Singles Dread Wedding Season, Planning To Attend Without Dates

PITTSBURGH, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- As wedding invitations trickle in, singles have mixed emotions about the honor of their presence.  The request is met with dread and delight, depending on the recipient.

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One of five polled singles on CatholicMatch.com confessed negative feelings about wedding season. Thirteen percent said they're dreading it while 7 percent said it would be "kind of a drag." Women were more likely to dread it, and age wise, the 26-35 segment expressed the most consternation.

"I'M DREADING IT," Rhea-460303 wrote. "Two of my cousins are getting married this year. One is a year younger than me, the other one is five years my junior." She added, "I promised myself that I'll not join the throwing of bouquet ceremony."

For other singles, wedding-induced anxiety is tinged with grief. "I am widowed and have not been to a wedding since I have become widowed," MaryBeth-382377 wrote.

But few can avoid the wedding season. "I have about eight friends getting married in the next few months," Megan-21150 wrote.

Some singles see the advantages that wedding bells ring in. Fourteen percent of CatholicMatch respondents said nuptials offer a "good chance to meet someone," while 13 percent said "can't wait to party all night long."

Beyond the ambiguous emotional response, there are logistics to work out: 69 percent of polled singles said they'll be flying solo this wedding season. Meanwhile, 13 percent plan to bring a date, 12 percent will invite a friend, and 6 percent will boogie with a relative. Men are more prone to bring a date, while more women said they planned to invite friends and relatives.  

Respondents tossed out different theories on the presence of a plus one. "Wish I didn't have to go solo but I am a bridesmaid in so many!" Amy-500816 wrote. But Jessica-516388 said she'd rather be date-less. "Way better chance of meeting someone if you go alone! AND you get your pick of eligible dance partners!"

Brian Barcaro, the co-founder of CatholicMatch, offers singles a few tips for managing wedding season. First, he advises, show up with a positive attitude – it will be evident. "A wedding isn't just a love-fest, it's also a reunion for friends and relatives," he said. "Resolve to have a good time."

Doing a little homework can make your arrival less daunting, "Try to figure out who is invited so you know how comfortable you'll be," Barcaro said. "That can help determine whether or not you'll want to bring a guest."

Once you're there, really engage in the wedding. "Set down your BlackBerry, get on the dance floor, request a song and make yourself accessible to the other singles who will emerge."  

Brush off anxiety: You may feel like you stick out, but in reality, all eyes are on the bride.

And lastly, keep an open mind.

That's a cue Anthony-397426 is heeding. "Anything is possible," he wrote. "I'm gonna boogie, that's for sure. I have no shame in showing off my lack of dancing skills."

CatholicMatch.com is the largest online community for Catholic singles seeking marriage, friendship, and religious discernment. While staying true to the teachings of the Catholic Church, CatholicMatch has distinguished itself by reaching a broad spectrum of Catholics in the pews and reaching 96 countries.

SOURCE CatholicMatch.com