Update to going solo to a wedding

You did well to go, Shizam. You were anxious about it but you went anyway. That shows real courage, I'd say. And now you know you can do it - though it wasn't the best time you ever had, you coped well. Big yourself up for that!

I'm not keen on weddings myself.People can be very cliquey and as it's often an opportunity to reconnect with Long Lost/Forgotten relations, if you don't know many people you can end up feeling like the proverbial spare p***k (or otherwise). I know - been there myself, at Jewish weddings where DH knew distant family and I knew no one and felt like an impostor (I'm 'only' half-Jewish and it's the WRONG HALF!

But I digress: your friend will have appreciated your presence, you did what you needed to do and now you can pat yourself on the back and breathe again.

Harrysgran. Chaperones. Yes! Great idea, wish I'd had one, might have been fun! Set up that agency!

Oh that's made me laugh Jane! Politicos invading us?!?

*put me up, not put it me up!

It is amazing how different these occasions are as we age. When I was younger, wouldn't have thought twice about it. And would probably have looked at it as a prospect to meet someone! Now, I had to plan as if for battle. So stressed running up to it, did wonder if I would bottle it at last minute. But glad I did it.
I was actually bridesmaid to mother of bride 37 years ago. And for that one turned up after 250 mile commute, post a disgraceful night out, looking fresh as a daisy. Then didn't occur to me I might not be able to get back home. So some poor relative had to put it me up. The confidence of youth!
Thank you for all your support and replies.

What the hell is the NHS doing in there ?!*%^#!

Well done shizam, your friend must have appreciated your being there. I hope the experience will make you feel more confident about things NHS in the future, now that you know you can do it

Well done and take comfort that it will have meant the world to your friend and that no one else could have filled that "space "for her

Well done for going. I don't think I would have done. Nowadays I go to weddings with my son or sons and DGDs but am usually sitting on my own at the reception as the younger people go off to dance etc. I really don't like social occasions as a single person. It doesn't get any easier for me.

Well done for going it alone I know from my own experience how difficult social events are I went to a wonderful wedding last new year eve and although I had a lovely time I felt a bit like a spare part near the end of the evening maybe I'll start up a chaperone agency

DH and I have decided not to go to a wedding in September. I wouldn't have known anyone but DH knows bride and groom. It was a military wedding and we received instructions on a dress code. Medals and swords to be worn! The invitation also asked for cash towards the honeymoon. This I find is crass. They are well off and I think donations to a charity would have been more acceptable. I really didn't want to go but waited to see what DH wanted. Luckily he decided he didn't fancy it either, but gave a £200 cash gift, which I disapproved of.

I remember your original post. Good for you that you went.

Being solo at a wedding is not always going on ones own
but being 'left 'on your own once you get there.I would never have believed it could happen to me twice
First time myself five months pregnant. Exhausted by long journey only knew the bride and groom sat in church by self DH was best man. Back to reception was put next to brides elderly gran for six long hours.Huge row later on with DH
Next time, not pregnant but a long journey, DH best man to his ex army days' friend then back to reception.
DH happy seeing all old mates, I did not know any of them and never saw DH until evening
By then having propped up the free bar I couldn't have cared less.

Well done. It was really brave of you and I promise it won't be so difficult the next time you have to do something similar.

Well done!!! I am so glad you went.

Well done Shizam and thank you for updating us. You will have lovely memories to look back on.

Well done it will never be as bad again Not the best though being on your own at any social event I completely understand I m going to a 50th anniversary tomorrow and dreading and looking forward to it at the same time

Yes Well Done! And thank you for coming back with an update. It's always good to hear about the outcome of something that you have been following on Gransnet

Well done Shizam ?

Baby steps to start. Think of it as a moon landing.

The couple on the chairs had me putting my hands over my eyes!! It was truly amazing the whole thing - I do remember a LOT of food as well

Thank you penstommen. Swore to myself it was a one-off, though!

Gosh, yes, they are Rigby. The dancing bit was like being in a rugby scrum. Quite scarey!
The actual marriage ceremony though was beautiful and so family orientated. Rabbi spoke such lovely words, too.
And, yes, meant a lot that friend looked out for me. I'm the only one from her past. All family gone. So guess she appreciated me making effort to go, as I did her making me feel ok.

Good for you shizam a difficult step..but you took it The next time will be easier.