Managing Mismatched Wedding Parties: Tips For Even Numbers

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 rigid rules, and it's now widely accepted to have mismatched bridal parties. Couples may have different numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen for various reasons, such as having more siblings or a larger circle of friends. This article will explore creative solutions for ensuring your wedding party enters and stands symmetrically, as well as tips for taking stunning photographs, so you can feel confident and relaxed on your big day.

Walking down the aisle

If you're worried about an uneven bridal party looking odd when walking down the aisle, there are several options to consider. Firstly, there's no rule that says bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances. You could have each member of the bridal party process alone, or in smaller groups of three. If you have a dog, you could even match up the dog lover in the bigger group with your pup!

If you would prefer to have your bridal party walk in pairs, you could have one bridesmaid walk with two groomsmen, or one groomsman walk with two bridesmaids. Alternatively, you could have two groomsmen escort your flower girl or ring bearer down the aisle.

If you have a large difference in numbers, you could have the groomsmen enter from the side and the bridesmaids walk down the aisle separately. Or, if the groomsmen are already standing at the altar with the groom, you could send the bridesmaids down the aisle one by one.

Remember, it's your wedding, so get creative and do what works for you!

Standing at the altar

If you're worried about how an uneven wedding party will look during the ceremony, don't be. Chances are, guests will be too busy focusing on you and your future spouse to notice the number of attendants. If, however, you're determined to make things look entirely even, you have a few options.

Firstly, you can simply have the best man and maid of honour stand beside you, while the rest of the wedding party takes a seat in the front row. Alternatively, you can mix bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, arranging them so that the unbalanced number isn't noticeable.

If you'd like to stick with the traditional "girls-on-bride's-side, boys-on-groom's-side" lineup, depending on how uneven the sides are, it may not be noticeable to your guests or in pictures. However, if you want to disguise the lopsided numbers, you can intersperse the bridesmaids and groomsmen, spacing them out so that it doesn't look like "sides" but rather a mixed group.

If you have a large difference in numbers, you could have the groomsmen enter from the side and the bridesmaids walk down the aisle, or vice versa.

Posing for photos

If you're worried about how an uneven bridal party will look in photos, there are several ways to ensure your pictures turn out beautifully.

Firstly, remember that your wedding photographer is a professional and will know how to capture stunning images of your entire group. Trust them to arrange everyone to create a balanced, cohesive aesthetic.

If you want some specific ideas to suggest to your photographer, here are some options:

• Form a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides".
• Blend the bridal party in couples or groups of three and have them stand on both sides of the couple.
• If you want to uphold the tradition of splitting the bridesmaids and groomsmen, 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 everyone is mixed up and there's less focus on position.
• Separate your bridal party by having them pose in rows instead of sides. Have the larger group stand in the back while the smaller group sits on chairs in the front, with the couple in the middle, for a more staggered and organic-looking photo.
• Intersperse everyone around the couple instead of dividing them by gender.
• Use the old ""windows" strategy—creating two lines and spacing each person so that each is visible in their own "window" by the camera.
• Mix up the group to get fun, innovative pictures of the ladies and gentlemen interacting with one another, as well as with the couple.

Seating arrangements

During the Processional

If you're concerned about the aesthetics of an uneven bridal party during the processional, there are a few options to consider. One idea is to pair each bridesmaid with two groomsmen, or vice versa, depending on which group has more people. Alternatively, you could have each member of the bridal party walk down the aisle alone, or have all the groomsmen start at the altar, so only the bridesmaids walk down the aisle. If the groups are more evenly matched, you can send them down the aisle in alternating pairs or small groups of three.

At the Altar

When it comes to where the bridal party stands during the ceremony, there are a few options to create a balanced look. One suggestion is to mix the bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle, arranging them so that the uneven numbers are less noticeable. You could also have the best man and maid of honour stand with the couple, while the rest of the bridal party takes a seat in the front row. Alternatively, stick with the traditional "girls-on-bride's-side, boys-on-groom's-side" arrangement. Depending on the difference in numbers, it might not be very noticeable, especially since all eyes will be on the happy couple!

For Photographs

When it comes to photographs, your photographer will be able to arrange the bridal party in a way that creates a balanced and cohesive aesthetic. Consider forming a semi-circle around the couple instead of the traditional "sides" arrangement. You could also blend the bridal party in couples or groups of three, with members standing on both sides of the couple. If you want to keep the bridesmaids and groomsmen separate in photos, try a V-shape formation, spaced so that each group appears even. For something unique, opt for candid, in-motion shots, where everyone is mixed up and there's less focus on position. Another idea is to separate the groups by having the larger party stand in the back, while the smaller party sits on chairs in the front, with the couple in the middle, creating a staggered and organic look.

Head table ideas

Even with an even wedding party, deciding who sits at the head table can be tricky. Some couples opt for a sweetheart table, while others include their wedding party and their plus-ones. The general rule is that the couple sits next to each other, with the maid of honour and best man on each side. The rest of the wedding party can then be placed accordingly, and as the table faces out, it doesn't matter if the numbers are uneven.

If you have a large wedding party, you may want to seat them at multiple tables rather than one large head table. Alternatively, you can scatter them at different tables based on their relationships with the other guests. If you want to stick to tradition, you can have the wedding party seated with you at the head table and have the rest of your friends and family fill the first couple of rows.

If you want to avoid the head table altogether, you can have a sweetheart table and ask your wedding party to host and greet guests at the cocktail hour.

Frequently asked questions