How to Make an Uneven Bridal Party Work

Tradition used to dictate that there be the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding, and while there is beauty in symmetry, it’s not exactly reasonable to expect a couple to have an equal number of close friends or siblings. The trend of having an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen has even become so commonplace that engaged pairs have been known to add people to either side purely for the sake of congruence – not because they actually want that person standing next to them on such an important day. However, more and more sweethearts are choosing not to feel self-conscious about these differences and embracing having an uneven wedding party.

Even after making that choice, though, it isn’t always easy to figure out the logistics. To assist in the organization of the group itself, we’ve complied a list of the ways any bride or groom can make an uneven bridal party work for them:

Tradition used to dictate that there be the same number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding, and while there is beauty in symmetry, it’s not exactly reasonable to expect a couple to have an equal number of close friends or siblings to be in a wedding party. The trend of having an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen once even became so commonplace that engaged pairs have been known to add people to either side purely for the sake of congruence – not because they actually want that person standing next to them on such an important day.

However, more and more sweethearts are choosing not to feel self-conscious about these differences and embracing having an uneven wedding party. Even after making that choice, though, it isn’t always easy to figure out the logistics. To assist in the organization of the group itself, we’ve complied a list of the ways any bride or groom can make an uneven bridal party work for them:

Uneven Wedding Party Tips for the Walk Down the Aisle:

For the ceremony processional – and grand entrance into the reception (if applicable) – there are two main options for an uneven wedding party: Sending wedding-party members single file or in smaller groups, usually three.

- Single file.

Who says anyone needs to be paired up, anyway? Typically, one bridesmaid is paired with one groomsman, and so on. To balance things out for an uneven wedding party, you can instruct your attendants to walk to the altar one by one: either alternating between bridesmaids and groomsmen or a solid block of each gender. If the gentlemen feel awkward walking alone, lessen the space between each person and allow them to walk at a slightly faster pace than the usual “canter” speed.

Walking solo down the aisle might make shyer bridesmaids or groomsmen more nervous, but it’s the easiest way to disguise lopsided numbers. If there’s only a difference of one, however, you can alternate – otherwise, send one side down the aisle or into the reception at a time. Sometimes groomsmen are already standing at the altar with the groom, in which case it’s an easy decision to send bridesmaids down the aisle single file.

- Three’s company.

If numbers permit, a bridesmaid walking with two groomsmen – or a groomsman walking with two bridesmaids – can look incredibly sweet and well-thought-out. Additionally, if an attendant happens to be the parent of your ring bearer or flower girl, they could walk their child down the aisle to help even things out, if you prefer that look. If you’d like the groom’s parents involved, a bridesmaid or groomsman may also fill that role to help with the uneven number. You have quite a few options!

Tips for an Uneven Wedding Party at the Ceremony:

Once at the altar, there is no reason you can’t just have bridesmaids and groomsmen stand on the traditional sides and just let it be uneven. With spacing of bridal-party members, it may not even be noticeable. The attendants can also sit in the front row during the vow exchange, which is typical of Catholic weddings. If you and your beloved share a lot of mutual friends, the bridal party could be mixed together so that there is an even number on each side. Be inspired by these ideas and more, below.

- All together now.

Once they’ve arrived at the end of their journey down the aisle, your bridesmaids and groomsmen will need places to stand. Similar to their walks down the aisle, your attendants can fill the space around you and your beloved in alternating order, surrounding you both with a semi-circle of support and love. What better way to say “I do”?

- Uneven Steven.

If you’d like to stick with the more traditional “girls-on-bride’s-side, boys-on-groom’s-side” lineup, nothing should stop you. Depending on exactly how uneven the sides are, it may not even be entirely noticeable to your guests or in pictures even if you have an uneven wedding party. Even if the numbers are disparaging, all eyes will be on you and your sweetheart exchanging your vows anyway!

Tips for Formal Pictures of Uneven Wedding Parties:

For your formal pictures, it’s obviously not an issue to have an uneven wedding party until you combine both wedding-party members together. Instead of having bridesmaids on one side and groomsmen on the other, interspersing everyone around the couple instead of dividing things by gender (which isn’t applicable to every group anyway) is a better way of reflecting how you all spend time together. Learn more, below:

- Windows.

Do you remember your dance days? You can use the old “windows” strategy – creating two lines and spacing each person, so that each is visible in their own “window” by the camera – for your wedding photos. It’s a classic trick, and there’s a reason it’s still used for uneven wedding parties today: it works.

- Co-ed.

Having an uneven bridal party gives you even more space to let your creative genius loose. Along with the traditional constructions, you can work with your wedding photographer to mix up the group to get fun, innovative pictures of the ladies and gentlemen in the wedding party interacting with one another, as well as with you and your love.

For additional inspiration, view photos of bridesmaids and photos of groomsmen from real weddings in our photo galleries! 

Opening photo by KT Merry Photography; From Real Wedding: A Gorgeous and Elegant Outdoor Florida Wedding