I love going to weddings because I enjoy the event; it’s a good chance to get all my bff’s in one place so we can catch up with what’s going on in our lives. I also love it because I’m almost the last of my crowd who is single, and being 6 feet tall and having played volleyball for state, I’m the favorite when it comes to catching the bouquet!

Catching the bouquet has become something of a pastime for me; not because I want to get married – I don’t!

Of the last seven weddings I’ve been to, I caught the flowers five times. I only lost out on one occasion because my heel snapped as I made my move, and the other time was because my date really does want to get married and I couldn’t risk the complications.

The reason I love this pastime is because there is definite electricity in the air, ambient nervous tension and anticipation amongst the singles. The girls are all wishing they are going to be the one to grab the blooms so their long term boyfriend gets the message that it’s time to take things to the “next level”. Meantime, the guys are all tense and nervous, cracking jokes and swaggering around, usually near the bar, hoping someone else’s girl proves she’s a good at catch.

Once the ritual is over, things relax somewhat. You see a sense of disappointment in the women, while the victor emerges with excited glee but if you focus on the men, you start to see them all smiling and a look of relief comes over them. The rest of the single guys can now relax, and enjoy the spectacle and discomfort associated with the guy whose girl is supposed to be getting hitched next – if the tradition is to be followed.

You also can see some of the married guys shaking their heads and thinking, “Poor sap!” and I agree with them to some extent. I’ve seen how some of my girlfriends have changed since they got wed; some for better and some for worse. For the most part though, people just seem to go along and I’m all right with that too.

I play this game because I just love introducing some tension into the lives of my dates. I’m single and have no intention of getting married – as my grandmother keeps telling me, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride!”, but then I’m fine with that.

Being one of the last single women in my group makes me a target for more than just a little encouragement and helpful hints. I’m happy as I am; I have a career where I make more than many men, I have a cat who is faithful and I don’t have to worry about a big hunk, snoring and farting on whatever side of the bed he thinks is his.

For these and many other reasons, I’m fine with always being a bridesmaid and never the bride!

lawrence reaves writes for a leading authority on loose diamonds, diamond engagement rings and fine jewelry. danforth diamond provides wisdom and advice to help you choose the right ring at the right price. visit danforthdiamond.com or call 877.404.ring

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