Rent-A-Date: Navigating The World Of Wedding Date Hire

If you're looking to hire a wedding date, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can check with your circle of friends and see if anyone is available and willing to accompany you. If that's not possible, you could turn to online dating services or even ask the bride and groom if they know of any eligible bachelors or bachelorettes. For those who prefer a more professional approach, there are companies like Rent A Gent or RentAFriend.com, which provide platonic companions for events like weddings. These services prioritize conversation and companionship, ensuring no sexual contact is involved. However, it's important to note that hiring a wedding date may come with a significant cost, and you should also be mindful of any potential ethical considerations.

Online dating sites

If you're looking to hire a wedding date, online dating sites could be a good option. Here are some popular dating apps and sites to consider:

Hinge

Hinge is a dating app that is "designed to be deleted", meaning it aims for users to find long-lasting connections and delete the app once they've found their special someone. Hinge relies on a unique algorithm that introduces users to profiles they are most likely to match with based on preferences and profile prompts. The app also includes additional features like a weekly "rose" for a standout profile and a daily "Most Compatible" match. Hinge has gained popularity, surpassing Tinder as the best dating app for marriage in 2023.

Bumble

Bumble is a female-centric dating app that allows only women to make the first move in heterosexual matches. This app is ideal for bold women who want to take charge and make the first move. It also offers Bumble BFF, which helps users meet new friends, making it a great option if you're looking for a platonic wedding date.

Tinder

Tinder is a well-known dating app that is simple and easy to use. Users swipe left or right on profiles, making it a judging-a-book-by-its-cover approach. While Tinder has a reputation for casual relationships, it is also one of the top marriage dating apps, responsible for pairing 25% of engaged and newly married couples who met online.

OkCupid

OkCupid is a dating site that uses a unique algorithm to match users based on "29 dimensions" of compatibility and interests. The site includes an extensive relationship questionnaire and personality test to facilitate deeper, more meaningful connections. While OkCupid has had some issues with offensive messages and fake profiles, it has implemented changes to address these problems.

Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that sends users curated daily matches, or "bagels", at noon. It includes ice-breakers for first messages and more in-depth profiles. However, some users may find the app confusing to use due to its many features and gimmicks.

Plenty of Fish

Plenty of Fish is a dating app that has been around since 2003. While it has a large number of users, it is filled with bots and scams, making it challenging to find genuine connections.

Match.com

Match.com is one of the oldest online dating sites, having been around since the early days of online dating. While it offers a free version, the general consensus is that a paid subscription is needed to have any success on the site.

When using these dating sites, it's important to keep in mind that success may depend on your personal preferences and how much time and effort you invest in using them. It's also worth noting that some sites may be more suitable for finding long-term relationships, while others are better for casual flings.

Ask the bride and groom

If you have no one in the pipeline to ask to be your plus-one at a wedding, you could check in with the bride and groom to see if there are any other guests who don't have a date. The couple might be able to pair you with someone for the night, perhaps by sitting you together during the reception or even introducing you before the wedding happens so you can get familiar with each other.

If you are the bride or groom, and you are happy for your guests to bring a plus-one, you could consider whether there are any single guests who might not know each other, but who might enjoy meeting. You could introduce them before the wedding or seat them together during the reception.

It is also worth noting that some people choose not to bring a plus-one to a wedding, even if they have the option. They might decide to give up on the search for a date and instead turn up solo, in the hope of meeting someone at the wedding itself.

Rent a date

Renting a date for a wedding is a viable option for those who don't want to attend alone but don't have a partner or friend to bring. There are several services that offer this, such as RentAFriend.com, Rent A Gent, and ManServants. These services provide platonic companionship for a fee, usually around $125-$200 per hour. The process typically involves choosing a date from a list of available people, who are often vetted and selected based on their attractiveness, charisma, and conversational skills. The dates are expected to be professional and engaging, and there are usually strict rules against any sexual contact.

When renting a date for a wedding, it is important to communicate your expectations and needs clearly. You can often choose a date based on their profile and pictures, and you may even be able to take them shopping for an outfit that fits the wedding's dress code. It is also a good idea to discuss with your date what you would like them to say or remember at the wedding, so they can fit in seamlessly.

Renting a date can be a great solution for those who want to avoid the stress of finding a plus-one, and it can provide companionship and conversation for those who may be feeling lonely. However, it is important to remember that these services are meant to be platonic and non-sexual, and there may be strict rules and consequences for violating these guidelines.

While renting a date for a wedding can be a unique and interesting experience, it may not be necessary for everyone. Some people may prefer to attend weddings alone or with a friend, and that is also a valid choice. Ultimately, the decision to rent a date depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

Ask a friend

Asking a friend to be your wedding date can be a great option, especially if you have a friend who is the life of the party and will team up with you to make the night memorable, even if it's only platonic. Here are some things to consider when asking a friend to be your wedding date:

• Choose the right friend: Consider who in your friend circle would be the best fit for the wedding. Look for friends who are outgoing, fun, and have similar interests to you. You want someone who will make the night enjoyable and memorable.
• Communicate your expectations: Be clear about what you are asking of your friend. Are you looking for someone to accompany you for the entire wedding, including the ceremony and reception? Or are you just looking for a date for the evening? Let your friend know what you expect of them so they can make an informed decision.
• Discuss finances: Be open about any financial expectations. If you are asking your friend to be your date, it is generally expected that you would cover their expenses, such as travel, accommodation, or a new outfit. Discuss this upfront to avoid any misunderstandings or awkwardness later on.
• Manage their responsibilities: If your friend accepts your invitation, be mindful of their responsibilities as a wedding date. Ensure they have all the information they need, such as the schedule of events, dress code, and any specific duties you would like them to fulfil.
• Prepare them for the event: Help your friend feel comfortable and confident at the wedding. Introduce them to other guests, include them in activities, and make sure they feel included. This will not only make your friend feel valued but also ensure they have a good time.
• Have fun!: Remember to enjoy the experience with your friend. Weddings can be a great opportunity to create lasting memories with your friends. Relax, celebrate, and make it a night to remember!

Exes

The topic of inviting exes to weddings is a sensitive and tricky issue for many. There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to invite an ex to a wedding.

Firstly, it is important to assess the nature of the relationship with the ex. If the ex is a good friend from college with whom there was a brief romance, it might be uncomfortable for the partner, especially if they have never met the ex before. It is crucial to consider the partner's feelings and the significance of the ex in both the partner's and the guest's lives.

Secondly, evaluate how involved the ex is in the current life. If the ex is still a close friend and regularly spends time with the couple, it may make sense to invite them to the wedding. However, if the ex is a stranger to the partner and only comes up in conversation during guest list discussions, it might be best to reconsider the invitation.

Thirdly, reflect on the motivation behind wanting the ex to attend the wedding. Is it to flaunt happiness or to maintain familial peace? Being honest about the intentions can help make the right decision.

Another aspect to consider is the ex's perspective. Would they be pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised to receive a wedding invitation? If there has been minimal contact for years and the ex has seemingly moved on, they might be taken aback by the invitation.

Finally, open and honest communication with the partner is vital. If discussing the possibility of inviting an ex causes discomfort, it might be a sign that it is not worth pursuing. Both individuals in the couple need to be on the same page and respect each other's feelings.

In conclusion, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of inviting exes to a wedding, careful consideration of the relationship dynamics, the partner's feelings, and honest communication can help guide the decision-making process.

Frequently asked questions