How to Survive a Wedding Reception

Wedding receptions are glorious and stressful cultural traditions, especially in the United States. For many people, wedding receptions can be pretty harrowing. You may not have a date, you may hate dancing and the idea of cramming into a room with drunk friends and relatives may not be your idea of a good time. Learn how to survive any wedding reception, gracefully and positively.

Suggestions

1. Remember that the wedding reception is held to celebrate a new marriage. Unless you're the new bride or groom, get over yourself. We don't mean this in a negative way. By moving your attention elsewhere, you'll be able to get through a few hours of celebration.
2. Have a glass or two of champagne. Champagne isn't overly heavy and can improve your mood a little bit. You may even find yourself on the dance floor kicking up your heels!
3. Get to know the people at your table. Chances are, if you're single, there will be plenty of other singles at your table or nearby. Introduce yourself and ask them how they know the bride and groom. Being friendly opens a lot of doors at events like wedding receptions.
4. Make your rounds. Head to the buffet for some food and mill around checking out your options. Stand by the punchbowl and strike up a conversation with whoever is in your vicinity. Walk around the room and snap pictures of relatives and friends. Keep busy and before you know it, the reception will be over.
5. Get out on the dance floor. There are plenty of dances for "just guys" and "just girls." If you don't have a date, don't fret. Most people dance with whomever they can find on the dance floor. Throw in a couple of drinks, and alot of social stigmas go right out the window. You may even find yourself dancing with the bride's 75-year-old married grandfather. Go with it. Laugh. Have a good time.
6. Talk to the members of the bridal party. They're often good friends or close relatives of the lucky couple, so they expect alot of attention and give it in return. They're usually easy to point out and are often a load of fun!

Tips & Warnings

• Stay after the reception and offer to load up wedding presents into cars or other tasks that need to be done. This will make you feel and look useful.
• Never pout or get upset if you feel "left out" at a wedding reception. It's a joyous event for the newly married couple.

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