Nothing gets my anxiety roaring quite like being invited to a party. The thought of being in a room with people I might not know and forced to make small talk makes me want to curl into a ball and close my eyes tight. Work parties, birthday parties, college graduation parties, baby showers – I never know where to put my hands, how to dress, what to say.
You’d never know any of this though, I am a MacGyver at pretending to be comfortable when I am not.
When I was younger I used to adore parties. Birthday parties meant cake, goodie bags, and usually some kind of adventure. These days I don’t eat the cake, I don’t want the clutter, and I don’t like sitting inside on my butt. However, as with most things in life there is an exception to this rule. I absolutely, positively, root toot tootingly adore weddings. When I get that save the date card I am PUMPED.
I love, love. So incredibly much. I am a sucker for a good rom com, I eat up the dramatizations of romance we see in movies (don’t worry, I do know it’s wildly unrealistic most times), and I feel so many emotions when I watch two humans stare deeply into each others eye sockets while saying “til death do us part.”
The irony in all of this is that I don’t know if I personally want to be married, but that’s beside the point.
I didn’t fall in love with weddings until I was invited to my friend Lily’s wedding wayyy back in 2014. We met through this little blog here and the entire process of going to visit her for the first time at her wedding was a memory I will never forget. I flew to visit a girl named Megan, who I also met through this blog, and we road tripped to Lily’s wedding. Then two years later, Lily and I road tripped to Megan’s wedding.
And I can’t forget the time I was a bridesmaid in my dear friend Gigi’s wedding in 2016. Who I also met through blogging. I am sensing a theme here.
Call me a hopeless romantic, but the one kind of invite I get where I don’t feel flooded with anxiety is a wedding invite. I will forever love celebrating love. With that said, if you are getting married anytime soon please send me an invite. I would love to come dance drunkenly off the love in the air. Something about showing up and soaking in the vibes, without the hassle of planning the party just speaks to me.
If anyone needs formal invitations, so that you can send me one, check out Basic Invite – everything is 15% off right now!
I don’t know who Jennifer and Jonathan are, but I am all about the simple vibe. I think should I ever legally bind myself to another human I would like to elope. Somewhere in the mountains. If I decide to keep my freedom however, perhaps when I make it to ten years with a life partner I will still have a celebration. Alone. In the mountains.
Alright. I will spare you all anymore sappy vibes on my end, but if you’re married I want to hear everything. Also, please still invite me to parties. I like to have the option even if I overthink it all.
Q’s:
- How did you propose/get proposed to?
- What was your wedding like?
- Did you elope?
- If you’re not married, do you want to be?
Blissfulbritt 
39 thoughts on “Basic Invite”
traanrekk
Girl, same! I don’t know about marriage for myself ever again, but I love weddings and the sentiment!
Brittany
Right!? I don’t even know what it is…but I just love a good wedding. Most everyone is in a good mood and excited to celebrate. Or maybe I have just been lucky with the weddings I have attended.
niall
Married just over 21 years and can’t imagine not being with my wife. I am convinced that we are better people together than we ever could have been apart – we bring out the best in each other.
Brittany
This comment warms my heart. I love the love that you have for your wife. I truly believe that some people just make us better people, and that is what marriage and partnership is all about.
Sheree
I’ve been very happily married for 45 years (next week) but I am generally not a fan of weddings, sooooo boring!
Brittany
WOW 45 years is an amazing and impressive timeline. I hope you two have many more wonderful and happy years together. Keep exploring the world and you two will be happy together forever!
Sheree
Thanks Brittany
jessymunch826
I got married at 23 the first time. We eloped to Jamaica and it was my first time out of the country and it opened my eyes to the world and haven’t stopped traveling since. We had a reception at home. This allowed us to get married, have a honeymoon and no debt and buy a house.
I got married for the second time at 37 and had a full wedding weekend outdoors and it was amazing. I think because I had eloped before, and it was my new husbands wedding we both wanted a wedding but did not want to spend the money on a day. It was a weekend. Most all of our wedding decorations are in our home and we’re repurposed and I absolutely love that.
It did not feel like aa waste at all. Neither did, both were perfect for that time in our life and our goals.
I think both times it had been something we talked about. No crazy romantic proposal like you often see or hear about. But that’s ok, that’s not what was important.
My husband and I just celebrated 5 years and it’s been a hard and insane 5 years but I know he’s the right one for me through everything we have been through since 9 months of being married. And the wedding video is the best thing we did because I don’t have much memory of our wedding thanks to my TBI.
Brittany
Both of these experiences are beautiful! I think what is most important is that both of these situations worked for BOTH people in the party. I think often in a wedding half of the party compromises more than the other. At the end of the day all that matters is the love shared between two humans.
jessymunch826
Completely agree, worked for both parties in both situations:)
dfolstad58
I love the vibe and warmth of your celebration of wedding get togethers. Weddings though imo are overdone and too expensive – give me a bonfire on a beach and everyone brings food, refreshment and their own chairs. As the light changes and the sun sets let’s all dash in for cold dip and come out laughing and head for the towels. Then it’s hot chocolate time.
Brittany
I completely agree! I think most weddings are wildly overdone and expensive, which is why I like attending but could NEVER fathom that for myself. I don’t even want to buy a wedding dress, I am far too frugal. I think maybe that’s why I like going to weddings because it’s such a foreign concept to me. I love the bonfire on a beach idea too, just a small gathering with close friends. How beautiful.
dfolstad58
For the last couple of years all of family get togethers (almost) are on the beach with a bonfire.
Pree
If you ever get married, will you invite me please 😂? Most of my friends are not planning to get married anytime soon… Too busy struggling with other millennial life things 😂
My sister has an idea of when she’d like to get married so for sure I know there will be one in the coming years for me to go to but I haven’t been to a wedding in about 8 years? Lol!
Brittany
Bahaha I feel the “other millennial things” struggles. The idea of marriage never crosses my mind. Ever. I truly don’t know if it will ever be for me, but YES, if I should get married you are invited. 😂
Gigi’s wedding was my last true wedding, but my friend Sam (in the first picture of this post) had a small ceremony with maybe 15-20 people at a park in February. It was adorable and quick
Rootchopper
I proposed to my long time GF at a Putt Putt golf place. I put the ring box in the hole. Honest. No sappy kneeling for me.
The wedding was in a Catholic church despite the fact that I was a once and never again Catholic and my wife, despite being the most knowledgeable person about the Bible you’d ever want to meet, is unbaptized and decidedly not religious.
The father of the bride – with family of the bride in the van – got lost on the way to the wedding nearly missing the whole walk down the aisle thing. (We think the “lost” thing was a prank gone very wrong.) Mother of the bride arrived in tears. If the bride had a weapon she would surely had killed her father. Nothing like a little angry rage to set the tone for that special day. As the organist hit the first note of “Hear Comes the Bride”, a baby wailed and was rushed out of the church.
And it’s been a barrel of laughs ever since.
I’d invite you to my next wedding (after the divorce or tragic untimely death of my wife) but I can assure you that one wedding was quite enough.
Brittany
LOL. What a story. I’m glad you can all laugh about this. Lily’s wedding was Catholic by ceremony, I can’t say I had an easy time sitting through that, but the reception was great.
Rootchopper
I was an altar boy. I first learned the Mass in Latin. Then they switched to English and the priest and altar were turned around to face the congregation. Then they introduced the “give a greeting to the person next to you” thing. That always gives me (an uber introvert) the creeps. Left it all behind decades ago. I agree with the late columnist Jack Germond, “Organized religions are a bunch of hooey”
Brittany
I was raised Catholic, I definitely don’t abide my it now. Not my thing, too rigid. I can appreciate religious ideas when they’re uplifting.
Grace @ Cultural Life
I think I’ve only been to two weddings in my life so far. One was a Greek wedding that my family was invited to while on holiday in Greece, I was very young then and can’t remember why. Possibly connected with people my mum got to know when she was doing anthropological research there. I do remember the bride wearing a very voluminous dress, that’s totally not the right word but you know what I mean, the kind of wedding dress that makes you think of meringues! And the other was my sister’s wedding at an English stately home. I can’t imagine spending such a lot on a wedding though, my sister and I are quite different! It was a beautiful day and celebration of love though ❤
I was reading a piece by author and journalist Nell Frizzell recently about her frugal wedding and hand-made outfits. I think you'd enjoy it!
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/aug/29/five-wedding-outfits-for-just-29-my-cheap-ethical-joy-filled-wedding
Brittany
How fun to go to two vastly different weddings. I can only imagine how over the top a Grecian wedding would be, in the best way possible.
I can’t imagine spending much on a wedding either, it baffles me. I’d much rather spend that money traveling after eloping. Thanks for the article share!
Amy
I went to two weddings shortly before COVID hit, and man… They were both *incredible* experiences. I got chills and sappy tears during the ceremonies, and the receptions afterward were actually super fun — even though I barely knew anybody! Maybe something about love and weddings makes those kinds of parties different?? I still have the “save the date” cards and invitations too! I’m a total sentimentalist and keep all those little things, especially when they’re pretty — like these invitations from Basic Invite seem to be! (Those green forest trees on the one you included completely remind me of you!)
Brittany
I chose this example with the trees because I loved it so much! It is definitely “me.” I think there is something about weddings that brings everyone together for sure.
Arctic Hare!
I seem to be the party planner for most of my group of friends and family. I love planning unique get togethers that always seem to put people at ease, which I am thankful for because I love seeing my friends!
I do not really plan on getting married because I am aro/ace so it would be a long shot to meet another aro/ace person interested in the sort of life I plan to lead. But I sometimes want to just so I can have an excuse to gather all my friends and family past and present in one place. 😅
But hey, if it ever happens, I will try my best to remember this post and send your lovely self an invite 😊
Brittany
We all need someone who loves to plan the party! My friend Sam (who is in the first photo with me at her very small ceremony this past winter) is an excellent planner of parties.
Perhaps you can find an excuse to throw a party just in general for you and your friends! Life is too short after all.
Arctic Hare!
I’ve thought this, too! I was like, “even if I don’t get married, I can think of some reason to gather us all, right?” 😀 Glad to hear you think it’s a sound idea too ^_^
marietoday
– How did you propose/get proposed to?
I wrote “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” on the inside of a book that I gave to him as a gift.
– What was your wedding like?
Outdoors in the park in September. My brother in law played guitar for the music and a friend officiated. We had a big tent, lawn games, and a beer truck. Lots of people went for walks in the woods.
– Did you elope?
Nope, but we honeymooned in Alaska
– If you’re not married, do you want to be?
I think I could be happy either married or unmarried; I am lucky I found a good partner that we can grow together.
Brittany
I love everything about this. I love that YOU proposed to HIM, the outdoor park ceremony, and a honeymoon in Alaska?! Yes yes yes.
marietoday
Aw thank you!
MaryBeth
This makes me wish I was having an actual wedding! Only because I would love for you to be there! But you’ll be there in spirit and I’ll probably facetime you tbh haha. If I’m being honest, my favorite part about going to a wedding is the cake. I don’t know why, but that wedding cake just hits different.
Brittany
Bahahah yassss. I did have a vegan gluten free cupcake from my friend Sam’s small gathering in February, but I can’t remember the last time I had actual wedding cake. But I’d have it if I went to a wedding tomorrow that’s for sure!
gpavants
Hi Brittany,
We met at work as teachers. Went to the Harvest Crusade with my parents. Got talking and hanging out. It’s like our paths merged. It’s been 24 years.
Thanks, Gary
Brittany
Beautiful! Two decades and nearly halfway to the third. I met my partner at work as well, it makes for an easy set up that’s for sure.
Pam
So to be honest I was never a Big White dress Ceremonial kind of girl……
Witnessing adults in my life be adulterous and my own boyfriend / girlfriend relationships in my youth I had serious doubts about marriage commitments…..
That being said I am totally committed to being committed, will not tolerate stepping out….
It wasn’t till late in life that a very Special Man came into my life and I knew this was the one…..made it past Our Silver Anniversary hopeful to get to Gold….
Always remember to have a peer group that represents all ages, Older for Wisdom, Your age for relevance, Younger to keep You engaged….
ADear Friend once said,”This ain’t no dress rehearsal, no do overs here”.
Live Your Best life, Walk the talk You believe in , Be kind
Life is rewarding forever how long we have it.
Always say Yes, enjoy the party❤️
Brittany
I adore you and Charlie, and I think you two are perfect for each other. I don’t believe in people being hung up to dry after they turn 30, and people can find love at any age in life!
Ju-Lyn
When I read your opening statement, my heart leapt in empathy! And then, “I am a MacGyver at pretending to be comfortable when I am not” – that’s me too!
Weddings is where you and I deviate. While I will attend once in a while, the occasion still fills me with dread – don’t get me wrong, I wholly celebrate with the couple and the milestone this is in their couple journey. Fortunately, my husband loves weddings so he represents us (most of our friends and family are used to my absence) in attendance.
I love the stories of how you, Lily & Megan met. See, I can rejoice & celebrate these escapades vicariously!
And lest you think I am a marriage nay-sayer, Loving Husband & I belong to the Marriage Encounter community, where we encourage & support couples to make a good marriage even better.
Brittany
Bahaha I’m glad you could somewhat relate. Perhaps the reason I enjoyed weddings was because I usually had a gal pal to go with. Otherwise I might not have enjoyed them as much.
I adore you and your husbands approach to weddings as well as marriage.
Allie Zottola
I am with ya on not being excited about parties and such… I definitely kinda dread them haha. Weddings are so lovely, though!!! I’m glad you have such happy memories with them!
Brittany
Ask me again if I have to go to a wedding alone, without a gal pal. Then maybe my opinion will change. LOL.