Wedding season is upon us, and for many singletons, this time of year can be a bit of a minefield. When it feels like everyone is getting engaged, (have they really even been dating that long?!) to lead-up events, and of course, the actual wedding can all be daunting prospects when you are flying solo. Fear not, though, as we have put together some survival tips to help you navigate this fun and festive season with ease.
So. Many. Events:
First things first, let’s talk about the lead-up events. Engagements, followed by engagement parties, bridal showers, and bachelorette parties are all part of the wedding season experience, but they can be a little overwhelming when you feel like you are celebrating everyone around you and their progressions in life. Our advice? Embrace it! These events are a great opportunity to let your hair down, meet new people, and celebrate people you love. We like to remind ourselves, two things can be true at once! You can be bummed to be riding solo, and so happy for your nearest and dearest seeing their dreams come true. Remember, you are not alone – your feelings are valid and they happen to be the best of us. So, take a deep breath, put on your best party dress, and hit the dance floor with gusto!
Wedding Woes:
Now, let’s talk about the main event: the wedding itself. If you’re lucky enough to get a plus one, but don’t have anyone to bring along, don’t panic. This is your chance to get creative. Why not take your best friend, your sister, or even your mom as your date? Just make sure you check with the happy couple beforehand to make sure they’re okay with it. And if you aren’t given a plus one or don’t have a plus one, don’t worry about it. Weddings are a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and maybe even meet someone special. Don’t be bashful – being single at weddings can be a dream. Married couples love playing matchmaker, put your pride to the side and embrace being single and ready to mingle!
Room for one, please:
Now, let’s talk accommodations for one. If you’re travelling to attend a wedding, make sure you treat yourself to a nice hotel room. It might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, but trust us, you’ll thank yourself later for splurging on a little luxury. And if you’re worried about feeling lonely, don’t be. Hotels are full of interesting people, and there are usually plenty of social areas where you can meet other travelers. Too many weddings this season for all of the splurging? Let us give a little hint to those married friends out there: invite your single bff to share your room with you and your partner! Two queens are easy to accommodate and it will help everyone save.
The Singles Table:
But what about sitting at the singles table? Ah, the dreaded singles table. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as you think. In fact, it can be a lot of fun. You’re surrounded by other people who are in the same boat as you, so embrace it. Use it as an opportunity to strike up conversations with new people and make some new friends. And who knows, you might even find yourself hitting it off with someone at the table.
Dreaded Small Talk:
Ah, the awkward small talk question: “So, what’s going on in your life?” For many of us, this can be a tricky question to answer, especially when everyone else seems to be hitting all the major life milestones while we’re still trying to figure things out. But fear not, there are ways to combat this awkward moment with a bit of humor and confidence. One approach is to highlight the exciting things you have going on, no matter how small they may seem to you. For example, maybe you’ve just started a new hobby or embarked on a solo trip. Share these things with enthusiasm and watch as the conversation starts to flow. Remember, the grass is always greener.
You are doing just fine!
Of course, there will always be those moments when it feels like everyone else is way ahead of you in life. Maybe they’re talking about their growing families or their perfect person, and you can’t help but feel a little inadequate in comparison. But here’s the thing: comparison is the thief of joy. Just because someone else is on a different path doesn’t mean that your own journey is any less valid or fulfilling. So, the next time you feel yourself getting bogged down by someone else’s success, remind yourself that there’s no timeline for your life. Everyone moves at their own pace, and success comes in many forms. Whether it’s work success or personal growth, a killer career, or a focus on self-care, every step forward is still progress. And hey, who knows? Maybe your time to shine is just around the corner.