So it's July, which means that if you're a Christian and over the age of 19, about six months ago you received a slew of artistically 'rustic' invitations. Yes, the wedding season is well and truly upon us. Nuptials are wonderful; a beautiful way to celebrate the love of two people who you probably like quite a lot (well, at least one of them anyway) with a free meal and the excuse to dress up. But if you happen to be going solo they are not without their awkward moments. Whether it's staring intently at your drink wishing you had someone to talk to, dodging the slightly over-keen usher, or being put on to the end of the kids table, the whole day can turn into a bit of a social minefield. But fear not, at Christian Today we've pooled our collective wisdom and compiled a survival guide to help you make the most of the day.
Bring your wingman/woman
There's a lot of standing around – before the service; after the service; before the meal; after the meal...you get the idea. And it only gets worse when the dancing begins, especially if you don't know anyone. Do yourself a favour and accept the plus one if it's offered, or, if you feel able, ask if you can bring a friend to the reception. Hovering awkwardly on the edge of a group of people who've known each other since primary school becomes a whole lot easier (and funnier) when you're doing it with your best friend by your side. Just be warned that if you bring someone of the opposite sex, you will spend the whole day explaining that you're not together – so don't invite someone you quite fancy but haven't told them yet. If they end up denying that you're a couple too vehemently, you might spend the rest of the evening crying in the loo. Not ideal.
Travel in packs
There's a reason they used to make you have a bus-buddy on school trips – it makes the whole thing much more fun (that is the point isn't it?). What isn't so much fun is walking into a church full of excited family and friends and scanning the room for a seat while trying not to look desperately friendless. Catch a lift with someone if you can – ask if there's anyone coming from your direction, and generously foist your friendship upon them. But remember that if you organise a group lift back then you can't escape early, even if the DJ had his heyday in the 80s and you've run out of things to say.
Always be prepared
The Scouts are a wise bunch. This doesn't mean you need to take a penknife (not a good way to make friends) but perhaps ask the happy couple for a bit of prep before the big day. Ask where you'll be sitting at the meal, or if there are any others coming who you might get on well with (hello networking points). And if you're not in the mood to be set up it's probably good to make that clear ahead of time, before you find yourself squished next to the groom's second cousin and spend four hours listening to tales from his gap year with Soul Survivor.
Put on your emotional armour
Whether you're happily single or otherwise, weddings have a tendency to bring out ALL THE FEELINGS. They are crucibles for emotional meltdown (for married people too), and it's easy to end up comparing your own life with the glorious display of love and devotion before your eyes. Be prepared for that, and be kind to yourself. This includes having some self-control: don't text the guy you went on one date with last April or snog the nearest unsuspecting person come 11pm. You'll thank us later.
Know your exits
Don't be afraid to leave. It's always good to have an exit strategy, and let's be honest, the bride and groom are far too busy fending off thousands of relatives to worry that you're heading off before the last song. Have a good time, meet some new people, and then make your way out if you're not feeling it. Don't guilt yourself into staying until the last of the buffet has been hoovered up.
Keep an open mind
Weddings are a time of joy. It's all about the couple getting married – not about you, so even if there is the occasional awkward moment try to make the best of it. If you're sat next to Great Aunt Maude, she probably has some great stories up her sleeve – and it's a perfect opportunity to stock up on embarrassing stories about your friend. If you're eating dinner at the kids' table, unleash your inner child and embrace that intense rock, paper, scissors tournament with wild abandon. Let's face it, even the smug marrieds can't be as bad as Bridget Jones makes out. A word of warning though – 'open mind' doesn't mean 'I'm open mindedly imagining that I'll be seated next to the man/woman of my dreams'. Reports suggest this does happen de temps en temps, but best not to plan for it.
