Imbalanced Wedding Party: More Bridesmaids, Fewer Groomsmen

Having an uneven number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is a common concern for couples planning their wedding. While tradition dictates symmetry, modern weddings are subverting these expectations, and it's now widely accepted that wedding parties don't need to be even. Couples may have uneven wedding parties for various reasons, such as having more siblings or a larger circle of friends. There are several ways to manage an uneven bridal party, from having each member walk down the aisle individually to pairing one bridesmaid with two groomsmen or vice versa. Ultimately, the most important thing is to have your closest loved ones by your side on your special day.

Don't worry about it—it's common and not a big deal

Don't worry—it's common and not a big deal.

It's becoming more and more common for couples to have uneven wedding parties, and it's not something you should feel bad about. Modern weddings are subverting traditional expectations, and with that comes a departure from rigid rules like choosing wedding party members just for symmetry's sake.

There are many reasons why your wedding party might be uneven. You might have more siblings or a larger circle of friends than your partner, or different expectations from friends and family. You might also want to include more than one maid of honour or best man, or have a wedding party made up of people of different genders.

If you're worried about how an uneven wedding party will look, there are a few things you can do. For the walk down the aisle, you could have each member of the bridal party process alone, or have two bridesmaids paired with one groomsman, or vice versa. You could also have the groomsmen start out the ceremony at the altar, so the bridesmaids are the only ones to walk down the aisle.

During the ceremony, the wedding party will stand on the side of the person they are closest to. Don't worry too much about how your uneven wedding party will look standing at the altar—chances are, guests will be too focused on you and your partner to notice the numbers. If you're concerned about how it will look in photos, a good photographer will be able to pose you all aesthetically and help balance any uneven numbers. They might choose to take photos of you walking as a group, staggered on a staircase, or in other non-linear formats where the uneven numbers aren't noticeable.

Have each bridesmaid walk with two groomsmen (or vice versa)

Having an uneven bridal party is becoming more and more common, and there are many ways to make it work. If you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, one option is to have each bridesmaid walk with two groomsmen, or vice versa. This can look incredibly sweet and well-thought-out, and is a great way to balance out the numbers.

If you are worried about the processional, there are a few different options to consider. You could have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone, or you could have the groomsmen already waiting at the altar with the groom, so that only the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. You could also have the bridal party walk in smaller groups, usually in threes, or in a single file. If you are concerned about the bridal party looking lopsided during the ceremony, you could have them sit in the front row during the vows, or have them stand in a semi-circle around you, mixing groomsmen and bridesmaids on both sides.

For the reception entrance, you could have each person walk in on their own and be announced individually, or the unpaired person could walk in on their own or with another couple. You could also have the entire wedding party walk in without pairs, so the difference in numbers is less obvious.

When it comes to photos, a good photographer will be able to help you pose in a way that balances out the group. You could have the wedding party form a semi-circle around you, or blend them together in couples or groups of three, with people standing on both sides of the couple. You could also have the bridal party stand in a V-shape, spaced so that each group appears even, or choose candid, motion-capture photos where everyone is mixed up and there is less focus on position.

Have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone

Having an uneven bridal party is not uncommon and there are many ways to make it work. If you want each member of the bridal party to walk down the aisle alone, here are some tips to consider:

Walking Down the Aisle

One of the main concerns for brides and grooms with uneven bridal parties is the processional. However, there is no rule that says bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances. Having each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone is a perfectly valid option. To ensure this looks intentional and not like an afterthought, consider having them walk at a slightly faster pace than usual. This option can also be combined with having some of the groomsmen already waiting at the altar with the groom, which is common practice.

During the Ceremony

During the ceremony, the wedding party will typically stand on the side of the person they are closest to. If you are concerned about how an uneven bridal party will look, you can consider having some of the bridal party sit in the front row during the vow exchange, which is typical for Catholic weddings. Alternatively, if you and your partner share a lot of mutual friends, you can mix up the bridal party so that there is an even number on each side.

Photographs

For formal pictures, you can intersperse the bridal party around the couple instead of dividing them by gender. You can also use the old "windows" strategy from dance days, creating two lines and spacing each person so that they are all visible in their own "window". Having an uneven bridal party also gives you more space to be creative with your wedding photographs.

Have the groomsmen already at the altar when the bridesmaids walk down the aisle

Having an uneven bridal party is very common and there are many ways to handle the walk down the aisle gracefully. If you choose to have the groomsmen already at the altar when the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, you can instruct them to stand on the traditional sides and let the uneven numbers be. With some clever spacing, it might not even be noticeable.

If you want to disguise the uneven numbers, you can have the groomsmen enter the ceremony together and be standing at the altar when the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. This way, the bridesmaids will be the only ones walking down the aisle. You could also have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone, or in smaller groups, usually in threes. If there is only a difference of one, you could have one bridesmaid walk with two groomsmen, or vice versa.

If you want to stick to tradition and have the groomsmen walk down the aisle, you could have one bridesmaid walk with two groomsmen, or have the dog lover in the bigger group walk with your pup. If the numbers are more uneven, you could have the groomsmen enter from the side and the bridesmaids walk down the aisle.

For the ceremony itself, you could have the best man and maid of honour stand beside you while the rest of the bridal party takes a seat in the front row. Alternatively, you could have the wedding party fill the space around you in a semi-circle, or stick with the traditional lineup of "girls-on-bride's-side, boys-on-groom's-side".

Have the wedding party sit in the front row during the ceremony

Having an uneven wedding party is becoming more and more common, so don't worry if you have more bridesmaids than groomsmen or vice versa. Here are some tips for having the wedding party sit in the front row during the ceremony:

During the Processional

If you're concerned about the processional, there are a few options to consider. One option is to have each groomsman walk with two bridesmaids or vice versa, depending on the numbers. If there is only a difference of one, the unpaired person can walk down the aisle on their own or with an usher. Another option is to have all the groomsmen start at the altar, so only the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. You could also have each member of the wedding party walk down the aisle individually, or in smaller groups, usually in threes.

During the Ceremony

Once at the altar, the wedding party can sit in the front row during the ceremony, which is typical of Catholic weddings. If you have a large wedding party, you may want to consider seating them in the first two rows, which are usually reserved for family. This way, they won't be as secluded if they sit further back. Alternatively, you can stick with tradition and have them stand with you during the ceremony. They can stand in a semi-circle around you, or on their traditional sides, with the best man and maid/matron of honour closest to the couple. If it's a very uneven wedding party, you may want to just have the best man and maid/matron of honour stand with you, while the rest of the wedding party takes a seat.

During the Recessional

For the recessional, you have a few options. You can send the wedding party out single file, alternating between bridesmaids and groomsmen, or send them out in smaller groups. If there is only a small difference in numbers, you can alternate, or send one side out at a time.

For Wedding Photos

For your wedding photos, you can intersperse the wedding party around the couple instead of dividing them by gender. You can also use the old "windows" strategy, creating two lines and spacing each person so that each is visible in their own "window" by the camera.

Frequently asked questions