Attending A Wedding Solo: Is It Okay?

Attending a wedding without a plus-one can be daunting, but it's a great opportunity to meet new people and have fun. If you're anxious about going solo, there are several things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable. Firstly, don't panic and immediately decline the invitation. Remember, you were invited for a reason, and the couple would appreciate your presence and support. It's normal to feel anxious, especially if you don't know many people, but you can take steps to make the most of the occasion.

It's not about you

So, you're going to a wedding alone? It's not about you—and that's a good thing! Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for the big day.

First and foremost, remember that this day is about the couple getting married. You're there to celebrate their love and support them on one of the most important days of their lives. Your presence matters, and you have the power to make it a positive and memorable experience for them.

Leading up to the wedding, don't be afraid to reach out to the couple and ask if there will be other solo guests. They might be able to introduce you to someone beforehand, or at least point you in the right direction on the day of. This can take some pressure off and give you a familiar face to look out for.

When the day arrives, make an effort to look and feel your best. Wear something that makes you feel confident, take time with your hair or makeup if that's your thing, and maybe even treat yourself to a new fragrance. Feeling good about yourself will help you exude positive energy and attract opportunities for connection.

As you navigate the wedding, be mindful of your phone usage. While it may be tempting to scroll through your phone when you feel uncomfortable, try to stay present and keep your phone tucked away. This will make it easier for others to approach you and show that you're engaged and interested in the festivities.

Throughout the event, be friendly and open to meeting new people. Remember, everyone is there for the same reason—to celebrate the couple. Strike up conversations with other guests, especially those who might also be flying solo. Ask how they know the couple, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself to the older married couple or the single aunt. You already have a common interest in the newlyweds, so use that as an icebreaker!

Finally, don't stress too much about being alone during the festivities. If you're feeling nervous, give yourself a task or help out where you can. Offer to take extra pictures for the happy couple, or lend a hand with breaking down the ceremony decor. Remember, this day isn't about you, and that's okay! Your turn will come, and for now, you can focus on celebrating the love of two people who are important to you.

Be confident

Attending a wedding alone can be daunting, but it's important to remember that you are not the only one without a plus-one. In fact, many guests are invited without the option to bring a date, so you won't be the odd one out. Plus, everyone at the wedding is there for the same reason: to celebrate the couple's love. This is a great opportunity for you to bond with others and meet new people.

Know that you matter

You were invited because you matter to the couple. Don't ditch the wedding just because you didn't get a plus-one. Your presence will be appreciated, and you will likely have a fantastic time.

Do your research

Find out if there will be anyone else attending the wedding whom you might know. Ask the couple if there will be any other solo guests and if they can introduce you via email or social media before the big day. This way, you will already know someone at the wedding, and you can attend together if you hit it off.

Feel comfortable in your own skin

Do what you need to do to feel comfortable and confident for the event. This could mean going for a run, getting your hair done, or simply wearing a relaxed smile. Prioritise your physical self-care and do the things that make you feel good about yourself. When you feel good, you will exude positive energy and confidence.

Mingle and make friends

Weddings are great social events and the perfect excuse to mingle and make new friends. When you arrive, scan the crowd for a friendly face. Chances are, you will recognise someone or be able to spend time with a familiar face. If you don't know anyone, introduce yourself to fellow guests and ask how they know the couple. This is an easy ice-breaker and a great way to start a conversation. Look out for other lone guests and pair up with them. You can even secretly agree to be each other's plus-one!

Avoid getting drunk

While drinking may seem like a quick way to boost your confidence, it can also lead to sloppy behaviour and regretful actions. Instead, stay sober and be mindful of your alcohol intake to ensure you don't become "that drunk guest."

Remember, it's not about you

If you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, remind yourself that the day is not about you. It's about celebrating the love of someone you care about. Focus on the couple and their happiness, and don't worry about your relationship status.

Attending a wedding alone can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips and going into the event with a positive mindset, you will be able to confidently navigate the wedding and enjoy yourself.

Make friends

It is completely normal to feel anxious about going to a wedding without a plus-one, especially if you won't know many other people in attendance. However, there are several ways to make friends and have fun at a wedding even if you're alone. Here are some tips to help you make friends at a wedding:

• Be open-minded and embrace being solo: See strangers as an opportunity for conversation. Make the most of the day and remember that it's not about you. You're there as a valued part of the couple's lives, so celebrate their happy union and enjoy the spectacle.
• Dress for confidence: If you feel good about yourself, you'll carry yourself with more strength and draw people towards you. You'll also be more inclined to approach others if you're not feeling insecure about your appearance.
• Keep your phone away: Instead of scrolling through social media or texting friends, stow your phone away. This will force you to interact with other guests and make it easier for others to approach you.
• Prepare some conversation starters: If you get anxious about small talk, come prepared with a few questions to ask other guests. Ask them about themselves, such as where they're from or how they know the newlyweds. Compliments are also a great way to break the ice.
• Look out for other solo guests: Keep an eye out for other guests who are also attending alone and don't be afraid to make conversation. They're probably in the same boat as you and will be happy to hang out and get to know you.
• Participate in group activities: Join group dances or conversations to interact with others without the awkwardness of joining strangers on the dance floor. This will help you feel more included and create opportunities for new connections.
• Be proactive: Introduce yourself to your tablemates and make an effort to get to know them. You never know who might become a new friend.
• Be present and supportive: Find ways to support the couple and be viewed as part of a team. For example, offer to help with any tasks or assist guests who may need assistance. This will make you feel more involved and create opportunities to connect with others.

Avoid drinking too much

It's completely fine to go to a wedding unaccompanied. In fact, once you mingle with the other guests, no one will be able to tell that you came alone. However, if you're worried about feeling nervous, it's a good idea to plan ahead. For example, you could ask if there's anyone else on the guest list that you know, even just casually. That way, you'll have someone to talk and laugh with.

Now, onto the topic of drinking. It's easy to get carried away with alcohol at a wedding, especially if you're feeling nervous about being there alone. However, it's important to remember that drinking too much can lead to negative consequences, such as embarrassing yourself or blacking out. So, if you want to avoid getting drunk, here are some tips to help you out:

Before the Wedding

• Invite a sober plus one: If you have a friend who doesn't drink, or who is happy to drink moderately with you, they can be your buddy for the night.
• Remind yourself of your "why": Write down a list of all the reasons why you want to cut back on alcohol. This could include your family, friends, health, or avoiding negative consequences.
• Plan how you'll decline alcohol: Come up with a few ways to turn down drinks politely. For example, you could say you're feeling unwell, trying to lose weight, or that you're the designated driver.
• Set realistic expectations: Be honest with yourself about what you can handle. You might not be able to stay for the entire reception, and that's okay. Give yourself permission to leave early if you need to.

During the Wedding

• Find support: Talk to a friend or sober support ahead of time, and identify people you can reach out to during the event.
• Communicate and be transparent: Let those you spend time with know that you're not drinking, and ask for their support.
• Identify triggers: Think about what might trigger your urge to drink, and plan how you'll manage those triggers.
• Drink non-alcoholic beverages: Opt for "mocktails" or non-alcoholic drinks from the bar. You can also alternate alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic drinks.
• Set a drink goal: Decide on a specific number of drinks that you'll allow yourself, and stick to it.
• Keep yourself occupied: Offer to help with setting up, cleaning, or any other tasks. This will take your mind off drinking and make you feel good about being helpful.
• Check in with a friend: After the wedding, reach out to a friend or therapist to reflect on how the night went.

Remember, if you feel like it's too much, it's perfectly okay to politely decline the invitation or leave early. Your well-being is the most important thing.

Be present

Avoid being glued to your phone

It can be tempting to pull out your phone and start scrolling when you feel uncomfortable, especially when you're in a crowd. But, to make the most of going to a wedding alone, do your best to unplug. If you're on your phone, you're likely to miss opportunities for small talk. Plus, you might enjoy the experience less. Another con of hiding behind your phone is that it may prevent others from approaching you and starting a conversation. So, keep your focus on the couple you're there to celebrate. Smile, enjoy their wedding bliss, and attempt to keep a positive attitude.

Make friends with your tablemates

If you don't know everyone sitting at your table, introduce yourself to them. You never know who else might be feeling awkward about being alone, or who could become a new friend. Be on the lookout for any other guests who are also there without a plus one. This can be an opportunity to buddy up with someone who may feel the same as you.

Dance in group numbers

Once the party gets going, don't be afraid to join in. You're there to celebrate and have a good time, so get on the dance floor and engage with the other guests. If dancing makes you nervous, try to join a group number. Nothing bonds wedding guests quite like a passionate performance of a group dance. This will get you up and moving and interacting with others without the awkwardness of joining strangers on the dance floor or half-dancing alone on the sidelines. Once you're out there, you'll have a newfound dance floor camaraderie, which will keep you engaged with others all night.

You're there to celebrate

Remember, you're attending the wedding to celebrate love and a couple you care about, so give yourself permission to enjoy the evening. You're never as awkward as you feel, so let loose and don't take yourself too seriously. Stick to a few drinks, enjoy yourself, and dance the night away.

Frequently asked questions