Jessica and Louis Branda introduced a creative — and, for some, controversial — alternative to a singles table at their June 30 wedding.
Inspired by a video her friend sent her, Jessica Branda printed out a “singles sheet” to place on all 12 tables at her wedding reception. The paper, she says, was designed by her friend on Canva and featured photos of 30 single guests at the East Brunswick, New Jersey wedding.
“Flirty, fabulous, and potentially your future plus-one,” the sheet read under the title “Tonight’s Most Eligible.”
“Yes, this is a matchmaking attempt, you’re welcome,” the Brandas wrote at the bottom of the sheet, along with a disclaimer that every featured guest was over 18 years old.
Every table at the Branda’s June wedding featured a single’s sheet of eligible guests. (@jessicabrandaa via TikTok)Jessica Branda tells TODAY.com that she decided to include the idea in her wedding when she was looking for fun, last-minute additions at the end of the planning process.
“When you’re planning a wedding, you just want to keep adding stuff,” she says. “I was trying to find things that I can add that might make it a little bit more unique or spice up the night that didn’t cost too much money.”
Jessica Branda says that, as far as she knows, none of her guests paired up during her wedding. But the sheet did lead to some laughs and conversations.
“I really didn’t have any expectations from it at all,” she says. “I thought it was something super fun and could be something silly and maybe help someone create a match.”
Good News Aug 7Groom surprises bride's parents by signing vows in American Sign Language
Florida Jul 28Viral bridal shower for hospital housekeeper inspires free honeymoon stay
Jessica Branda posted a video of the sheet on her TikTok which received over 1 million views. However, not all users approved of the idea.
“I would absolutely hate this as a single person,” one viewer commented.
“If I went to a wedding and saw myself on one of these, I’d take back my gift,” another added.
“The irony that I’d be the only face on it,” one user joked.
Jessica Branda says that while the singles sheet might not be the right fit for everyone, it was a hit with her crowd. She says that after the video started to gain attention online, she double checked with her friends to make sure no one took it the wrong way.
“I had people coming up to me saying how hilarious it was,” she says. “I know my friends, and they’re not too sensitive. So, I knew no one would have any bad feelings toward it. No one would feel upset, as some people have commented.”
Should you have a singles sheet at your wedding? An etiquette expert weighs in
Etiquette expert Elaine Swann, author of “Elaine Swann’s Book of Modern Etiquette,” tells TODAY.com that she loved Branda’s idea.
A singles sheet could be a fun way to spark connections, she says — as long as one important step is considered.
“You should only include folks on the singles sheet with their permission,” Swann says. “Some folks might take offense to it; others may not be comfortable putting it out there. Others may be single, but in a self-care phase of life, and just are not ready to mingle.”
Swann adds that a fun way to ramp up the idea could be to include an “interesting tidbit” about each person on the sheet to generate conversation.
She also notes that the sheet could be a good alternative to a “singles table,” a common wedding seating arrangement where eligible guests are placed together. Swann says she generally advises brides to spread singles out at a wedding. The sheet could be a less isolating way to connect invitees.
No matter how couples choose to approach single guests on their special day, Swann says it is important to act with care.
“One thing we should keep in mind with singles at a wedding is to try not to put their singles on spotlight without their consent,” Swann says. “When you do, just be mindful that it is done in a dignified manner … Think not once, but don’t think twice. Think thrice.”
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
See the Moment These Christening Guests Learn They’re at a Surprise Wedding Think Wedding Proposals Are Corny? Wait Till You See This One Tyne Daly Shares Why She Wasn’t at Brother Tim Daly’s Wedding to Téa LeoniHence then, the article about see taylor swift s engagement ring and the hidden detail fans spotted in the photo was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( See Taylor Swift's engagement ring and the hidden detail fans spotted in the photo )
Also on site :
- Kentucky congressman announces death of longtime staffer, campaign manager
- The Christmas Day Storm
- Camarillo man arrested after stolen camera reactivated and installed on the exterior of a home