Some of us are being invited to a different wedding every week, and those of us who are not married or in a committed relationship may want to take a date! If you want to take a “plus one,” there are some general things to avoid and things to do to make it a nice night without drama! Today we’ll give some advice on taking a date to a wedding!
- Dress appropriately: While you aren’t expected to match your date, dress as the dress code requires. A suit that is clean, fits well, and is in style is always a safe bet, regardless of the season, time of day, and the formality of the wedding.
- Make sure you can bring a date: Clear both the person you’ve invited and that you can bring someone before showing up to a wedding with a date. Without proper notice, things can get awkward. Your date may not have a place to sit, a plate of food, and it could just come across as rude to the bride and groom.
- Don’t assume: If you’re in a stable relationship and you were at the time you were invited, don’t assume your partner is automatically invited. Clear their attendance with the bride and groom.
- If you’re unsure: If you think you’re likely to bring a date when you RSVP, ask ahead of time if you can bring someone. It’s better to not show up with a date when you said you would than show up with one uninvited. That way there’s less pressure if you and your partner split right before the wedding. You can bring a friend or a romantic interest.
- Don’t lie to your date: If you want this to be just a fun outing, let them know. If you have romantic intentions, let them know. Don’t just say “want to go to a wedding with me?” and leave it at that. Let them know who the wedding is for, their relation to you, why you asked them, etc.
- “Wedding Date” can sound like a serious next step: If you’re seeing someone and you invite them to a wedding, be prepared for them to ask if this means your relationship is getting more serious. Follow tip 5 on how to handle this.
- Pay attention to your date: Whether it’s a friend, family member, or romantic interest, don’t ignore them. You can dance with someone else, but don’t flirt with other guests if you brought a “date date,” and don’t run off without notice even if your date is your cousin.
- Introduce your date: Make them feel included, introduce them to other guests or the wedding party, help them get to know others, and make sure they know they’re welcome to the party.
- Don’t overdo anything: Do not drink too much, do not over eat (causing laziness or lethargy), do not make huge shows of affection towards your date, and just be a good guest. You don’t need to draw attention to yourselves on someone else’s wedding day!
- Be polite: Have manners, show your date a good time, and be a gentleman! Don’t let your date get lost, feel alone, over drink, get upset, or feel as if they’re not having fun.
Whatever you do at a wedding this summer, talk to Rose Tuxedo for all of your suit and tuxedo needs. And keep checking back for survival guides, fashion tips, and more!
