Whether you’ve been invited without a plus-one (rude!) or your partner-in-crime has bailed out at the last minute (also rude!), attending a wedding solo can feel somewhat intimidating. This is perfectly natural; after all, for some of us, heading to a social event unaccompanied can make us feel like outcasts. Having said that, the older I’ve got, the more I’ve come to realise that with the right planning and attitude, this can be turned into an opportunity.
- Dress Well & Comfortably: Choosing the right outfit is the first step in ensuring a successful evening. Pick something that you feel comfortable wearing, and which makes you feel like a million bucks. This will boost your confidence and make it so much easier to walk in alone. As a bonus, do consider adding an accessory that can act as an ice-breaker, like a vintage brooch or a real flower, which may even get people to approach and compliment you.
- Don’t Immediately Reach For Your Phone: You’ve made it to the reception, and you’ve got yourself a drink. For some solo attendees, this is the moment they head to the nearest corner and whip out their phone. Instead, you should go nearer to the crowd. This will help you spot any friends or acquaintances you didn’t know were attending. It also makes you seem more approachable in case someone else is in the same situation.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Introduce Yourself & Make Small Talk: Waiting for a drink next to someone who’s also alone? Don’t be afraid to pass a (positive) comment about the venue, the catering, or the happy couple. Not all chats have to be long or deep, but you may just be surprised by which ones turn out to be.
- Don’t Necessarily Stick To One Group: So, you’ve seen an acquaintance, and you walked over to say hello. This is great. Feel free to also introduce yourself to whomever they’re talking to, too. However, remain aware of the vibes and take your leave if the small talk is fizzling out or if they appear keen to get back to the topic they were discussing before you approached them. There will be other opportunities to chat to this group again later if you wish to do so.
- Hit the Dance Floor: Solo or not, you should never feel bad about hitting the dance floor. Plus, if you’ve played your cards right, you’ll probably spot someone you’ve chatted to earlier. You may even end up meeting someone new who’s willing to boogie the night away with you. Just, once again, keep the vibes in check.
Ultimately, weddings are social occasions, and most people are happy to make new friends. So keep things light, stay approachable, and don’t overthink your being alone at the event. You are certainly not the only one there, and no one is going to be pointing at you because of it.
