PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

An invitation arrives in the mail to your old college roommate’s wedding. Scratched in taunting calligraphy on the response envelope is the RSVP phrase that most single girls have come to dread: Plus one? Not only do you have to loose twenty pounds and find a stunning dress for the wedding, but also now you are saddled with the overwhelming task of finding a suitable date that makes all of your former classmates jealous.

It’s funny in the movies when the heroine hires a stunning escort to be her date to a wedding, but something tells you that bringing a Chippendale reject to this affair is not the way to go. This is the time when you need not just a date but also an ally. You need someone that is going to make sure everyone else there knows just how successful and fabulous you are. You need a man that will act as your surrogate boyfriend but not be offended if you ditch him for an out of town groomsman.

The platonic date has been a true friend to the single girl through out the ages. Before Harry married Sally they were each other’s plus one. Even Carrie, on Sex in the City, had a string of guy pals that she could drag out for arm props when necessary. It is unfortunate that so many social functions require you to bring a date. If finding a suitable companion proves too taxing, call the hostess and see if you can bring one of your girl friends. If the hostess knows you are struggling she may have a single guy in mind that is in search of his plus one as well.

Chances are you already have someone in your life that can be your plus one. Take a look at your good friend roster and keep an eye out for the following: single guy (or if not single, someone that wouldn’t mind pretending to be for one night), fun to hang around with, great in social settings, and up for an adventure. That’s right, your best guy friend, if game, makes the best plus one.

Not many men will volunteer to go to a wedding if there is nothing in it for them. When approaching your guy friend about being your plus one it is good to be armed with a list of perks. Will he have to wear a tux? (Not a perk, by the way) Will there be an open bar? Will there be attractive bridesmaids? Or will he have to converse with a large proportion of geriatric relatives?

Set boundaries beforehand. For instance, if your platonic plus one is playing the part of your amazing new boyfriend you might want to request that he refrain from making out with the cousin of the bride before the ceremony. Also, be ready to explain your actions to any cute boys that you want to get to know better. Walking in with a date and expecting to leave with another can be confusing!

Just Bringing a guy friend to a social engagement can make you feel less alone, but you also might realize how fun it is to date without all the romantic pressure.