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Weddings can be truly beautiful and magical moments, allowing you to spend time with your close friends and family and connect over the celebration of the happy couple.
Whether you are attending a wedding as a mother, a sister, a cousin or a friend, there are many things you need to take into consideration. Yep, you may think the bride is going to be stressed before the big day, but the chances are that you’re going to get worked up if you’re not organized.
From finding the right outfit and buying a gift to choosing the right plus one and booking a hotel so you don’t have to leave the party early, we’ve put together everything you need to think about when attending a wedding, either as a daytime guest or as a nighttime guest.
Finding the right outfit
Something else that you need to take into consideration when attending a wedding is finding the right church suits for the occasion. Indeed, many websites offer church suits for women, so you should shop around and find an outfit that not only reflects your style and personality, but is suitable for the occasion and does not clash with the bride’s outfit. A traditional African wedding, for example, might see you don some colourful garments, where lighter tones may be required for a Western wedding. The wedding invitation often gives a hint as to the dress code, but if you’re not sure, then speak with friends and family so you don’t under/overdress.
Shop around and find an outfit that works for you – it can be fun trying on different styles and seeing what’s out there on the market. The best part is that by buying online, you don’t have to head to the high street and spend hours squeezing into dresses, suits and more. You can often find cheap outfits online, too, so do your research if you’d like to save some money!
Buying a gift
One of the hardest parts about attending a wedding is deciding on what you should buy the newlyweds as a wedding gift. The good news is that most couples will put together their own wishlist, full of items to kit out their home.
They may even ask for you to make a donation towards their honeymoon, or to a charity of their choice, so make sure you ask them what they would prefer before you get buying. One word of advice: if you’ve been given a list, then try not to go off-list, as the chances are that won’t have the need or room for your present.
If you’re totally stuck and don’t have any wedding gift ideas, then consider a photo album full of special memories, some new household appliances like a fridge, microwave or bin, or you could go all-out and create a personalized canvas featuring the happy couple.
There are so many ideas, so think outside of the box and research before the big day. If all else fails, gift cards or cash is often the most sensible option that’s sure to put a smile on their faces.
Organising transport
If you’re not part of the main cohort, then you should consider organising your own transport in the run-up to the event, even more so if you’re attending the daytime and evening events and want to be able to get home at the end of the night.
You could ask a friend to give you a lift, or book a taxi or minibus so that you all get home in one piece. If you’d prefer, you could drive to the wedding and entertainments venue, but bear in mind that parking may be tough, so speak with the couple to confirm arrangements before you set off.
Finally, if you know lots of people at the wedding, then suggest a car share to save on petrol and parking spaces.
Looking into accommodation
If you want to really let your hair down and have a good time at the wedding and reception, then you should consider booking yourself into a nearby hotel or bed and breakfast on the day of the event.
Sure, it’s more expensive than getting a taxi, but it gives you peace of mind that you’ve got somewhere to go when the celebrations die down, and you won’t have to worry about using public transport or waiting for a lift in the early hours of the morning.
The best part is that you’ll likely get
Choosing a guest
Finally, you should think about an appropriate guest that you can bring with you to the wedding.
If you’ve been given a plus one and you don’t know who to take, then you’ve got a dilemma on your hands. Don’t take your boyfriend or partner if they’re going to sit in the corner bored all night – consider asking a friend who will keep you company and help you to have a good time.
If you’re single, then bring another single friend and you may be asked to sit on the Singles’ Table, which may sound totally awkward, but can actually be good fun once you let your hair down with a few vodka and Diet Cokes.
Just remember to bring along some toiletries to freshen up during the day, like
There you have it – some of the most important things to think about when attending a wedding.
Being a guest during someone’s big day is a privilege, so don’t make an excuse not to attend, even if you’re busy or don’t feel up to it. Being in a room with your friends and family and celebrating is a real treat, and a good way to relax after a stressful week at work.
Whether you’re attending your very first wedding or you’re a seasoned pro, we wish you the very best of luck. Have fun, follow our guidance, and celebrate like the best of them!
