What is the proper way for a woman to ask a man to be her date or her escort at her daughter's wedding?

I'm a divorced woman whose daughter is getting married, however I would like to ask someone I know to be my date for that special occasion and enjoy having someone to dance with all night.


Jun 22, 2011
Date for the Wedding
by: Wendy (Modern Manners and Etiquette)

Thank you for your question!

Congratulations on your daughter's upcoming wedding! What a fabulous occasion to celebrate.

As for your question... There are a few ways you could ask a gentleman to be your date at her wedding. There are a few ways not to ask as well.

What not to do is email him or text him. These are very impersonal.

What to do is call him and invite him to lunch. At lunch you could extend the invitation to spend the wedding with you. Be sure to tell him that you are planning on dancing, because some men are very uncomfortable on the dance floor.

Also, if he accepts the invitation be sure to let him know what your responsibilities will be for the day/evening. It is good for him to know if there will be a receiving line that you will need to be in. That way he can plan for your 'absence'.

If lunch is not an option for extending the invitation, a phone call is acceptable. The best way is face to face, that way you can see his reaction and he sees your sincerity.

Enjoy!