Being the single girl at a wedding

Despite being a social person, I hate going to events alone. I have a tendency to be the awkward girl lingering by the door, frantically texting or scanning the crowd for a familiar face.

Which is why I'm a little nervous about going single to a wedding this weekend. I've been single at weddings before, but I always brought a guest with me. 

But this time, I decided to go on my own after talking/begging two guy friends to go with me, only to have one turn me down and the other to conveniently be out of town. Asshats. However, after talking to two co-workers who will also be there single, I decided to be bold and go on my own. Oh it's Ladies Night for us.

But despite being single, independent women at this lovely wedding, I can't help but feel a little nervous, considering I only know a handful of people that will be there.

Here's what I'm not looking forward to about being single at a wedding:

• The stares. The oh-you're-so-brave-and-independent-so-we-won't-talk-about-it stares with silent judging and nods of encouragement

• Pressure. The inevitable, lingering pressure to hook up or keep yourself open to finding "the one" at the open bar or buffet table

• Slow songs. It's like being back at a high school dance, but without a date. Which means during slow songs I'll be saddled up to the bar, swearing like a trucker and dreaming of a cigarette

• Bouquet toss. I don't know if the couple is actually doing it, but I've never caught one, yet don't want to look too desperate in reaching for it to see what sucker catches the garter

To overcompensate for these things, I've spent a painful amount of time picking out an outfit, to dress up the fact that I will be drinking heavily to feel more comfortable.

Maybe if I look good with the "girls" and my other single ladies, this won't be too bad. It's an evening wedding so I'm even planning to trying to hit up the gym earlier in the day so the "gun show" is locked and loaded for the evening.

Oh and since there will be a candy bar, I need to stuff Ziploc bags in my purse for treats to take home. Yes, you heard me right. I will be munching on candied apple slices and M&Ms on the bus ride home.

So how have you survived weddings that you've gone solo to, or what things bother you the most about weddings? From cash bar to bad food to awful music?