Dear Nicola, a wedding invite has been me feel really anxious

Dear Nicola,

I’m not sure what to do. A few months ago, I received a save the date from an old friend which gave the date, times and venue of her wedding. I replied saying I’d love to go. However, when I received the actual invite, I’m only invited to the reception which is still lovely but it’s so far away, in a place without a train station and I don’t drive, which I know is my fault.

I also don’t know anyone going so would have to show up at 8pm to the middle of nowhere on my own after travelling all day to get there. I would also have to find somewhere to stay plus pay for a taxi to and from venue. There are hardly any AirBnBs so the accommodation is all really expensive. I also haven’t been given a plus one to share the cost with.

It just seems like such a lot of money and effort to only get to enjoy four hours of the wedding reception but I’m also worried about the mental strain of it all. By the time I arrive, everyone will be really drunk from being there all day and it’s so muc…