Journal · Concerts & Weddings
Need a plus-one in Switzerland?
You’ve moved to Zurich or Zug for work, the job is going well – and then the invitations start arriving. A colleague’s wedding on Lake Zurich. The company’s year-end gala. Two tickets for a concert at the KKL in Lucerne. And on each reply card, the same small question: „plus-one?“ Here are a few thoughts – and some honest tips.
Concerts on your own – absolutely
Let’s start with the easy part: going to a concert or the opera alone is perfectly normal in Switzerland. At the KKL, the Tonhalle or the Zurich Opera House, plenty of people come on their own – and often experience the music more intensely. A few things make the evening easier:
- Arrive early. An apéro on a terrace by the lake, a look through the programme – and you arrive in your own time.
- Use the interval. Conversations start surprisingly easily in the foyer, especially with others who came alone.
- End with a walk. A stroll along the lakeshore after the concert is the loveliest encore.
Weddings and galas are a different story
A wedding is made for two. At the apéro everyone stands in small groups, at dinner you’re seated at tables of couples, and by the first dance you really notice whether you came alone. The same goes for company galas and milestone birthdays, where you’re introduced to new people all evening – often in a language that isn’t your first.
A little Swiss wedding etiquette
- Reply early. If you accept with a plus-one, let the couple know who’s coming – seating and menus are planned carefully.
- Respect the dress code. It’s usually on the invitation. When in doubt, a little more elegant rather than too casual – and white is reserved for the bride.
- Agree on your story. If you come with a companion, decide beforehand how you’ll introduce him. „A good friend“ is perfectly enough.
Finding a plus-one
The obvious route is friends and colleagues. But when you’re new in town, your circle simply takes time to grow. That’s where der Freizeitmann comes in – a cultured gentleman who accompanies you on a purely social basis. Not an escort, not a dating service, simply good company for a special day, in English or German.
Beforehand we talk through how we’ll introduce ourselves, who you’ll meet and what you’d like from the day. Then you simply enjoy it – the music, the celebration and the conversations. You’ll find more in the FAQ and on the pages for Zurich and Zug.
Sometimes a beautiful evening is simply more beautiful when you don’t spend it alone.
