"Even Without Friends, They Still Come! What Kind of Kind Consideration Can We Offer to Solo Guests?"

2021.01.24 published

【Problem】Solo Guest

When inviting friends to a wedding, it’s standard to create a guest list by grouping friends from “elementary and junior high school,” “high school,” or “college club members.”

However, there are surely some friends who are not closely associated with anyone else and don’t belong to any particular group.

For instance, there might be a friend from elementary or junior high school that you haven’t kept in touch with anyone else, or a friend you met through a shared hobby as an adult.

For the guest, the wedding might feel like an away game... this can happen too.

@tekutekusawada

You might feel hesitant about inviting them, but surely they would want to see you in your bridal attire!

However, attending a wedding alone can be awkward. Waiting alone in a reception area while everybody else is saying “long time no see!” can be lonely…!

It would be kind of you to consider them and come up with ways to prevent any uncomfortable feelings ♡

So, this time, we’ll introduce some thoughtful gestures that the bride can do for friends who are attending solo. ♩

Thoughtful Gesture 1: Check with Other Friends

The first thing you should do is reach out to other close friends in advance!

You can say something like, “I have a friend who’s coming to the wedding alone, and since they aren’t part of any group, they might feel left out… would it be okay if we sit together?”

It’s also helpful to briefly explain your relationship with that friend ♩

@a_uink

Thoughtful Gesture 2: Invite Them to a Pre-Wedding Gathering

One bride took her solo-attending friend along with their mutual group to a meal prior to the wedding!

It’s not just about reaching out; actually meeting at least once can make it easier to arrange meetups on the wedding day ♩

Thoughtful Gesture 3: Invite Their Partner

If your friend is married and you get along with their spouse, it might be a good idea to invite their partner as well!

In this case, talk to your friend, saying something like, “Don’t worry about the monetary gift, but would it be okay if your husband joins too?”

Having their spouse around ensures there’s someone for your friend to talk to, which can be reassuring ♡

@atelierdefleurir

Thoughtful Gesture 4: Write Introduction Notes

One bride wrote introduction notes for the guests' place cards and for those seated at the same table.

Including their profession or field of study can help spark conversations.

While it’s common to include a brief introduction in seating charts, some guests might feel shy about being introduced to everyone, so discreetly placing notes only at tables where there is a solo friend is a good idea ♩

@bett_tertogether

Let's Help Solo Guests Enjoy the Wedding ♩

We introduced some thoughtful gestures that brides can do for friends attending solo at the wedding.

Solo guests likely come with mixed feelings: "I really want to celebrate my beloved bride! But attending a wedding filled with strangers feels a bit awkward...!"

By reaching out actively, we can alleviate the anxiety of friends attending alone. ◎

@a_uink