How to Make an Uneven Bridal Party Work

More guys than gals? Three maids of honor and no best man? You can make it work!

Just as the trend of mismatched bridesmaid dresses has become the norm, it's also no longer expected that the number of bridesmaids will match the number of groomsmen.

bride-and-groom-with-bridal-party-on-a-beach-in-naples-fl
Photo: KT Merry Photography

Some brides consider it their worst nightmare: finding themselves with more bridesmaids than groomsmen – or vice versa – which is why movies with plots like I Love You Man were made. In modern-day weddings, there is a good amount of emphasis placed on the idea of aesthetic coordination – especially when it comes to the bridal party as a whole. But the truth of the matter is, having a one-to-one match for each member of the wedding party isn’t feasible for some couples.

The trend of having an even number of bridesmaids and groomsmen has 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.

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:

Tips for an Uneven Wedding Party's Stroll Down the Aisle:

- 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.

- Three’s company.

If numbers permit, a bridesmaid walking with two groomsmen – or vice versa – 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. 

Tips for an Uneven Wedding Party at the Ceremony:

- All together now.

Once they’ve arrived at the end of their journey, 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 the numbers are disparaging, all eyes will be on you and your sweetheart exchanging your vows anyway!

Uneven Wedding Party Tips for Formal Pictures:

- 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 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 photographer to mix up the group to get fun, innovative pictures of the ladies and gentlemen 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