Going to a wedding alone...

I remember being asked to a friend's DD's wedding (not on my own I must admit, as DH was invited too). However, we were happy to travel quite a long way to go because apparently the bride said she wasn't going to invite certain distant relatives to her wedding, she only wanted people she liked at her wedding and she obviously liked us enough to invite us.
We felt very honoured and enjoyed it very much although we didn't stay really late, we left the younger people to it.

I wish I had gone to my own weddings on my own, the husbands I came home with were a complete disaster. Twice.

lol!

I'm glad you have kept your sense of humour about it *radicalnan^

Remember the most useful conversation opener: how do you know[the couple]?
You will then get asked the same question, and 'very old friend' trumps almost anything else: family had to be asked, younger friends as a matter of course, some others because of current social obligations, but you are there because they wanted YOU.

Oh Shizam I know just how you feel - I am prone to going forward in my mind and setting out a negative scenario. So my advice is "Don't over think the situation". Say to yourself "I am going to the wedding and I will be fine" every time a negative thought pops into your mind.

Good Luck! xx

Sounds a good idea to channel your inner Scarlett O Hara! Go and enjoy yourself. ?

Thank you all so much for your positive thoughts. And for a great laugh, radicalnan. Think I should have done the same!
The ceremony is in the countryside at family home, I'm staying couple of miles away at an inn. But I can always call a cab if I am feeling a bit left out once the meals and speeches are over. To be honest, my biggest fear is the initial walking in on my own. So have decided to channel Vivien Leigh when she arrives at a party in Gone With The Wind, apparently in disgrace and Clark Gable abandons her. May not wear quite such a scarlet dress, but, yes, hair and nails done professionally is a great idea.
Also, don't feel I can ask to bring a family member along as guessing they have huge pressure on numbers. It's in about a month, so will report back. Thank you again for all your replies and useful advice.

I think it's usual these days to put people who have something in common on the same table. In this case it is likely to be people who know very few people there. This is quite normal these days. So many people live alone, many without a +1, there is no need to feel awkward. Go and enjoy the occasion.

I've just had my daughter s wedding. Your friend will seat you thoughtfully, and ur sure to find others in same boat.

Go enjoy your 2 days Be yourself you might be surprised the company you'll be in They want you there life has to go on make the most of it.

I've been to a couple of weddings on my own. Was a nice day out. It is nice to have an excuse to go somewhere which you don't always get when you are on your own.

Radicalnan you really made me laugh!

I always find such events a bit of a worry but you're probably not the only person who will be alone. As a widow I often feel a bit of a tag-along but if you make the effort with conversation you'll probably enjoy it more than you realise.
Could you offer to help with some of the inevitable tasks which present themselves? Having something to do helps to pass the time and connects you with others.
Plus as it's at a hotel you can always sneak back to your room when it gets a bit late and you want a bit of quiet.

How wonderful you are being included! Have a wonderful time.

Husband was in the Merchant Navy and away two-thirds of the time. I had to go to lots of things alone or with one of my daughters, mostly alone. How awkward I felt varied. Usually there were singles at the table of weddings etc, but I recall last time being with all couples. They do have to make conversation with you, to be polite.A hotel room to yourself is rather nice! Is it 4 star? Swimming pool? buffet breakfast? Dwell on the nice things.

Either invent an excuse for not going, or view it as an opportunity to have a lot of fun, dress up and meet new people.

You are making yourself anxious! Stop it! When you get there you will know that you have made the best you can of yourself and so go in with a smile and if someone comes to talk to you be friendly. I am sure if you stop thinking about 'how do I look, what do I sound like, am I babbling, or who the hell are these people,' you will relax and start to enjoy yourself. I think that is the key....just be yourself. Don't try to be someone you are not because a two day stay is a long time to pretend to be someone else. Have a lovely time and take lots of photos so you can re-live it all when you get back home. They would not have invited you if you were not wanted.

I had to go to a wedding not long after I lost my DH. Can I suggest, if you can run to it, a hair do/ manicure etc, it might help with your confidence.
Those things help me.

Go with a smile on your face and chat to people as has already been mentioned
You are a lady who is wanted at this event for yourself.x
?

I wish I had gone to my own weddings on my own, the husbands I came home with were a complete disaster. Twice.

Do you have any family members you could take along with you if she's an old friend she would know them anyway. If not look on this as a start of a new chapter of your life as being one confident positive head held high lady. There's a big wide world out there. Enjoy

An old friend would understand if you said you didn't want to come on your own. I would ask if you could bring a friend.

It's thoughtful of your friend to invite you. I wouldn't worry about the 1+1 thing - there's always a pressure on places and young couples have so many friends, relatives, work friends to invite that they can't give Mum's friend a +1

I shouldn't think that you'll be the only single person there and as others have said it's very easy to chat about which 'side' you're from and how you know them.

As you'll be away for two days treat it as a break and take time to relax and explore the area a little.

Yes Shizam you are wanted for yourself at the wedding, go with pride at being an independent person.
As Rigby says have strategies in place for when you want to leave and enjoy meeting others at such a happy occasion. Enjoy.

Yes, Annie, it's easy to forget that. Thank you. The couple thing is so ingrained, it's hard to see yourself, or for others, outside of it. Wish the dog was still alive, would have taken him. Much better company than the ex, for me and wedding guests.

But you are a whole person, go on, charm them X

Think this is going to be a big old test of my confidence post marriage demise, loss of dog, empty nest syndrome etc. Have been living in a bubble. Not good. Need to get a grip. Went halfway across the world on my own when young. Now I'm stressing about a wedding 200 miles away just cos I can't turn up as 'a couple'. I am my own person!
Thank you for your support. Means a lot.