It’s summer, which means one thing: wedding season. Sure, it’s wonderful if you’re the one getting married. But for those of us who aren’t flying off to Jamaica after the ceremony, the excitement can feel a little forced. Endless travel, weirdly timed ceremonies, questionable buffet chicken — it’s enough to make you wonder if you accidentally RSVP’d to a medieval festival instead of a modern wedding.
So how do you make it through all the weddings you’re invited to this summer without losing your sanity (or your entire paycheck)? Here are a few keys.
Eat beforehand
No wedding in the history of weddings has ever taken place at a convenient time. The ceremony might only last an hour, but where they really get you is that long, “Lord of the Rings” trilogy-feeling gap between the ceremony and the reception. You can’t be expected to Cha Cha Slide if you haven’t been given the proper Cha Cha Slide nutrients.
This is why you need to eat a full meal before you leave your house. Yes, even if the invitation promises “heavy hors d’oeuvres” or a “lavish dinner.” Trust no one. That way, the worst-case scenario is you’re too full to go through the buffet line again — but that’s still a better fate than sitting at your table nibbling on a tiny salad and praying the photographer releases you from your table prison soon.
Choose the right outfit
When it comes to choosing an outfit, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure your outfit is appropriate for the occasion. Double check — maybe even triple check — the invitation to find out the dress code. If it says “black tie optional,” don’t assume that means jeans and a slightly nicer T-shirt.
Second, choose something you feel comfortable and confident in. Remember, you might be wearing this for eight hours while chasing down waiters for more bacon-wrapped dates. And finally, make sure your outfit doesn’t clash with the bride’s dress. It was funny when Kelly Kapoor wore white on “The Office.” It’s never as funny in real life.
If you’re not sure what to wear, err on the side of caution. A simple, classic outfit is always a safe bet. And if you’re still stuck, ask the bride or groom — or someone in the wedding party — for guidance. They’d rather answer your question than watch you show up looking like you’re headed to a Vegas pool party.
Buy comfortable shoes
You may think you can get away with those shiny, uncomfortable shoes because “they look good in photos,” but after the third hour, you’ll regret every life decision that brought you here. Guys, invest in black shoes that don’t feel like medieval torture devices. Ladies, those towering heels may look incredible, but unless you’re training for the Cirque du Soleil balance team, consider bringing a backup pair of flats.
Think about it: You’ll be standing, dancing and possibly running to catch the bouquet. Your feet deserve better than being squished into some leopard-print stilts for the entire day. Bonus tip: Stash some blister pads in your bag, just in case.
Be respectful of the couple’s wishes
The couple has spent countless hours obsessing over every detail of this day — from the color of the napkins to whether the DJ is allowed to play “Sweet Caroline.” The least you can do is honor their requests.
Be on time (early is even better). Nothing ruins a bride’s walk down the aisle like Cousin Greg loudly shuffling in looking for a seat. If they’ve asked you not to take photos or videos, resist the urge to become an unpaid content creator. And if they’ve asked you to dance, don’t leave them hanging. You don’t have to go full “Dancing with the Stars,” but at least pretend you have some rhythm.
Have fun, but remember the photographer
By all means, enjoy yourself. But remember, this is an event with professional photographers capturing every moment, plus a dozen aunts armed with iPhones. You don’t want the biggest takeaway from the day to be your wild dance face immortalized in someone’s Instagram story.
Moderation is key. You can absolutely have a great time and be the life of the party without looking like you’re performing a solo interpretive dance about midlife crises.
When all else fails, just buy a gift
Your friends want you to attend, but they’ll also appreciate a good gift even if you can’t make it. In the same way that love covers a multitude of sins, a generous gift covers a multitude of missed RSVP deadlines and awkward excuses.
No one has ever said, “Wow, I’m so glad Rachel came to the wedding even though she didn’t bring a gift.” But people definitely say, “That was so generous of Rachel to send that espresso machine!”
If you splurge on a nice gift — like a robot vacuum or a fancy dinnerware set — no one will mind if you spend the actual wedding day at home eating takeout and watching Netflix. After all, wedding season is really about celebrating love… and adding cool gadgets to your friend’s kitchen.
So take a deep breath, stock up on snacks and get ready to show off your best (or at least semi-coordinated) dance moves. You might even have a little fun along the way.
