It just creeps up every year. You get through Valentine’s Day relatively unscathed (who doesn’t LOVE staying in watching Made in Chelsea re-runs) and then that first embossed ivory invite/emotional sucker-punch hits your doormat like a stone. Wedding Season.
Now we would LOVE to think that the barrage of other people’s happiness (cheers, social media) doesn’t sting sometimes, but constant reminders that you are somewhat lacking in the significant other department can become a little tiresome. So many singles see wedding season as a slog to get through. Like a muddy Glastonbury. Or the Hundred Years War.
However, go into it armed with a few techniques for surviving wedding season, and you might find you actually start to love wedding season. Yes, you might have Great Aunt Edna ask you for the 15th time when you are going to get yourself a boyfriend, because you aren’t getting any younger, BUT surround yourself with an army of pals and you might find yourself joyously dancing to Bruno Mars ‘Marry You’ before you know it. Weddings are great for meeting new friends, and you never know, you might even get a cheeky snog.
1.RSVP – If there is anything that gets on brides and grooms nerves before the wedding, it’s guests failing to RSVP in a timely manner. Plus it gets the awkward ‘will you be needing a plus one’ conversation over with.
2. Outfit to die for – First impressions count for a lot on a wedding date, particularly when you may never get a second one. But wear something that reflects your personality and that you feel comfortable in so you can bust some moves on the dancefloor post speeches.
3. Mingle – If you don’t already know the other people sitting at your assigned tables, be sure to introduce yourself and get chatting. You never know who you might meet! Even if you don’t plan on having a long conversation, it’ll make your meal less awkward and lead to an overall more enjoyable evening.
4. Don’t drink too much – Yes, we all love a free bar. But don’t go overboard. Pace yourselves. If you are going along, it is easy to be tempted to indulge in a bit too much dutch courage. But if you’re planning on sipping champagne all day long, it’s important to either eat beforehand or get some food in you at the reception before you start popping bottles. Sure, weddings are boozy, but it’s always a good idea to ensure you’re not the sloppiest guest there.
5. Stay away from the best man – Just no. PARTICULARLY if you are a bridesmaid. Too cliched.
6. Dance like nobody’s watching – Regardless of the type of wedding, there are a few things you can count on: dresses, drama, drunk family members, and dancing. So you may not have anyone to smooch up to on those slow numbers, but hit the floor with pals in tow and bust a groove.
7. Have fun! – Nobody wants to bring someone miserable to a wedding. The most important thing about nearly any social gathering is that you have a good time. Go to the wedding with an open mind and enjoy yourself.
Sarah Beeny from MySingleFriend.com commented, “Weddings are great fun, so skip the pity party and make the most of it. Catching up with old friends and family, getting dressed up and a glass or two of champagne; what’s not to like! Plus, weddings are a great melting pot of different people and you never know who you might meet. By the time the cake is cut, you could have found your Mr Right. Or at least had a cheeky snog!”