well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly.
• Budget and Payment: Discuss the budget for your wedding attire and be prepared to put down a deposit when you find "the one." The deposit typically ranges from 50% of the price, with the remaining balance due when you pick up your attire.
• Fittings and Alterations: Schedule your first alterations fitting as soon as your attire arrives. You'll usually have up to three fittings to ensure your outfit fits perfectly. The first fitting is for heavy alterations, while the second and third fittings are for smaller tweaks.
• Final Pick-up and Checks: Schedule your final alterations fitting about one to three weeks before the wedding. Bring along your wedding shoes and accessories to ensure everything works together. Before you leave the salon with your attire, check for any snags, discolourations, or other damage.
• Storage and Transport: Keep your wedding attire in a breathable, opaque garment bag, preferably stored in a spare closet or with a friend or family member until the big day. If you're travelling for your wedding, carry your attire onboard with you rather than checking it in.

Remember, it's never too early to start planning and booking appointments for your wedding attire. Giving yourself ample time will help reduce stress and ensure a smooth process leading up to your special day.

Answer guests' questions

It's completely fine to have an uneven number of groomsmen and bridesmaids. It's increasingly common for weddings to break with tradition and subvert expectations. The most important thing is that you have the people you feel closest to by your side on your big day.

If you're worried about how an uneven wedding party will look during the ceremony, there are a few things you can do. You could have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone, or have all the groomsmen start the ceremony at the altar, with the bridesmaids walking down the aisle. You could also match one bridesmaid with two groomsmen, or vice versa. Alternatively, you could have the groomsmen enter with the groom from the side, and the bridesmaids enter separately down the aisle.

If you want things to look symmetrical in pictures, you can have a few of the groomsmen stand on the bride's side. You could also mix up the bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, or have them stand in a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides". If you want to uphold the tradition of splitting the bridesmaids and groomsmen in photos, have them stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even.

For the reception entrance, each person can walk in on their own and be announced individually, or the unpaired person can walk in on their own or with another couple.

Frequently asked questions