The Bride & Groom Cometh — A Guest's Guide to Surviving Wedding Season

Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is ubiquitous once June rolls around. Wedding season is upon us, and with it comes a cavalcade of dress shopping, traveling, toasting, and true love (did you think we were going to forget love?). With all this abundant happiness also comes a hefty dose of stress for guests who find themselves booked solid with weddings from June to September. Keep your sanity and your joy this summer with our guide to surviving New England wedding season.

Pack Well:

Whether you’re traveling thousands of miles or just heading down the street, preparation is key to surviving wedding season in New England. The weather in these northern states has the tendency to change on a dime, so be sure to bring light layers that you can mix and match. However, your outfit shouldn’t be the only thing in your suitcase. Apply plenty of sunscreen and bug spray before heading to the ceremony. Sure, you may smell of deet, but no one wants to be splotchy and red either.

Find a Wedding Season Friend:

One truth of wedding season is absolutely universal: no one should have to go it alone. Having a wedding buddy is the surest way to ensure that you’ll be present, have fun, and even save money by splitting the cost of accommodations. Of course, plus-ones aren’t always an option, but when they are, grab your significant other, best friend, child, or parent to accompany you. Even if you’re denied a plus-one (it’s tough putting together a guest list, guys!), put on your Sherlock Holmes cap and figure out who is going to the wedding. Just knowing that you’ll have a group to chat with can give you peace of mind through wedding season.

Learn Not to Procrastinate:

If you’re anything like us, your reaction to a full slate of summer weddings may denial. You don’t need to worry about booking your room, you say. You’ll find a dress eventually. Let us tell you now: as difficult as it is not to procrastinate, it will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Plus, with a little preparation, you may be able to get a great deal on the perfect dress or to take advantage of the wedding room block before it’s sold out.

Work in Some Recovery Time:

On the off chance that you have extra time or money during wedding season, we recommend taking some time for self-care. Instead of driving home following the reception, take a day or two in the beautiful wedding destination chosen by your friends. By taking a breath and just giving yourself a few hours on Sunday to relax, you can have the opportunity to explore a new town, get a massage, or even just catch some shuteye. Trust us, you’ll never make it through this long summer wedding season without taking a moment or two for yourself.

Appreciate the Moment:

With your loved one’s wedding often comes the unique opportunity to experience something profoundly new. Sure, the cakes and the dresses may start to look similar, but take a moment during every wedding weekend to stand back and find the uniqueness of the experience. From dancing the night away in a historical wedding venue to staying in a spectacular hotel to witnessing the true happiness of your friends, there’s something completely original to enjoy in every wedding this season.

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