On occasion, you won’t be able to attend a wedding-related event — or worse, you’ll have to go stag! Here’s how to deal with invitations like these without being impolite.
Dear Wedding Guru: “My husband and I have been invited to our friend’s daughter’s engagement party. My husband works out of the country and won’t be able to attend. This is a large cocktail party, and although we’re close to the bride’s parents, I won’t know most of the other guests well enough to stand around and carry on conversation. Can I take a female friend with me in place of my husband? Or should I just be brave and attend alone?”
(Our answer on next page)
» More on wedding invitations
» More from The Wedding Guru
» Submit a question to the Wedding Guru
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2012
The Wedding Guru says: In your words, “be brave and attend alone!” You might just meet several interesting people… but in case you don’t and you feel uncomfortable, stay for a toast or two, give your congratulations to the bridal couple, the host and hostess, and then make your exit. (Keep in mind this works best in a large crowd, so you won’t be missed.) If it was a small gathering, you’d have to grin and bear it, and stay until the end of the evening. But if you feel that you’ll be outrageously uncomfortable, you can politely turn down the invitation and make an excuse for why you can’t attend. (I hope that’s not the route you chose, however!)
» More on wedding invitations
» More from The Wedding Guru
» Submit a question to the Wedding Guru
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2012
