I love weddings. I love watching the groom's eyes glimmer as he sees his bride come down the aisle. I love seeing each bride's unique style in the flower arrangements and gowns. But sometimes they can be hard. It is hard watching another friend get married; it is hard to see a couple younger than you exchange smiles as they cut the cake. So here are five simple ways a single girl can get through the endless amount of summer weddings.
1. Find a way to help the bride and groom on their special day.
This could be helping to make favors a month before the wedding, doing the bride's make-up, being a part of the cleaning crew after the reception, or being a busy member of the bridal party. No matter what the bride needs help with, if you focus on serving I guarantee you will be less likely to feel sorry for yourself.
This could be helping to make favors a month before the wedding, doing the bride's make-up, being a part of the cleaning crew after the reception, or being a busy member of the bridal party. No matter what the bride needs help with, if you focus on serving I guarantee you will be less likely to feel sorry for yourself.
2. Know before the wedding how you will answer questions or comments about your singleness.
If you have a plan for how you will deal with these awkward situations, it will go a lot more smoothly. For example, when a old family friend says, "Now when are you getting married?", instead of feeling angry or hurt, you could plan to say, "Whenever God puts the right man in my life", or something like that.
If you have a plan for how you will deal with these awkward situations, it will go a lot more smoothly. For example, when a old family friend says, "Now when are you getting married?", instead of feeling angry or hurt, you could plan to say, "Whenever God puts the right man in my life", or something like that.
3. Wear a smile and a pretty dress.
This is a celebration, a party, so have fun! We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Narcissistic and jealous thoughts have no place, so be happy for these two people that God has blessed and rejoice with them.
4. Pray.
This may sound so simple, but I think we often forget the power of prayer. If you know that this wedding will be difficult for you, spend time in prayer before the battle has begun. Pray that you will not be tempted to mourn your undesired singleness, that you will not become bitter or jealous, but that you will be able to be happy for your friends. Pray for the right attitude and contentment in where God has you. Pray for peace; pray for joy over all that the Father has blessed you with, for it is much.
This may sound so simple, but I think we often forget the power of prayer. If you know that this wedding will be difficult for you, spend time in prayer before the battle has begun. Pray that you will not be tempted to mourn your undesired singleness, that you will not become bitter or jealous, but that you will be able to be happy for your friends. Pray for the right attitude and contentment in where God has you. Pray for peace; pray for joy over all that the Father has blessed you with, for it is much.
5. Remember the bigger picture. A wedding represents Christ and His bride the church.
This may not be your wedding, but it represents a wedding where all believers will be the bride of Christ. That is our hope, and we wait for it with longing.
I would love to also hear your thoughts on ways this season of weddings can be turned into joy!
This may not be your wedding, but it represents a wedding where all believers will be the bride of Christ. That is our hope, and we wait for it with longing.
I would love to also hear your thoughts on ways this season of weddings can be turned into joy!
Great post Allison! :D I like the reminder that we are seeing a picture of Christ and the church.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paige!
DeleteThanks for this post Allison! Though I too enjoy weddings I have begun finding them a little awkward. Older married women have started asking me if there are any "special guys" in my life. Though I am fine with there not being any said specials, the questions has several times caught me off guard and thoroughly embarrassed me. I appreciated your suggestion of something as simple as coming up with an answer beforehand.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. I never know what to say to that either, and you're right; it catches you off guard and leaves you feeling unhappy even if you were fine before. I just have to keep telling myself, 'They mean well. They're just curious that's all.' :)
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