There are the good ones, the bad ones, and the down right ugly ones. But occasions we have to attend are inevitable. Being the start of the year, we are going to give our tips on how to survive them! Birthdays are fairly predictable, Funerals, though not pleasant are fairly straight forward. The hardest thing to navigate is the wedding.
Weddings
What to wear.
Comparatively simple for the bride, utter nightmare for everyone else. Have a look at what the bridesmaids are wearing, or what the colour scheme is for the wedding or the flowers. A good tip is to stock up on summer/evening dresses in the January sales (so now!) Because you know that it's always the way, none for years and then six in one summer!
Go for pretty, delicate, non slutty, unagressive styles like the above. If you struggle in heels make sure you are wearing something comfortable. You will most likely be on your feet late into the day and night.
Play fair: don't try and upstage the bride, and although you can wear white and black to weddings, it's bad form to do so. You don't have to wear hats to a wedding, but it is a good excuse to. (See our post on hats here!)
RSVP
You really need to RVSP promptly and politely to wedding invitations, whether you want to go or not. When replying to the invite casually call and find out a little bit more about the wedding. This can influence your dress code, do you take a shawl? will there be grass, cobbles etc to navigate in heels?
Wedding Lists
If they have a wedding list, go for it. Give them what they want, and save yourself hours of agony. If all you can afford is a sugar bowl lid, so be it.
Food
Have a full english breakfast in the morning as you don't know when you will see food again. There is the service, the photos, the line up, all manner of rituals and alcoholic moments to get through before you taste a morsel. Line your stomach.
Being Single
For some reason being single at a wedding is SO much worse than being single at any other time. Never go to a wedding alone, seriously. Traditions say that this is the place to meet your potential partner, and if this is the case you don't want anyone cramping your style? I would take your best boy friend, your gay best friend, SOMEONE, honestly. Make sure however you have a plus one, often weddings are extremely tight on seating etc, so don't just roll up with a guest. So why not go alone if you want to meet your mate? well a friend will make you seem much more approachable, and you can have a partner in crime for the day. If you are alone you will have to nurse the obligatory flute of champagne, standing alone and a bit like a deer in headlights.
Think Of Others
If you do see someone of their own, go up and say something to them compliment their dress, etc. Make them feel better about being alone!
Exits
Know when to leave. It is considered bad luck to leave before the cutting of the cake. Always pre book a cab, why do you think Cinderella caused such a sensation at the ball? She left early. Always leave people wanting more. If you arrive knowing when you are leaving you can calculate how long can mingle, how long you can drink, how long you can charm etc!
What to Say...
In case you get tongue tied, glazed over, or are really quite drunk, have a prepared conversation opener in your mind:
Bride: You look beautiful, who made your dress?
Groom: She looks beautiful, where did you get her ring?
Best Man: Great speech, got any friends?
In laws bride side: You must be very proud
In laws grooms side: You must be very relieved.
Think hats, or a black tulle side veil.
Take inspiration from Jackie O at JFK's funeral, think Princess Diana at Gianni Versace's funeral.
Take tissues; if you don't need them someone else will.
Pre order flowers.
Never turn up late.
Wakes: Go - but not for long.
Don't mention money, or settling old scores.
Write down all you friends' birthdays in your address book, as not to forget (facebook may tell you, but send a card!) Send it with diamonds, send it with cake, say it with meaning!
Anyone can remember Christmas. Birthdays are for the individual so that day must be special for them.
'Tis better to give than to receive. Try to give something unique and reflects how you feel about them. Cakes and candles are always essential. Other than the early years, 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, and 60 are the only birthdays that really matter, the only ones that really need the big party etc.
You are only these ages ONCE, PARTY!
Hope our tips help you a little!
You really need to RVSP promptly and politely to wedding invitations, whether you want to go or not. When replying to the invite casually call and find out a little bit more about the wedding. This can influence your dress code, do you take a shawl? will there be grass, cobbles etc to navigate in heels?
Wedding Lists
If they have a wedding list, go for it. Give them what they want, and save yourself hours of agony. If all you can afford is a sugar bowl lid, so be it.
Food
Have a full english breakfast in the morning as you don't know when you will see food again. There is the service, the photos, the line up, all manner of rituals and alcoholic moments to get through before you taste a morsel. Line your stomach.
Being Single
For some reason being single at a wedding is SO much worse than being single at any other time. Never go to a wedding alone, seriously. Traditions say that this is the place to meet your potential partner, and if this is the case you don't want anyone cramping your style? I would take your best boy friend, your gay best friend, SOMEONE, honestly. Make sure however you have a plus one, often weddings are extremely tight on seating etc, so don't just roll up with a guest. So why not go alone if you want to meet your mate? well a friend will make you seem much more approachable, and you can have a partner in crime for the day. If you are alone you will have to nurse the obligatory flute of champagne, standing alone and a bit like a deer in headlights.
Think Of Others
If you do see someone of their own, go up and say something to them compliment their dress, etc. Make them feel better about being alone!
Exits
Know when to leave. It is considered bad luck to leave before the cutting of the cake. Always pre book a cab, why do you think Cinderella caused such a sensation at the ball? She left early. Always leave people wanting more. If you arrive knowing when you are leaving you can calculate how long can mingle, how long you can drink, how long you can charm etc!
What to Say...
In case you get tongue tied, glazed over, or are really quite drunk, have a prepared conversation opener in your mind:
Bride: You look beautiful, who made your dress?
Groom: She looks beautiful, where did you get her ring?
Best Man: Great speech, got any friends?
In laws bride side: You must be very proud
In laws grooms side: You must be very relieved.
Funerals
A solemn, sad and much more straightforward event. Wear black day wear not evening wear, and not too tarty. Think demure rather than black widow. Think soft make up, think water proof mascara.Think hats, or a black tulle side veil.
Take inspiration from Jackie O at JFK's funeral, think Princess Diana at Gianni Versace's funeral.
Take tissues; if you don't need them someone else will.
Pre order flowers.
Never turn up late.
Wakes: Go - but not for long.
Don't mention money, or settling old scores.
Birthdays
Men carelessly forget the, while women try to and cannot. Birthdays herald another year has passed, another wrinkle, another wealth of experience, another chapter in life's rich tapestry. On your birthday write a list of things you want to achieve in the coming year - and review it on your next birthday to where life has taken you.Write down all you friends' birthdays in your address book, as not to forget (facebook may tell you, but send a card!) Send it with diamonds, send it with cake, say it with meaning!
Anyone can remember Christmas. Birthdays are for the individual so that day must be special for them.
'Tis better to give than to receive. Try to give something unique and reflects how you feel about them. Cakes and candles are always essential. Other than the early years, 18, 21, 30, 40, 50, and 60 are the only birthdays that really matter, the only ones that really need the big party etc.
You are only these ages ONCE, PARTY!
Hope our tips help you a little!
I may be attending another wedding again for the first time in years, so this post was really helpful thanks! x
ReplyDeletehttp://heyitshannaah.blogspot.co.uk/
Fishnet+mini for funeral? I don't see it... Beyond that - nice post!
ReplyDeleteHave to agree to disagree on that one haha
Delete