Choosing an Uneven Wedding Party

Choosing the Odd Number Wedding Party for your Minnesota Wedding

More and more couples are realizing that personal expression is the ultimate way to make their wedding day unforgettable, and that could include choosing an uneven wedding party. At Adler Ranch, a distinctive seasonal wedding venue near Alexandria, MN, we embrace individuality—whether that’s through our unique blend of vintage lighted signage and antiques or through breaking traditional norms, like having an uneven wedding party.

If you’re thinking about having a wedding crew that doesn’t match up in numbers or roles, this blog explores how to make it work, the benefits, potential challenges, and why Adler Ranch is the perfect venue for a celebration as unique as you are.

Mind Of Mo Photography

When choosing your wedding party, consider things like:

Trust and Commitment: Are they available to fully commit to your wedding events? Can you trust them to handle tasks and be on time?

Time: Do they have time for wedding activities?

Organization: Are they organized enough to help with wedding planning?

Support: Choose people who genuinely support your relationship—emotional connections matter more than even numbers when choosing a personalized wedding party.

Bride and bridesmaids at Adler Ranch, MN Farm Wedding Venue Middle Sister Photography

Future: Will you still be close in the future?

Compatibility: Will they get along with the rest of the group?

Expectations: Decide what level of involvement you expect from your wedding party.

Personal Relationships: Your wedding should reflect your most meaningful relationships, so it’s okay to break tradition with unique wedding party arrangements. An uneven wedding party adds a personal touch to your day and frees you from traditional expectations.

Anniversary Test: Think about whether you’d still want them at your anniversary celebrations. There's no need to invite someone just because they included you in their wedding.

Groomsmen at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, MN Farm Wedding Venue    Rayns Photography

Here are some tips for an uneven wedding party:

Mix and Match Your Wedding Party: Include bridesmaids and groomsmen on both sides of the aisle for a unique, nontraditional wedding party look.

Choose a Small, Select Group: Opt for a few key people to stand beside you during your vows, perfect for an intimate wedding party arrangement.

Individual Entrances: Have each member enter and exit separately for a more personalized, modern wedding processional—or pair people from each side to walk together for a customized wedding aisle entrance.

Create a Semi-Circle Setup: Arrange your wedding party in a semi-circle around you and your partner, adding an intimate, unique wedding ceremony setup.

V-Shape Wedding Party Formation: Position the wedding party in a V-shape, with each group spaced evenly to create a balanced look for asymmetrical wedding party photos.

Rehearsal Dinner Planning: Go over these nontraditional details at your rehearsal dinner to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.

The Banquet Barn at Adler Ranch Wedding Venue, near Alexandria MN

Uneven Wedding Party Tips

Choose a select group: Choose a group of people to stand during your vows. 

Have everyone enter and exit separately: Or have two people from each side walk down the aisle together. 

Form a semi-circle: Have the wedding party form a semi-circle around the couple. 

Challenges of Choosing an Uneven Wedding Party

While the benefits are significant, having an uneven wedding party can raise some eyebrows, especially with family members who value tradition. Here’s how to navigate potential challenges:

Explaining to Family and Friends: It may take time for relatives to accept an uneven wedding party. A gentle explanation of choosing meaning over symmetry can help.

Managing Expectations: Some guests might be confused by the setup. Preparing loved ones ahead of time can ease any discomfort.

Photos and Logistics: An uneven lineup might need some creative planning, but with flexibility, your wedding planner and photographer can create a beautiful layout.

Adler Ranch Wedding Venue near Alexandria MN

Positives of an Uneven Wedding Party

The freedom to personalize your wedding crew offers a variety of unexpected benefits:

Deep Connections Shine: Your friends and family will appreciate the sincerity behind your selections, making the day feel even more special.

Unique and Memorable Photos: An uneven lineup will give you photo opportunities that capture your individuality and highlight the unique, magical aesthetic of Adler Ranch’s neon-lit ambiance.

Less Pressure for Pairs: By eliminating the need for even numbers, you reduce the pressure of pairing each bridesmaid with a groomsman, allowing everyone to simply enjoy the day.

Making It Work at Adler Ranch

At Adler Ranch, our rustic yet vibrant venue gives you the space to express yourself fully. With our expansive open-air reception area, an outdoor ceremony space surrounded by scenic beauty, and an unmatched collection of neon-lit decor, your celebration will be as one-of-a-kind as you are. Our team is here to help every couple create the wedding that reflects their true selves—whether that includes an uneven wedding party or any other unique touch you envision.

Walking Down the Aisle

There's actually no rule that says bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances.

Walking Down the Aisle

One of the main reasons why brides and grooms worry about having an uneven wedding party is the processional-namely, who each person will walk down with. But there's actually no rule that says bridesmaids and groomsmen need to pair off for their entrances. Consider matching one bridesmaid with two groomsmen (or vice versa), having each member of the bridal party process alone, or having all groomsmen start out the ceremony at the altar. If you go with the latter option, the bridesmaids will be the only ones to walk down the aisle anyway.

Adler Ranch Seasonal Wedding Venue, available May thru October near Alexandria MN

Whether you’re in search of a “MN Farm Wedding Venue” or simply a “wedding venue near me” with a unique twist, Adler Ranch near Alexandria, MN, invites you to celebrate your love, your way. For couples ready to embrace a nontraditional wedding party and a unique wedding venue that shines with character, contact us to start planning your unforgettable day.

Adler Ranch is the ideal destination for couples seeking a truly unique wedding experience. Conveniently located just five miles from Alexandria, MN, in the heart of the stunning lakes area—and only two hours from both Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, and Fargo, ND—our independently owned and family-operated venue offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion.

We pride ourselves on hosting a limited number of weddings each season to ensure every couple receives personalized care and attention. Rooted in community, we support local businesses and provide an inclusive, unconventional setting that stands apart from traditional venues. When you choose Adler Ranch, you’re not just booking a venue—you’re joining our family and becoming part of the vibrant Alexandria community.

A shout out to these other independently owned wedding venues located around the country that provide their support and encouragement each day: All 4 One Farms, CHÂTEAU JOLI, Catawba Falls Events, Love Grove Estate, Within Sodo, Legacy Lakes Venue, Laurel Haven Estate, The Bougainvilleas, Barn at Bradstreet,