How to Navigate an Uneven Bridal Party
An uneven bridal party strikes a balance with creative posing! Photo Credit:
Jennifer Kalenberg
What Is an Uneven Bridal Party?
An uneven bridal party is a bridal party in which one partner has more attendants than the other. This causes each “side” of the bridal party to be unbalanced.
There are many reasons why couples end up with an uneven bridal party. This could mean that one person has a larger friend group, more siblings, or simply has more people they wish to include in the bridal party.
While some brides may feel stressed about having an uneven bridal party, it’s actually increasingly normal to have mismatched numbers for bridesmaids, groomsmen, or attendants.
With so many different types of familial structures and social circles, it’s highly unlikely that the couple will each have exactly the same amount of loved ones they wish to give a place of honor on their wedding day.
The Pros & Cons of an Uneven Bridal Party
A bride and groom pose for a special moment. Bet you didn’t notice the uneven bridal party! Photo Credit:
Kari Bjorn Photography
Positives
Less Pressure - When you stick with an uneven bridal party, there’s no need to fill seats for the sake of symmetry. You can simply choose the people on each side who mean the world to you.
Genuine Connections - When you don’t add filler people, only those closest to you will stand by your side on your big day, so the event will have more meaning. Not to mention, your photos will also only include the people you are close to, so you won’t have to crop out people you have loose ties with.
Modern Look - The weddings of today often feature personalized, less traditional approaches. So when you focus on connections rather than symmetry, your wedding will instantly feel more contemporary.
Budget Friendly - You’ll save big money on meals, bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits, and bridesmaid gifts by choosing those that are closest to you rather than trying to make sure each side is equal.
Potential Negatives
Visual Imbalance - An uneven bridal party means worries of unbalanced photos or ceremony lineups.
Family/Guest Expectations - If you stick with an uneven bridal party, relatives and guests may wonder why one side has more people. This could lead to awkward questions during the reception.
Logistical Hurdles - If you don’t ensure the bride and groom sides are “equal” , pairing people for bridal party entrances or introductions may require creative planning to ensure everyone feels comfortable with their role.
Planning Your Wedding With an Uneven Bridal Party
Newlyweds walk to their reception with their bridal party trailing behind. Photo Credit: Jennifer Kalenberg
Ceremony Lineup
If you don’t have even numbers on each side of your wedding party, you’ll need to get creative when planning your processional order.
Instead of pairs, ops for single or group entries. Consider having your attendants enter by themselves or in groups of three as needed.
You can also intermix, or have groomsmen and bridesmaids mixed on each side for balance rather than having each gender separated.
You can also have only your maid of honor and best man stand up at the altar while the others sit in the front row. This still gives them a place of honor but keeps everything balanced for photographs during the ceremony.
Photo Strategies
Take the photos of your dreams by getting creative with group shots. Use staggered or clustered poses rather than side-by-side line-ups. You can also take individual portraits with each member as well as whole group shots where each side is integrated with the other.
For ceremony photos, let each person shine during their processional. This allows your photographer to capture their unique personalities without any distractions.
Speaking of your photographer, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Professional photographers know how to balance out groups visually to ensure your photos come out exactly as you envisioned!
Reception Entrance & Seating
For your reception entrance, use the same techniques as you did for the ceremony to keep things balanced. If your numbers don’t match, have an attendant center the reception alone or create a group of three to achieve a more even look.
To prevent an uneven head table, instead have a sweetheart table for just you and your spouse. Then, your attendants can sit at their own table or with their plus ones. This may actually be more comfortable and intimate for all!
When it comes to introductions, be flexible. Announce individuals and their connection to the happy couple or have them come in in small groups. Or simply skip the formal entrance altogether!
Remember, there’s no rule saying how your reception should go, so do what feels right for you and your bridal party.
Your Guest’s Experience
A couple exchanges vows without a bridal party. Photo Credit: Andres Molina
Ceremony Flow
As you work to achieve balance for your uneven bridal party, keep your guests’ experience and aura of your event at the forefront of your mind.
Create smooth traditions with music or brief pauses so attendants can walk in comfortably, especially if they are flying solo.
Keep the focus on the couple, as it should be for your reception! Remember, guests are primarily looking for a glimpse of the bride and groom, so the difference in numbers for your bridal party is rarely a distraction!
Reception Energy
When it comes to the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, things can get awkward if one side is larger and more connected than the other. To build relationships, plan low-key icebreaker games so no one feels left out.
If you’re arranging a head table, ensure there is enough room for everyone to sit together. You may want to consider allowing spouses or significant others to sit there as well so everyone has someone to talk to.
Tips for Couples Facing Uneven Numbers
A bride and groom say “I Do” as their bridal party looks on. Photo Credit: Bridal Shower 101.
Embrace the Uniqueness
At the end of the day, your wedding is about one thing: your unique love story. Make your wedding personal by choosing elements that speak to your style and preferences. Uneven numbers can just be part of your evan's charm!
Utilize Ushers or “Bridal Crew”
If you’re truly bothered by an uneven bridal party on the altar, let some attendants be “support only” rather than “front of house". Have them help greet guests, coordinate details, and sit in a place of honor amongst the crowd rather than lined up at the altar.
Consider No Formal Bridal Party
With so many unique family structures and personal histories, many couples are opting to skip attendants altogether. This can help prevent negative feelings, especially if the bride or groom has a much smaller inner circle.
If this is the case, focus on each other at the ceremony and involve friends and family in other ways. And, honestly, your loved ones may breathe a sigh of relief because they can enjoy your wedding rather than stress about being part of the bridal party.
Common Questions
Do Guests Notice the Imbalance?
Honestly, guests tend to focus on the ceremony space and the couple, not the balance of the bridal party. They will most likely not notice an uneven bridal party.
Should I Ask People Just to Even Things Out?
It’s better to pick attendants based on genuine relationships rather than out of obligation to match numbers. This could create awkward moments.
What If One Partner Has a Huge Friend Group?
Consider creative alternatives, such as smaller numbers standing at the altar, with the rest seated close by for support. There’s no obligation for every friend to have a place in the bridal party.
Final Thoughts
Prioritize Authentic Relationships
When planning your bridal party, include people who truly matter to you and your relationship. Don’t worry about an even lineup. At the end of the day, there are ways to work around it and no one else will likely even notice!
Including people just to keep the numbers balanced is never a good idea, especially when some members have been chosen for how special they are to you. This could create unpleasant feelings and awkward moments in the end.
Communication Eases Awkwardness
Keep lines of communication open with your future spouse, families, and attendants about your decisions. Be clear as to why you chose who you did to stand beside you, especially if people feel slighted.
Talk openly with each other, your families, and your attendants about your decisions. Make it clear that the choices you made were to fit your unique wedding vision and that they are still an integral part of your special day, regardless of where they sit!
Personalize It
Remember, modern weddings are about celebrating in ways that reflect the couple’s unique style and story. This means your special day may look different than that of your grandparents, parents, or even siblings. And that’s OK!
Whether your bridal party is uneven or perfectly symmetrical, just go with the flow and plan the wedding day of your dreams!