How to Attend a Wedding Alone

Not having a date for a wedding can be a good thing, if you know how to work it.

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Everything you need to know about engagements, bridal showers, and weddings, whether you're the bride, the groom, or a guest.

You Will Need

  • A hotel room
  • A killer suit or dress
  • Conversation openers
  • Dance lessons

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Get a room

    Reserve a room where the bride and groom suggest you stay, likely the nearest place to the reception. You can get rides with other guests, or perhaps catch a shuttle to the festivities. This way, you can drink with abandon and freshen up at will.

  2. Step 2

    Buy a killer outfit

    Spring for a killer outfit.

  3. Step 3

    Take dance lessons

    If you’re nervous on the dance floor, invest in a few lessons so you’ll feel confident getting jiggy with other solo guests.

  4. Do your homework—have the bride or groom give you a rundown of the other solo guests. Ask well in advance if they’ll seat you at a table with cute singles.

  5. Step 4

    Work the cocktail hour

    Scope out potential dance partners at the cocktail hour, in case you get stuck at a loser table.

  6. Befriend the bartender at the start of the evening. That way, you’ll always have a friendly person to hang out with—and to smooth introductions to other singles.

  7. Step 5

    Make the first move

    Make the first move—whether it’s asking someone to dance or simply chatting them up.

  8. Step 6

    Talk to everyone

    Talk to as many new people as you can; you never know who might know someone who is perfect for you.

  9. Step 7

    Have a nightcap

    Have a nightcap at the hotel bar with all your new friends. It’s where everyone who doesn’t have to run home to a babysitter goes when the reception ends.

  10. The average number of guests invited to a wedding is 164.

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