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The Wedding Party can Consist of the Number of Groomsmen and Bridesmaids the Couple Wants


Although it seems there are many unwritten rules surrounding weddings, ultimately the day belongs to the couple. Regarding the number of acceptable bridesmaids and groomsmen, if the couple wants only one of each, or ten of each, or if they want two groomsmen and six bridesmaids, the decision is entirely up to them. There is no right or wrong number for the wedding party; however, choosing equal numbers of each can make things such as photography, walking down the aisle and the first dance, much easier.

Unbalanced Wedding Party – Odd number of maids and groomsmen


Sometimes the bride or groom may just not want to have many attendants. The bride may prefer to keep it limited to a few very special people while the groom wants to involve all of his close buddies. Or sometimes the bride or groom may want to include a large number of people to avoid leaving anyone special out.

The Aisle


Whatever the reason, it is perfectly okay for the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids to be uneven. It does present a few challenges, however. Walking down the aisle is traditionally done by pairing one bridesmaid with one groomsman. For uneven numbers, consider having trios walk down the aisle instead of pairs to allow for uneven numbers. Alternatively, have each person walk down the aisle separately, interspersed with the ring bearer and flower girl.

Photographs


Photographers predominantly deal with even numbers in the wedding party. If you decide to have uneven numbers, do the courtesy of letting them know long before the wedding date. Give them enough time to plan out how they will arrange everyone for balanced pictures. The photographer will need to be a bit creative in arranging everyone so the pictures look as beautiful as if there were even numbers.

The First Dance


The bride and groom traditionally dance the first dance alone, but the wedding party will usually join them for the second song. With uneven numbers of brides maids and grooms men, this presents a challenge. There are several ways to deal with this situation.

Consider allowing each wedding party member to bring a date to the reception. Instead of the wedding party dancing with each other, they can dance with their dates.

Alternatively, the wedding party can simply avoid the dance altogether and only have the parents of the bride and groom joining them after the first song.

Traditional Number of Bridesmaids/Groomsmen


Traditionally, a wedding used to have an average of three to five bridesmaids and the same number of groomsmen, with one maid of honor and one best man. Nowadays the rules are more relaxed, which really allows the couple to customize their wedding party in the way that suits them best.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 22 April 2009 )
 
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