It should be pointed out that "crashing" is a word that is misused (in this context) a lot. It actually means to arrive at a wedding or party uninvited.
We alwayscheck with the bride and groom first that it's ok for people to view us at their wedding, so you wouldn't really be "crashing". You'll be viewing. Try to get into the habit of using that word from here on in - you'll feel better about the whole thing.
:)
We have a couple of tips to help you.
The first tip is to dress as smartly as you can. Its such a simple thing but some people (the guys in particular...) don't like to go to the bother. Really, you should. Its someone else's big day. Show them the same respect you would expect yourself.
You should try to behave as if you're supposed to be there. Then you'll look like you are supposed to be there.
A mistake we see people make all the time is that they come in and stand, as a couple, against one of the side walls of the room and try to look like they're invisible...but they're not!! Nobody who is actually attending a wedding will stand there, so you probably shouldn't either.
Instead, head to the bar (if it's in the room) and buy a drink. There will be lots of other people at the bar and even if you're the only ones there, you won't stand out because its a bar - people stand at them. That is part of the function of a bar!
If the bar is outside the room, go to the back of the function room and try take a seat somewhere. There will be vacant seats if the band are any good, because people will be up dancing.
The larger the wedding, the more likely you are to blend in. If there are two or three dates you can make it to, try to pick the one which is has the largest crowd, even if its further away. Your comfort there will mean you can stay longer and get a better idea of the band.
Most people don't know all their other half's family and friends...and THEIR other halves and so on. You aren't as conspicuous as you might imagine you are.
If there's a lobby outside the room, take a listen to the band from there for a while. It will reduce the amount of time you spend in the actual room and if the band are not what you want, you might not even have to venture into the room to scratch them off the list. Plus, you can go in and out of the room singly, instead of as a pair, so you'll be even less conspicuous.
The time you arrive is also important. If you manage to come after the evening food, people won't take much heed of you because lots of evening or afters guests will be coming then too. The band can tell you when that time might be.
We hope to see you at a wedding soon...with the bride and groom's permission, of course.
