Image taken from Claudia & Felix’s NYC Jewish wedding by Stak Photography
I’ve most definitely attended far more weddings as a single lady then partnered up, and I can honestly say that I’ve had the best time at each and every one of them (aside from the moment when old uncle Sammy gave me a pitying look and whispered “Please G-d by you” in my ear). I think it’s because I’ve only ever attended really good friend’s, or cousin’s weddings minus a plus-one, so I’ve always enjoyed the celebrations alongside a wonderful circle of friends, or cousins and family.
I’ve always loved a good W-day (no surprise that I’m a wedding blogger then!) and have always relished partying with old faces, and potentially meeting new ones. But it’s not so straightforward for everybody, and certainly not easy at all if you don’t think you’ll know anyone but the couple on the big day.
Juliet Simmons, who is currently single, has a few candid thoughts on what it feels like to turn up at a wedding on your own, whether it’s because you don’t have a partner, your partner is away, or your partner simply hasn’t been invited. What do you think? Do you agree with Juliet’s sentiments? As a bride, will you be sensitive to your single friends when it comes to your wedding planning? Let us know in the comments section below.
Dear Friends
Thank you for inviting me to your wedding. Thank you for the beautiful invitation that landed, with a thud, on my doormat this morning. Thank you for counting me in and remembering to ask me — because believe me there are those that don’t and find one an odd number to think about in more ways than one. I’m grateful that you don’t.
I’m so looking forward to being with you, to celebrating and making memories that will create your special day. I really am. I know you’ve got lots to think about and I don’t want to add to your never ending to do list but had a few thoughts — I hope you don’t mind me sharing them.
I love that you’ve arranged for everyone to travel from the ceremony to the wedding reception together — such a nice touch and gives us a chance to chat on the way there (and compare photos on our phones). When I realised I gave a big sigh of relief as it means I don’t have to walk into the venue on my own — I don’t think anyone likes doing that do they?
I realise this is about you — not me — but when it comes to table planning I’d love it if you could sit me with people who I know. I don’t care if they are single or couples or old or young. I’d just like to know them and feel comfortable with them. Matching me up with someone on your big day should definitely not be your priority, so please don’t even think about trying to — one true love story per wedding (yours) should be quite enough.
I’m sure you’ve got an army of helpers sorted out for the big day but I just wanted to let you know that I’m very happy to be an extra pair of hands if you need me. If you have a list of people that you can just call on to do stuff then please feel free to add me to it — or if it’s easier to connect me with your head bridesmaid or whoever is keeping that list then you should just do that. I’m particularly happy to help if things need to be done when the slow sappy songs are on as it’s not the most fun time to be at a wedding on your own!
Well done for making it to the end of all of my lists. Like I said this is your big day not mine and I’m so glad that I’ll be there and be a part of it. Remember that I love you for inviting me and am already looking forward to sharing more special moments with you after the wedding.
I can’t wait to be with you and share the magic.
I’m counting down the days.
With lots of love xx
Juliet Simmons (pictured below) is the founder of Piece of Cake, a consultancy that creates and curates events and marketing campaigns for not-for-profits and those in the creative industries.
