So you’re attending a wedding and your invitation finally arrived. But, wait, it didn’t say plus one on the front! Don’t freak out quite yet, because you still have options. The first is to reply “no”. Which, let’s face it you really don’t want to do because your cousin/college friend/neighbor/co-worker will be soo upset. Or, the second choice, RSVP yes, but get your hands on some information for how to have a fabulous time, minus a plus one. Go ahead and RSVP yes, then scroll through this article because we are going to tell you how to make the most of attending that wedding without a date!
Be Open
Ahhh.. this one seems like a no-brainer, right? But, if you’re attending a wedding solo without a plus one, you might have some preconceived notions. Ditch those, ASAP. Being open is about not setting a time limit to when you’ll leave if “it sucks”. Being open means you won’t just stay until the cake is cut and then be on your way. It means that you’re being open to where the night will bring you, including any new experiences & connections that come your way!
Dress Your Best
Weddings are an amazing excuse to buy a new fab outfit, don’t you think? How often do we have the excuse of needing a new outfit because we have somewhere to be that requires formal attire? And PS, we are including shoes and accessories in that statement! Go shopping, get the outfit, buy the shoes. While you’re at it get a fabulous handbag that you won’t mind carrying for the night. But also a handbag that you can definitely use again because sustainable fashion is everything right now. More so than just a fun shopping experience, getting dressed to kill will help you feel your best. Feeling your best when you walk into that wedding will boost your confidence and make you feel like you own the room!
Buy Yourself a Drink
Look, we don’t know if it’s an open bar, cocktail hour, or just a “signature drink for all ” kind of deal at the wedding you will be attending. But don’t be afraid to head to the bar and grab yourself a drink. There’s something about standing by a bar that makes people open to chatting, don’t you think? Grab your cocktail of choice, but keep it slow and steady, and don’t get sloppy. While you’re up there ready and willing (ahem) to make meaningful conversation, stay off your phone! Like seriously. Don’t check the time, don’t check that text you got, nothing. Keep it tucked away in that fab new bag of yours. Nothing says “don’t approach me” more than having your phone in your hand!
Make Connections Ahead of Time
You are attending the wedding of a super savvy couple. One who is focused on how their wedding day is an experience for not only themselves but everyone in attendance. So, and we’re guessing here, they set up a Guestie event because they want everyone to walk into a room full of people they already know. With their Guestie event, they also set up a unique profile for each one of their guests, including you! This is when you, the savvy guest, can log in, check out other guests’ profiles and get to know their names, faces, and any info about them that’s included on their profiles. Nothing gives you more confidence as a guest than walking into a party of familiar faces!
And we’ll let you in on a secret. You can mark yourself as single, and you can also browse others who have marked themselves as single. It’s super subtle, we promise… just mark yourself as “open to intros”! Or, you can take advantage of the message board in the Guestie event to get the conversations started ahead of the wedding day! We’ll show you how in the next step.
Share an Uber
Ok, that message board that we just rambled on and on about, you’re going to put it to good use, here’s how! So your invite didn’t have “plus one” on the front, fair enough. But, that doesn’t mean you have to arrive alone! Create a message on the message board asking other guests, who also didn’t receive a plus one if they’d like to share an uber on the way in.
That way, you are not technically arriving alone! You are going to the wedding with someone else in the same exact position that you’re in. Which will allow you to connect or commiserate on the ride in. We’re going for connect, but if you must rant, get it out of the way ahead of time! Now you’re walking into that wedding with your head held high because you have all that confidence from the amazing outfit you bought, and a new friend by your side. Problem solved!
Join In
That photobooth that everyone is hanging out by? Go over there, seriously, don’t miss out! Don’t just sit at your table all night, waiting for the appropriate time to sneak away, unseen, so you can head home kick off your shoes and watch Netflix. Netflix will be there regardless of what time you get home. Head over to the photobooth. Plan to take some solo shots, because why not. But also be open to hopping into a group shot if you’re invited. If the wedding has a more laid-back vibe with lawn games and mingling with informal seating, get up and play a round of cornhole.
Wondering what dancing will be like at a wedding without a plus one? Your savvy couple has already set up their Guestie event, which allows their guests, aka you, to submit your song requests that will be passed on to their DJ. If you’re feeling apprehensive about hitting the floor alone, submit a handful of your favorite dance tunes. That way you know at least one if not all of your favorite songs will be played. But promise yourself to hit the dance floor for at least one of them. Dancing to a familiar favorite tune is a great way to shake off the minus plus one blues and you might just find yourself a plus one on the dance floor after all!
Ok, maybe dancing and joining another group at the photo booth is a little too out there for your personality. We get it. There are other small but meaningful ways to join in and still be part of the celebration. Clap when it’s time to clap, raise your glass when it’s time for a toast, and grab a sparkler at the end of the night when it’s time to wish the couple farewell. Easy, involved, and doesn’t require you to step too far outside your comfort zone!!
Make Plans for The Day After
Having plans in advance for the day after the wedding will be massively important in resetting your batteries. The plans you make can go one of a few ways, depending on your personality type. If you’re an extrovert, catching up with your inner circle over brunch the day after the wedding will allow you to thrive in the energy of your group while recounting your experience from the night before.
If you’re an introvert, you’ll need to plan some serious alone time after a night filled with social activities. Some time on the couch curled up with your favorite book or series will have you feeling invigorated and ready to rock for the rest of your week’s activities. If you’re an introverted extrovert, a latte in hand, along with your laptop at your favorite local coffee shop will allow you the right balance of solace in a social setting so you can feel like your best self after a night filled with celebration.
