{"id":1608108,"date":"2022-03-03T15:02:27","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T20:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/?p=1608108"},"modified":"2022-03-03T15:03:35","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T20:03:35","slug":"a-solo-girls-guide-to-crashing-a-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divine.ca\/en\/a-solo-girls-guide-to-crashing-a-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"A Solo Girl\u2019s Guide to Crashing A Wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"

I wouldn\u2019t say that I am a serial crasher but over the years and throughout my global travels, I may have taken part in a function or two where I may not have been on the original invite list.  There has been a wedding or two; I once joined a Christmas party, introduced myself as \u2018Natalie from accounting,\u2019 and sang a hearty karaoke version of \u2018Do They Know It\u2019s Christmas Time.\u2019 Most recently, I joined an exciting wedding in Puerto Rico at the stunning Copamarina Beach Resort<\/a> in the south.<\/p>\n

\"Puerto
Photo: Courtesy of Natalie Preddie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are, however, rules when joining an event like this. One cannot simply waltz into a party and expect to be treated as an invitee.  Don\u2019t worry, my friend – I have tips for navigating such social situations. Next time you are traveling solo and see a celebration you\u2019d like to join, here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n

Assess the vibe<\/h2>\n

Most of us can feel the energy in a room: Is this a gregarious, relaxed bunch or is the dance floor filled with more of the tight lipped, shuffling type? Does the bride look happy and carefree or is she stressing in the corner? Is it a younger group or mostly Great Aunts and the groom\u2019s parent\u2019s friends? How long has everyone been drinking?<\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t sure, stand on the side or by the door for a while and suss it out. Catch a few eyes, send out a few smiles, and measure the response. You want to be respectful of the hosts, the people who were ACTUALLY invited and most importantly, the bride and groom.<\/p>\n

\"Crashing
Photo: Courtesy of Natalie Preddie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Find a friend<\/h2>\n

If everyone seems inviting, your next task is to find a friend that will help you integrate into the group. Loiter somewhere accessible (near-ish the bar?) and keep flashing those pearly whites. Spark a conversation or two (Doesn\u2019t the bride look gorgeous<\/a>?  I love the bridesmaid dresses! Isn\u2019t this DJ great?<\/em>), until you have successfully engaged someone in conversation. This person is now your wedding buddy.<\/p>\n

Have your wedding buddy give you the lay of the land: Who are the bride and groom? Bridesmaids? Anyone to avoid? Relaxed group of people? Has the day been relatively stress free? Your wedding buddy will introduce you to other guests, handle your first drink (if it is a cash bar, offer to buy theirs) and hopefully, get you on the dancefloor.<\/p>\n

Keep assessing the vibe. If it ever feels like you\u2019re overstaying your welcome, you probably are.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get too drunk<\/h2>\n

No one wants to be that messy guest on the dancefloor, and you definitely do not want to be that messy uninvited guest on the dancefloor. This is for several reasons:<\/p>\n