Almost a year ago, when a close friend told me that he was getting married in a mountain location requiring a weekend trip, I bristled inside. It’s enough to attend a wedding, but please don’t make me travel to get there (and stay a night or two). With the nuptials soon approaching, it turns out that there is plenty to look forward to:
– I get to wear a pretty dress (though guests have been advised not to wear heels as we’ll be walking through the woods).
– I’ll be carpooling and won’t have to drive.
– A number of us have rented a comfortable house in which each boudoir has at least a queen size bed, so as the only single person I won’t be relegated to the kids room (BTW, deal breaker).
– There will be fun people seated near me.
– The ceremony will be presided over by an inspiring Rabbi who knows how to invigorate rituals.
What do YOU need to have fun at a wedding?
Image: Mirage by Beth Hoeckel
If there’s a reception that involves dancing, a good band/DJ. Guests who interact with each other usually make things more fun, too.
Sounds like a wonderful weekend you have planned!
Booze.
Most definitely!
An invitation that includes a plus one even if I choose not to exercise the option. Being seated with people I know and, most of all, like. An Open Bar that includes more than just beer and wine.
Enjoy your weekend respite and have fun at the wedding!!
Since I’m going with friends, I didn’t feel the need for a Plus One. But I absolutely agree that we should ask for that, when we’ll be on our own at a wedding.
I’m packing some flip flops for dancing.
Church-free. One of the only weddings I truly enjoyed attending–maybe THE only one–was at a historical setting (okay, it was an old, but no longer used-for-religion cloister by a defunct, Shaker-like sect). I might add that the food at the reception was amazing.
I am a firm believer in the power of good food.
I prefer attending non-traditional weddings. I’ve been to several weddings, and the best one was the beach wedding–their dogs were the ring bearers, her brother w/ shorts, flip flops, and floppy sun hat walked the dogs. I can honestly say, I enjoyed that one. Otherwise, ugh. Since I have never been married, but would like to be married, it’s a hard thing for me to face. To me it’s right up there w/ baby showers. I’m happy for the couple, but I still feel sad that I missed the experience, I’m not going to deny it.
I agree with you, Juliet. It’s not my favorite activity. That’s why I like to make sure I’m well prepared with some of the above. I can find it to be a powerful ritual when done with the right spirit.
I agree it can be a powerful ritual but have always said that I don’t see the point in the big fancy wedding with all the agonizing planning just for a big party. When and if I do it I want to quietly go off to Vegas and preferably have an Asian Elvis impersonator officiating. We can throw a big casual party when we get home. If I can find a man who can appreciate that too then I foresee a lifetime of happiness.
From the outside looking in, it’s hard to imagine putting so much energy into one party. My friend’s wedding is almost a year in the making. But I realize it’s a sort of canvas for him. It’s a way to express himself creatively. When I think about it that way, it begins to make more sense.
My dream wedding is the court house! Or a Vegas-type chapel, maybe Reno, the lower-key the better. I don’t like being the center of attention, and I cringe at the thought of being in a big wedding. Does anyone else feel that way. I would be sick to my stomach and would not enjoy it at all.
I like the idea of people taking their wedding vows in front of a community of friends and family. Marriage is difficult, and I see the benefit of sending the couple off to their destiny with good will and a collective group hug.
A date who isn’t afraid to dance, good food, and a lovely setting. These are the things that make the event fun and memorable. If I have to travel for a wedding I want to look forward to some fun, not dread the whole thing
It always helps me if I go with someone fun whether it be female or male. Family weddings are particularly hard for me so I need a good friend to keep me grounded.
Gotta bring a Plus One!