We’re all guilty of it – strolling unabashedly into a near stranger’s downtown house, apartment, or Gateway in pursuit of a party on any given weekend. Perhaps it was the urge to dress up for a closed themed mixer or celebrate your friend’s friend’s brother’s twenty-first birthday party. Whatever the case, you and the hostess or host both know that you weren’t invited in the first place. Your cheeks begin to burn as she or he approaches and you look frantically search the room for any social excuse to avoid the situation: so what do you do?
Party crashing at Bucknell doesn’t have to end in embarrassment or shame; in fact, it’s encouraged and one of the best ways to strut your stuff, meet new people on campus, and of course, have a good time. Luckily for past and future party crashers, Her Campus Bucknell has created the perfect go-to guide on how to properly (and politely) crash any party on or off campus:
1. Plan to go with a party pal.
Party pals are the ultimate in to any party you weren’t invited to simply because they were invited in the first place. If your friend was invited to the party, guests (and, most likely, the host or hostess) will assume that you were, too.
2. If there is a theme, go in theme. If there isn’t a theme, don’t go in theme. Ask your party pal beforehand to see what he or she is wearing. It’s important to remember that successful party crashers will blend into the crowd of attendees, so dressing the part is essential.
3. Don’t go empty-handed. If the party is BYOB (and if you’re over the age of 21), bring a bottle of wine for the host or hostess. Even if beverages are going to be provided, BYOC and bring a tray of cookies or snacks to win over the hearts of literally everyone.
4. Arrive 30-45 minutes late. You don’t want to be the first one at a party you’re not invited to! Arrive fashionably late to assure that there will be plenty of people to talk to once you’ve gotten to the party.
5. Come up with a plan of action for the night. Will you hang out by the drink station and chat up that cutie from your bio seminar? Or will you stick by your party pal’s side? Whatever the plan, make sure it’s an effective and realistic one – you don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you’re munching on Tostitos alone by the doorway.
6. Identify every guest you know in the room. To prevent the inevitable awkwardness in #5, remember that there’s always power in numbers. Scan the guests as soon as you walk into the party to mentally note whom you can strike up a conversation with later on in the night.
7. Meet someone new. Party crashing is one of the best ways to expand your social circles and meet new people. Take advantage of the diverse guest list and strike up a conversation with a stranger. You never know, they might be a party crasher themselves.
At the end of the night, thank the host or hostess for the great time you had. You weren’t invited in the first place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be polite – and maybe you’ll score an invite to their next social gathering.