An Introvert's Guide to Living It Up at a Wedding
Living as an introvert isn’t always easy—parties and events can be exhausting. Especially when you reach that point in life where everyone you know are getting married.
Photo: aperture photography
Living as an introvert (someone who gains energy from being alone, not with others) isn’t always easy—parties and events can be exhausting. Especially when you reach that point in life where everyone you know are getting married. No matter where you fall on the spectrum of being shy or outgoing, as an introverted person, the idea of being surrounded by a large number of people at a wedding can seem daunting. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. As the big day approaches, there are a few ways to make sure you live it up during the wedding.
Here are 11 ways for introverts to enjoy a wedding as a guest!
Before the wedding
Prepare Yourself
As an introvert, it’s incredibly important that you take some time before the festivities to mentally prepare yourself. Since being introverted isn’t a one-size-fits-all personality, how you prep for the day is completely up to you. Everything from meditation and yoga to sitting alone and reading a book can be a great way for introverts to charge up their batteries and be ready to party! Whether you need a few hours of quiet time or a whole day to yourself, make sure your plan is in sync with the weekend’s activities.
Wear what makes you comfortable
Once again, no matter where you consider yourself on the personality spectrum, everyone feels better in their favorite clothes. When choosing what to wear for the wedding, find an outfit that not only feels great by fits the dress code. This may take some time and a bit of research, but there are plenty of options, both formal and casual, to make everyone happy. If you’re an introvert who also happens to be shy and soft-spoken, consider wearing an accessory that doubles as a conversation starter!
Pick a Solid Plus One
We don’t always have the option of bringing a significant other to a wedding. If you’ve got a wedding coming up and aren’t sure who to ask, think about the people in your life who don’t wear you out and will be down to escape the party every so often. Whether it’s a friend, sibling, or parent, inviting along someone who makes you the most comfortable will definitely make the mingling more enjoyable.
During the Wedding
Know your limits
Since introverted people tend to be more reflective than most, finding where they draw the line with enough interaction for the day is pretty simple. If you’re the kind of person who can only handle large social gatherings for a few hours, consult the wedding schedule for exact times. Setting and sticking to your limits will definitely be easier as a guest. You’re not obligated to stay at the venue for the entire day nor are you expected to stay the entire time. If you’re feeling zapped, don’t feel bad about leaving early. Give your well wishes to the newlyweds and head out.
Take breaks
There are no obligations to mix and mingle with everyone for the entire night. If you start to feel overwhelmed or drained, feel free to take a break. Snag a private room or slip outside for a little quiet time before joining back in with the festivities. Consider taking a walk with your SO or plus one. This is an awesome way to see more of the venue and recharge.
Do something you enjoy
Some people love to dance, no matter where they fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum, and some people don’t. See if the wedding you’re attending has other forms of entertainment (i.e lawn games, scavenger hunt, painting, or a s’mores station) Doing an activity in a smaller group will be a lot easier than facing a large number of guests at once.
Find your people
There’s a chance that you won’t be able to bring a plus-one and you won’t know too many other guests. For socially awkward introverts everywhere, that might be their worst nightmare. We guarantee you won’t be the only introvert in the room, you just have to know where to look. Introverts tend to hang out around the edges instead of being in the middle of the action. If you see someone sitting away from the crowd, strike up a conversation about how they know the couple or something you like about their attire.
Don’t go overboard with drinks
Yes, alcohol does lower inhibitions. This can make social interaction for more reserved introverts easier. But it doesn’t work for everyone. There’s no need to force yourself into interactions that make you uncomfortable, especially if that means drinking more as you become more uneasy.
Accept exhaustion
This may be the most important thing to do as an introvert attending a wedding. Accept that you’re the type of person who will be exhausted by the end of the day and that is 100% okay. Know your limits and party it up how you feel most comfortable. At the end of the day, you’ll want to look back on the day as a great experience and not one where you drove yourself past your limits because of other’s expectations.
After the wedding
Crash
The day is over and you’re probably reaching zero energy. No need to attend an after party (if there is one), you’re free to kick up your feet and catch some z’s.Whether you’re headed home or back to the hotel, once the festivities are officially over you’re free to revel in solitude.
Rest and rejuvenate
Partying for hours will knock anyone off their feet for a short while, but as an introvert this kind of interaction can keep you off kilter or experiencing low energy for a few days. Now it’s time to rest and recuperate; whatever that means to you.
