Nearly 1/3 to 1/2 of my wedding guests will be single. My singles' group has been among my biggest friends and supporters over the years, and I want to do something to honor them at my reception. But I am not finding many ideas anywhere - most wedding traditions do things to honor long-married couples, and the bouquet/garter toss is usually hated by singles. I'm not trying to point out how single they are, but I wanted to do something for them special, just like we honor our married couples. Any ideas?
Answers
Play good music you can all dance to, provide good booze and food, laugh and enjoy their company.
Nice things you can do for single people at weddings:
- offer them dates (if it's in the budget)
- seat them with people they know and/or would get along with
- seat them next to the action
- have an open bar
- play great dancing music
I mean overall, just having a good, solid party IS the gift. Nothing else needs to be done.
How are you honoring your married couples - the anniversary dance? Eh, I'm not fan. It's long and keeps your other guests off the dance floor. Plus, if you have recent widows or divorcees, as CMGr pointed out, it could be hurtful. Think about your guests. Do any fit into that category?
The last point I want to make is that wedding receptions aren't award ceremonies. There's no need to give long speeches or honors to those you have already honored with an invitation. Just provide food, drink, tables, chairs, music and let your guests socialize and have a good time.