Wedding season is quickly approaching and if you’re single or unmarried attending a wedding, you may doubt if you’ll enjoy it fully because of your current relationship status. Whether as a guest or part of the wedding party, the events are what you make them. To help you have an enjoyable experience as a single, here are ten do’s and don’ts to consider during wedding season:
Don’t feel obligated to bring a date.
Weddings celebrate a couple getting together in holy matrimony, but what if you’re invited to attend as a single? No need to bring a date to such an event. You don’t want to give them the idea that you’re thinking about marriage with them in mind, especially if you’re not in a serious commitment.
Do keep your toast short and sweet.
A reception is a party, so guests don’t want to sit and hear a lot of people make long speeches about the bride or groom’s life story. If you’re giving a toast, make it congratulatory and save the long stuff for the video, which will always be remembered because it’ll be recorded! Make your toast personal yet brief because we’re all ready to party!
Don’t compete for the garter or bouquet.
When I say compete, I mean diving deep in the crowd of ladies or guys for that garter or bouquet. It’s not a competition, just a friendly tradition! No need to mess up your outfit or risk injury because you want to “be next in line to get married.” Enjoy the game, because that’s really what it is.
Don’t overdo it at the open bar.
If you do drink alcohol, beer or wine, please be mindful of your personal limit and don’t push it at the wedding. You don’t want to have your future Godparent title and privileges revoked because you did way too much at the reception and it made the wedding video. Keep it classy and stick to what you know or have none at all.
Do join in on the celebratory dances.
So many cultural weddings from West African to Americans in the South have their own way of dancing at weddings. Don’t be shy to get on the dance floor and join in a little cha cha, steppin’, the latest slide dance, or whatever the wedding party does at the reception. You don’t need a partner either, just bring yourself and smile!
Don’t take anyone home for a nightcap.
We see it all the time in wedding-themed romantic comedies. It may seem fun or funny in the movies, but don’t be on either end of a wedding hookup. The emotions of love and maybe a little loneliness may be on the brain, but don’t let that flood your common sense. If the person is attractive and legitimately single, make arrangements for a real date, not a one-nighter.
Do network with the other singles.
If the only person you know at the wedding is the bride or groom, you may have to get to know your pew or table neighbors. Chances are, they have arranged for the singles to sit together, giving you an opportunity to mingle and network with each other. Who knows what can come from it? Put the phone down for a moment and introduce yourself. Opening up to meet new people—even at a wedding—can benefit your career, ministry, or even love life.
Don’t outshine the bride and groom.
The wedding is their day, not yours, to shine. Confirm the dress code and put your ensemble together accordingly. Some weddings throw caution to the wind and do opt for a specific dress code, but the key is to not show up the bride and groom on their special day. This goes especially for the best friends and family members. Style wise, it’s good to keep it classic and comfortable as well so you can move around on the dance floor later.
Don’t feel down and depressed.
Weddings are a time to celebrate love, and though it may serve a reminder that it’s not your wedding, that doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen for you. If you are having a difficult time emotionally when it comes to attending weddings, please reconsider going if you don’t play a role in the party. No need to dwell in a negative mindset at a positive event. The Bible tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice, so put the negative and doubtful thoughts about yourself out the door and be steadfast in hope that there’s enough love for all of us out here.
Do remember to have fun, it’s a wedding!
As a single who’s loved weddings since I was about four years old, I know that weddings can be a lot of fun. Wedding planning can be stressful for the bride and groom, so help them out and have a good time. You may have seen some videos from the reception or a touching message or music at a ceremony. Just like everything else in life, attending a wedding as a single is what you make it. Focus on the celebration, not your relationship status.
Hey BMWK fam, what are your memorable moments from attending a wedding as a single?