Finding Your Perfect Wedding Date: A Guide To Timing Your Special Day

So, you've been invited to a wedding – fun! But, if you're single, it can be a little daunting to think about going alone. If you're looking for a plus-one, there are a few options to consider. You could bring a close friend, which can make the day more fun and memorable, and help you get out of your comfort zone. If you have a couple of months to spare, you could try online dating and see if you can find someone to be your date. You could also ask the bride and groom if they know any other single guests who you could pair up with. If all else fails, you could even hire a date for the occasion.

Ask the bride and groom

If you've been invited to a wedding and are worried about attending alone, there are several options to consider when it comes to finding a plus-one. While you could bring a friend, an ex, or even a work colleague, if you're struggling to find a date, it might be worth asking the bride and groom.

The bride and groom will likely be happy to help you find a plus-one, especially if they are close friends or family. They may know of other guests who are single and could be a good match for you. This option also gives you the opportunity to take advantage of another person who is riding solo on the invite list, as weddings can be expensive.

The bride and groom can also handle the seating arrangements subtly. They could, for example, seat you together during the reception without making it obvious. This way, you show up alone and single, but with the possibility of meeting someone deserving of a romantic night out.

If you don't want to ask the couple directly, you could ask a mutual friend to speak to them on your behalf. This way, you can still benefit from their knowledge of the guest list and their seating plan, without any potential awkwardness.

Remember, the bride and groom will want you to feel comfortable and enjoy their special day, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask for their help.

Turn to online dating

If you're looking for a wedding date, turning to online dating can be a convenient way to find someone with similar interests and values. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Dating App

With so many dating apps available, it's important to select one that aligns with your values and preferences. For example, if you're looking for a serious relationship, consider an app like Hinge, Bumble or OkCupid, which are known for fostering meaningful connections. On the other hand, if you're interested in a casual relationship, Tinder might be a better option.

You can also try niche dating apps that cater to specific communities, such as HER for queer women or JDate for Jewish daters. These apps can increase your chances of finding someone with shared values and interests.

Create a Detailed Profile

Take the time to fill out your dating profile thoroughly and honestly. Be descriptive and showcase your personality. This will give potential matches a better sense of who you are and increase the likelihood of finding someone genuinely compatible.

Include information about your interests, hobbies, relationship expectations, and deal breakers. The more detailed your profile is, the easier it will be for you to connect with like-minded individuals.

Start Early

If you're looking for a wedding date, it's best to start your search several months in advance. This will give you enough time to get to know potential dates and build a connection before the big day.

Dating apps typically require users to match and chat before meeting in person, so allow yourself sufficient time to go through this process. The last thing you want is to feel rushed or pressured into choosing a date.

Be Open-Minded

When using dating apps, it's important to be open-minded and avoid making snap judgments. Just because someone's profile doesn't match your ideal type doesn't mean they won't make a great wedding date.

Look for individuals who seem friendly, interesting, and excited about the possibility of attending a wedding. Remember, you're looking for someone who can make the event more enjoyable and memorable for you.

Keep Your Options Open

Don't put all your hopes on finding the perfect date right away. Online dating is a numbers game, and you'll likely need to go on a few dates before you find someone who's a good fit.

Be willing to meet different people and give everyone a fair chance. You might be surprised to find that you click with someone you wouldn't usually consider.

Be Upfront About Your Intentions

When you start chatting with potential dates, be clear about why you're looking for a plus-one. Explain that you're attending a wedding and would like to bring someone along.

By being upfront about your intentions, you can ensure that you're both on the same page and avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings later on.

Focus on Building a Connection

As you chat with potential dates, focus on getting to know them and building a genuine connection. Ask questions about their interests, hobbies, and experiences. Find out what kind of conversations you enjoy having with them, and see if there's a natural flow to your interactions.

Remember, the goal is to find someone who will make the wedding more enjoyable for you, so prioritize compatibility and shared interests over pure physical attraction.

Plan a Pre-Wedding Get-Together

If you find someone you think would be a great wedding date, suggest meeting up beforehand to see how you interact in person. This could be a coffee date, a drink, or even just a video call if you're short on time.

This will help you confirm that the connection you felt online translates to real life and ensure that you're both comfortable and excited about attending the wedding together.

By following these tips, you'll increase your chances of finding a fantastic wedding date through online dating. Just remember to be patient, stay true to yourself, and approach the process with an open mind and a positive attitude.

Bring a friend

If you have been given the privilege of bringing a plus-one to a wedding, you may want to bring a friend. This can be a great option if you don't have a significant other or someone you've been dating for a few months. Bringing a friend as your date can help you overcome the fear of going alone and make the wedding more fun and memorable. It can also be less stressful than bringing a date as you won't have the pressure of having to introduce yourself and your date to everyone and ensure your date is comfortable. With a friend, you can feel more comfortable mingling with other people and leaving them for a few minutes to chat or dance with someone else.

If you're considering bringing a friend as your plus-one, it's a good idea to choose someone who is easygoing and sociable. This will help you get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and have someone to dance with. It's also important to consider the atmosphere of the wedding and ensure your friend dresses appropriately and behaves respectfully.

While bringing a friend as your plus-one can be a great option, it's essential to check the invitation to ensure that you have been given a plus-one. If the invitation is addressed to you "plus one" or "and guest", you can bring anyone you'd like, including a friend. It's also a good idea to check with the bride and groom to ensure they are comfortable with you bringing a friend. This will help avoid any potential issues with seating arrangements or costs. Additionally, consider giving a larger gift to cover the added expense of bringing a guest.

Consider exes

When it comes to finding a wedding date, there are many factors to consider, and one option is to think about bringing an ex as your plus-one. While this may not be the right choice for everyone, there are certain scenarios in which it could be a good idea.

Firstly, if you have a healthy and platonic relationship with your ex, and you know they won't cause any drama, then they could be a good candidate for a wedding date. This is especially true if you're already comfortable around them socially and you know they won't make things awkward for you or your future spouse. It's important to assess the situation and be honest with yourself about whether any negative feelings or history could upstage the true reason for the celebration: your marriage. If you're hoping to rekindle the relationship, bringing an ex as your date could be a good move, but be mindful of how your future spouse might feel about this.

Another situation in which bringing an ex could be appropriate is if your families have remained close even after your breakup. In this case, it might be more awkward to not invite your ex, especially if they run in the same social circle as your mutual friends. If you and your ex dated a long time ago, perhaps in middle school or high school when it wasn't "actual dating", then it could be perfectly acceptable to invite them.

Before making a decision, it's crucial to communicate with your future spouse and ensure they are 100% comfortable with the idea of inviting an ex. If either of you has any doubts or concerns, it's best to skip it. Likewise, if your ex is still hurting from the breakup or it's relatively fresh, it's probably not a good idea to invite them. Consider whether your plus-one choice will make you, your fiancé, or anyone else uncomfortable. If so, they shouldn't be on the guest list.

While bringing an ex as your wedding date can be a convenient option, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that aligns with your values and priorities.

Ask a work friend

Hey [Recipient], I know we don't usually talk about stuff like this, but I wanted to ask if you could help me find a good wedding date. I know it's a bit out of the blue, but I thought maybe you could give me some advice. I've been invited to a wedding, and I don't want to go alone, but I don't really have anyone to bring. I know it's a big ask, but I would really appreciate your help!

One option I've been considering is asking a friend to come with me. I know it might seem a bit strange to bring a friend to a wedding, but I think it could actually be a lot of fun. We could make it a memorable night, and it would be nice to have someone familiar there with me. Do you think that's a good idea?

Another option I've thought about is online dating. I know it's a bit of a long shot, but I figure I might as well give it a try. I've been checking out some dating sites, and there are actually quite a few people in my area who seem interesting. Of course, I don't want to just bring anyone, so I'll have to be a bit picky. What do you think about this approach?

I've also thought about asking the bride and groom if they know anyone who will be attending alone. I'm not sure if it's something they would be open to, but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask. Maybe they know someone who would be a good match for me, and they could even introduce us before the wedding so it's not too awkward.

Another possibility is asking a colleague from work. I know it might seem a bit weird, but I think it could actually be a good option. We already get along well, so I know we'll have fun at the wedding. What do you think of this idea?

Finally, I've considered just going by myself and seeing if I meet someone there. It might be a bit hit or miss, but you never know who I might meet. I could always end up finding someone who's a great match for me.

So, what do you think? Do you have any advice for me? I'd really appreciate your help with this!

Frequently asked questions