Dating Tales

It’s a common issue among many bridesmaids: Do I bring a date to my friend’s wedding? I think it depends on the wedding, your friend, and most importantly your date. Here are seven things to consider:

Consideration one: Will your date be entertained when you are not around?

As a bridesmaid you are responsible to follow the bride wherever she goes. This includes the shopping, brunch, pedicure and rehearsal the day before. On the day of, just plan on being by her side from the moment she wakes up until the minute she’s in the limo on the way back to the hotel. She chose you because she wants your help and companionship through the whole experience. So be there, without your date. He should be able to entertain himself without you.

Consideration two: Can your date make friends with your friends?

While you are off drying tears and holding up a wedding dress while she pees, you need to be confident your date will make friends with your friends and the

dates of your friends. You want him to impress your friends, not turn them off. See consideration number one.

Consideration three: Will he say you look beautiful tonight?

Part of the fun of a wedding is getting dressed up, looking beautiful and enjoying the sentimentality of the whole event. Will your date appreciate your stunning looks and the romance of a wedding? A date that just doesn’t care about weddings will act as a buzz kill, so choose someone you know will make you feel good.

Consideration four: Make a date for on the dance floor.

Once the dinner responsibilities are through, make a date with your date to meet on the dance floor for the first slow song. This will make him feel part of it and also guarantee at least five minutes of semi-alone time.

Consideration five: The introductions.

Go out of your way to introduce your date to the bride, groom, their families, and your friends. Make him and the bride feel part of it by knowing everyone’s names. (See consideration number one.)

Consideration six: It’s not about you.

Don’t talk about your date or relationship with the bride; or anything other than her wedding, for that matter. It is cliché, but it truly is her day so leave you, your date, and your distaste for the bridesmaids dress out of any and all conversations.

Consideration seven: Is the guest list overstuffed?

Since you are a bridesmaid you are probably privy to the number of guests on the list and her budget. If you’ve heard her complain, stress, or bicker about the number of guests and her exceedingly expensive wedding, consider not bringing a date. It’s a favor, a plate, and several drinks that she is paying for and probably not that psyched about paying for either.

Happy wedding season!