How can I make an uneven bridal party work?

We will have 3 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen. Particularly for the first dance, usually bridal party take their partners and join bride and groom on the dancefloor but we have an uneven number so they can't join together as couples....

Question Asked: 29/10/2016

Wedding Date: 29/10/2016

Most Helpful Response

The Master of Ceremony - Celebrant and MC

(21) · The WORLD

Posted: 2/11/2016

I recently had a wedding with 7 bridesmaids and only 4 groomsmen, it provided for some wonderful photos, great fun photos about the mismatch! In the ceremony itself, it's not such a huge issue, if there's to be a recessional and the bridesmaids need to match together, it's fine! Have fun with it! Go with your gut and use the people you want to use in the ceremony whether there's a mismatch of one, two, three or four - just make the most of it.

Answered by: 11 Experts

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Celebrant Lynda Payne

(1) · Macedon Ranges

Posted: 3/10/2017

Does it really matter?  I think not. I have officiated at a ceremony where there was only a Best Man, a Matron of Honour, 2 bridesmaids and a flower girl. In that situation, I encouraged the couple to enlist the help of the official photographer.  She really knew her job and I don't think anyone really noticed it was uneven. The flower girl walked first, scattering rose petals, then the 2 brides maids, then the matron of honour, then the bride escorted by both her father and step-father.  Everyone followed the photographers advice when it came to the photos.  All good.

Treasured Ceremonies

(18) · Byron Bay to Ballina , North Coast NSW and Gold Coast QLD

Posted: 8/01/2017

You could get the attendants to walk as one person, two persons, one person, two persons, one person - if they are to enter ahead of you. A bride needs more room than the groom for her dress usually so, one bridesmaid less will not look odd. as for dancing there are lots of ways and means. Maybe after the couple part of the dance, a pair join them, then another pair, then three for the last. if it is a modern dance it will not look strange at all

Kim O'Sullivan Celebrant

(15) · Wollongong, South Coast (as far as Nowra), Southern Highlands and Sydney

Posted: 28/11/2016

Hi I don't believe it matters. It is your wedding and is what you want it to be. You could organise it beforehand that someone else partners the extra groomsman.

Marriage Celebrant Above and Beyond

(21) · Adelaide and Regional Areas

Posted: 10/11/2016

In a situation like this, ie first dance and on the dance floor, the 4th groomsman ( as discussed prior) can dance with the Brides mother, an especially close friend of the bride who was not in the party, a person of his choice, or even his daughter. People, do not mind swaying from usual traditions any more. It actually, makes your wedding more memorable and different.

Kaye McGrath

(10) · Yarra Valley / Dandenong Ranges / Daylesford/ Macedon Ranges /Ballarat / Bendigo

Posted: 8/11/2016

It is important to have who you want in your wedding party. If it ends up being an odd number, on-one will really takes any notice. It's your day, whatever you decide make sure you feel comfortable with it. As far as the dancefloor, ask who wants to dance with whom, don't get stressed, people will be watching the bride.

Justine Milne

(34) · PENRITH/ BLUE MOUNTAINS & SURROUNDING AREAS

Posted: 1/11/2016

Hi there,I don't feel that any ceremony needs to be directed by what someone else's does.My own bridal party 2 groomsmen and 4 bridesmaids because they were the closest to us, the ones we love and supported us.Each groomsmen took a lady in each arm and we didn't have the traditional bridal waltz, just us then the bridal party came up with there partners.You do what feels right, it's your day. All the best,Jus

Greentree Ceremonies - Philip Greentree

(7) · Hunter Vineyards | Port Stephens | Newcastle | Lake Macquarie | Central Coast, Sydney & Elsewhere by

Posted: 1/11/2016

It is not at all unusual for this to occur. During the recessional at the end of the ceremony, the last person out will be the `odd-one out.' Let me assure you, no one will notice. At every reception I have attended, the parents follow the couple onto the dance floor. By the time the groomsmen & bridesmaids make it to the dance floor, again, no one is going to notice, especially if the odd-person takes his/her partner with them. It's all about observation and perception. For you, it's an issue since you are aware of it and perceive as an issue. For everyone else, they won't notice it, so it won't be an issue for them.

Lee Halligan - Celebrant

(15) · Perth & Surrounding Areas (Other Areas By Arrangement)

Posted: 31/10/2016

at my sons wedding, me being a widow, I was partnered by one of the groomsmen for the first dance. You will find someone close in the family who is alone and would welcome to be asked. Cheers from Lee Halligan, Celebrant

Sue Lee-Archer Celebrant

(9) · Launceston & Tasmania

Posted: 31/10/2016

Hi. -- if you have a 'spare' groomsman, perhaps another close family guest could partner him. For example your mum, aunt, nan, or anyone you choose who is not already part of the bridal party. Best wishes and kind regards, Sue Lee-Archer, Marriage Celebrant, Launceston, Tas

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