3 min read
Weddings and dinner parties
Warm, personal conversation for celebrations where you only know a few people.
Everyone has a connection
At a wedding or dinner, every guest has a story about how they know the hosts. It's the easiest, warmest topic there is, and it always leads somewhere.
This isn't networking. Keep it personal and light, and leave work out unless they bring it up.
Say: How do you know the couple? I'd love to hear the story.
Say: Have you known them long?
Say: That was a lovely ceremony. Was there a moment that got you?
Say: This all looks wonderful. Do you cook much yourself?
At a seated table
At a seated dinner, the people beside you matter most. Introduce yourself early, before the first course, so the rest of the meal is easier.
Make sure to talk with the people on both sides. If one neighbour is busy, turn to the other.
Give yourself breaks
Long celebrations ask a lot of your energy. Step outside between courses, help with something, or take a walk during the photos.
A short break lets you come back for the speeches and the dancing with something left in the tank.
Leaving a celebration
Thank the hosts warmly before you go. You don't need to stay until the end, especially if you've been there for the moments that matter.