Finding A Wedding Date: The Ultimate Guide

Finding a date for a wedding can be a stressful task, especially if you don't have a significant other or someone you've been dating for a while. The pressure to find a plus-one is common, and many people worry about attending a wedding alone. However, there are several strategies you can employ to find a date for a wedding. From checking your friend circle to considering exes you're on good terms with, or even leaving it to online dating, this paragraph will explore some tips and tricks for securing a date for that upcoming wedding.

Ask friends

If you're looking for a plus-one for a wedding, you don't have to consider only those you have a crush on or are romantically interested in. You can bring a friend, especially if they are the life of the party and will make the night memorable, even if your relationship is platonic. Here are some things to consider when asking a friend to be your plus-one:

• Your friend should be someone you're close with and who is easygoing and sociable. This will make the wedding more fun and memorable, and you may even leave the wedding with new connections.
• Bringing a friend as your date can help you get out of your comfort zone and make it easier to strike up conversations with others.
• You'll have someone to dance with and won't have to worry about introducing yourself and your friend to everyone. You can mingle freely without feeling guilty about leaving your friend alone.
• If you're in the bridal party, think carefully about whether you'll have time to spend with your friend. Traditionally, you'll be busy taking pictures and may not have much time to spend with your date.
• Make sure your friend understands the expectations and responsibilities of being a plus-one. They should be prepared to nurture and care for you and not leave you alone, for example, by dancing with your friends while your date waits at the bar.
• If you're interested in someone else at the wedding, it's best to go by yourself. It can be hurtful to plan on ditching your plus-one, and the person you're chasing might not think you're available.
• If your friend is male, make sure he owns a suit unless the wedding is casual.

Consider exes

If you're looking for a plus-one for a wedding, one option is to consider exes you're civil with. Whether you're doing it in hopes of rekindling the relationship or because the thought of showing up to the wedding alone makes you cringe, someone you have history with and can stand being around without fighting with them may be a good option as your wedding date.

However, this is a tricky, sensitive issue, and there are several factors to consider before inviting an ex to a wedding. Firstly, think about the nature of the relationship and how your future spouse would feel about having this person at their wedding. If it's awkward for either of you, it's best to skip it. Communicate openly and honestly about how you feel, and be prepared to be shut down.

Another factor to consider is how involved your ex is in your current life. If they are still heavily involved and remain good friends with you, then it may make sense to invite them. On the other hand, if your partner has never met your ex and only hears about them when the guest list discussion comes up, you might want to reconsider the invitation.

It's also important to reflect on your motivation for wanting your ex to attend the wedding. Are you inviting them because you want them to see how happy you are without them, or because you have children together and want to maintain familial peace? Being honest about your intentions can help you make the right decision.

Inviting an ex to a wedding can be a complex and emotional choice, and it's essential to consider the feelings of all parties involved. Open communication and empathy are key to navigating this situation successfully.

Try online dating

If you're looking for a date for a wedding, online dating could be a great option. Here are some tips to help you navigate the world of online dating and increase your chances of finding a wedding date:

Firstly, it's important to choose the right dating app for you. Different apps cater to different preferences and relationship goals. Select an app that aligns with your partner preferences and values. For example, some apps are designed for casual hookups, while others focus on connecting users with the same religious beliefs or shared hobbies. Choosing an app that matches your interests and goals will increase your chances of finding someone compatible.

Once you've selected an app, it's time to create your profile. Pick photos that accurately represent your physical appearance and that you feel good about. A genuine smile and a slight head tilt can increase attractiveness and likeability, according to research. Write a concise and interesting description that highlights your unique qualities and what you're looking for in a partner. Be clear about your interests, values, and deal breakers to attract potential dates with similar interests and avoid wasting time on incompatible matches.

When interacting with potential dates, keep conversations short and engaging. Ask specific questions about their profile or likes and dislikes to show genuine interest. Keep the pre-face-to-face meeting period short, ideally two weeks or less, to avoid building unrealistic expectations. Consider scheduling a video call before meeting in person to ensure your match is who they claim to be and to get a better sense of their personality and compatibility.

When it comes to meeting in person, choose a public place like a coffee shop, restaurant, or bar for your first date. Avoid isolated locations and don't rely on your date for transportation, especially for the first meeting. Let a friend know where and when you're meeting, and consider checking in with them during the date or when you get home. Trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to leave or cut off communication if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point.

While online dating can be a great way to meet potential dates, it's important to stay safe and protect your personal information. Avoid sharing personal details such as your address or financial information with someone you haven't met in person. Be cautious of suspicious profiles or users who ask for financial assistance, and don't be afraid to block and report inappropriate behaviour.

Lastly, remember that online dating is a numbers game. Don't be discouraged if you don't find success right away. The more dates you go on and the more people you meet, the more comfortable you'll become with the process. Enjoy the experience, stay open-minded, and you might just find the perfect date for that wedding!

Ask the bride and groom

If you've been invited to a wedding and are unsure of who to bring, it's worth asking the bride and groom. They might be able to pair you with an eligible bachelor for the night, perhaps by sitting you together during the reception or even introducing you before the wedding. This can be a great way to take the pressure off if you don't want to arrive solo.

If you have a friend who is the life of the party, you could also consider bringing them as your plus-one, even if it's just platonic. That way, you can team up to make the night memorable. Alternatively, if you're on good terms with an ex, you could ask them to come with you, especially if you're hoping to rekindle the relationship.

If you have a couple of months to spare before the wedding, you could try online dating to find a date. You might even find someone you have a lot of fun with, even if it doesn't turn into a relationship.

Invite a work friend

If you're looking for a plus-one for a wedding, you don't have to limit yourself to considering only people you have a crush on or are romantically interested in. You can decide to bring a friend instead, 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. If there's someone in the office you consider your work husband or boyfriend, but you would never pursue a relationship with them, you can ask them to be your date. At least you know you have friendly chemistry with them, and the night spent eating, drinking, chatting, and dancing won't be awkward.

Before jumping into your work friends, jot down your entire wedding guest list. Then, answer the following questions: How many people are on that list, and how many people do you want at your wedding? From there, confirm the number of spots you have left and take a look at the people you work with. Whether it's your boss, the person you've sat next to for years, or people you hang out with after work, determine who really needs to attend your wedding and who can be left off the list.

Consider who you want to invite to your wedding based on who you speak to and hang out with outside of work. If there's someone you often grab drinks and dinner with and can envision being friends with them for a long time, inviting them to your wedding will bring significance to your big day.

However, just because you work with a lot of people doesn't mean you have to ask everyone to attend your wedding. The decision is completely up to you and should be based on who you have a true connection with, not who you feel obligated to invite. So, if there's no one from work you truly want there, feel free to take them off the guest list.

If you do decide to invite a work friend, be mindful of the colleagues you aren't inviting. Any coworkers who were not invited might have hurt feelings for not being included, and you have to work with these people and may need their help, which could become awkward. To prevent any hurt feelings, keep wedding talk to a minimum at work and don't bring the invitations to work. If the topic comes up, politely tell them they aren't invited.

Frequently asked questions