Weddings are a time of celebration, but they can also be stressful if you don’t enjoy being around lots of people. If you’re an introvert who hates being in the spotlight, it can be hard to enjoy the festivities without feeling overwhelmed. But with a few simple strategies, you can still have a great time at your friend’s or family member’s wedding, even if you’re not a fan of crowds.
Our approach has always been more about capturing the moments and memories as they happen naturally and giving you and your financè space to enjoy time with your guests. We will normally spend around two hours spread out throughout the day to choreograph pictures and the rest of the time you will be free to have fun as we capture all of the candid moments happening around you.
Here are a few other suggestions we have found to be helpful in our 30 years of experience.
1. Find a Friend or Two
Having a close friend or two at the wedding can make it easier for the one to handle all of the social pressures that come with attending a big event like a wedding. Having someone familiar with you and your personality will help you feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. Plus, having someone to talk through any issues or anxieties will make things much easier.
2. Create an Exit Plan
One of the worst parts about going to any large event is feeling like you have to stay until the very end. To avoid this feeling, create an exit plan for yourself before the wedding even starts. This could mean planning to leave after dinner or setting a reasonable curfew for yourself that allows you to escape once you start feeling overwhelmed. By having an exit strategy in place beforehand, you won’t feel guilty about leaving early and can focus on enjoying yourself while you’re there.
3. Take Breaks Throughout the Day
It’s important to recognize when your energy levels are starting to dip so you can step away from the crowd and recharge without missing out on anything important. Take regular breaks throughout the day and find quiet areas where you can sit back and relax without being surrounded by too many people. It’s also helpful to remember that everyone else is probably just as overwhelmed as you are, so taking a breather isn’t the worst idea.
4. Focus on Quality Conversation
Rather than trying to make small talk with everyone at the wedding, focus on having quality conversations with those closest to you instead. This will help ensure that your conversations are meaningful instead of shallow and surface-level, which will make it easier for introverts who hate talking about themselves in front of large crowds. Plus, it gives you something more interesting than just saying “hello” over and over again.
5. Focus on What Interests You Most
Weddings usually involve activities such as dancing, photo booths, karaoke, etc., so if any of these don’t interest you, then there’s no need to force yourself into them! Take advantage of other activities like mingling with people who share similar interests or perhaps just enjoying the food (who doesn’t love food). Pick activities that fit your personality best without succumbing to social pressure.
Going to a wedding as an introvert doesn’t have to be as daunting as it may seem – especially if you know how to handle yourself in high-pressure situations such as these! With these tips in mind, you can enjoy this special occasion without being the center of attention.
