Weddings are full of traditions, but sometimes couples like to shake things up.
Jessica Branda, 27, certainly did just that at her June 30 wedding in Hackensack, New Jersey.
In an effort to help her single friends meet someone, she introduced a surprising twist—a “singles sheet” handed out to guests. While some called it amusing, others found it controversial.
A Matchmaking Sheet Sparks Conversation
Jessica’s idea was simple: create laminated sheets featuring headshots of all her single friends, with their first name and the first letter of their surname.
The sheet, titled Tonight’s Most Eligible, carried the tagline: “Flirty, fabulous, and potentially your future plus-one.”
At the bottom, she cheekily wrote, “Yes, this is a matchmaking attempt. You’re welcome.”
“I saw the idea on TikTok and thought it would be a funny, lighthearted addition to the reception,” Jessica told the Daily Mail.
“I wanted something unique that might even help create a match.”
Mixed Reactions Online
After posting her creation on TikTok, reactions were split. Many viewers criticized the idea, calling it humiliating.
One user commented, “If I went to a wedding and saw myself on one of these, I’d take back my gift.”
Another wrote, “I would absolutely hate this as a single person.” Some felt strongly, saying, “No sorry, this is giving humiliation… I’d walk out.”
On the flip side, defenders praised the playful approach.
One TikTok user shared a personal success story, noting, “You don’t have to go along with it just ignore them if you want, or go for it! My brother-in-law met my cousin at my wedding, and they had a good run.”
Guests Enjoyed the Fun
Jessica insists the sheet was a hit among her own guests.
“People came up to me saying how hilarious it was, especially since we included my husband’s grandparents,” she said with a laugh.
She also noted that she didn’t tell everyone in advance, wanting it to be a surprise.
“I did ask a few people I wasn’t sure about,” Jessica added, “but my friends aren’t too sensitive, so I knew no one would be upset or feel ‘humiliated.’”
After her TikTok went viral, she checked in with her guests and confirmed that everyone took it in stride.
Not Everyone Gets the Joke
Jessica admitted she was surprised by some of the negative online reactions.
“I think a lot of people are taking it too seriously when it’s meant to be something silly,” she said.
“After reviewing everything, I understand some might feel sensitive if they’re not super secure about being single.”
She also explained why she chose this approach over a traditional singles table. “I find singles tables super awkward.
I guess it’s embarrassing only if you’re embarrassed about being single, which I think people shouldn’t be, but everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” she quipped.
A Fun Twist Worth Trying
Although no love matches came from the sheets, Jessica says she’s glad she tried it.
“I wanted everyone to sit next to people they knew, and I think singles tables are awkward. Those saying ‘it’s humiliation’ are taking it too far,” she explained.
“And it’s not something anyone had to participate in if they didn’t want to.”
In the end, her creative twist added a unique and memorable moment to the wedding—and sparked plenty of conversation online.