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Writer's pictureAndi Schilawski

Who Gets a Plus-One? Wedding Invitation Etiquette Explained

One of the most common wedding planning questions couples face is: Who gets a plus-one? Deciding who to include on your guest list can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing budget and venue capacity. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through wedding invitation etiquette, and explain how to decide on who gets a plus one, and tips for communicating your choices clearly.

If you’re navigating this decision, here’s everything you need to know about plus-one etiquette to create a seamless wedding experience for your guests.

wedding flat lay

Photo by Janelle Putrich



Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Who Gets a Plus-One?

When determining who is entitled to a plus-one, it’s essential to balance tradition with practicality.

Here are the key groups to consider:


1. Married or Engaged Couples

Etiquette strongly recommends extending an invitation to both members of a married or engaged couple. They are considered a social unit, and inviting them together is a must. This applies regardless of whether you’ve met their partner before.


2. Couples in Long-Term Relationships

If a guest is in a serious, long-term relationship, it’s thoughtful to include their partner, even if they’re not married or engaged. You can use discretion for newer relationships, but generally, if your guest has been with their partner for over a year, it’s polite to include them.


3. Out-of-Town Guests

For guests traveling a significant distance to attend your wedding, offering a plus-one is a kind gesture. It shows appreciation for the effort they’re making and ensures they feel comfortable and supported during the event.


4. Members of Your Wedding Party

Bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of your wedding party should almost always receive a plus-one, regardless of their relationship status. They are dedicating their time and energy to support you, and offering a guest for them to celebrate with is a thoughtful way to thank them.


5. Single Guests

For single friends or family members, it’s not required to offer a plus-one, but it’s considerate if they won’t know many other guests. This is especially true for events with a smaller, more intimate guest list where connections might not already exist.



When a Plus-One Isn’t Necessary

While it’s important to make guests feel welcome, there are situations where a plus-one may not be necessary. Here’s when you can skip extending the extra invite:


Guests Who’ll Know Others: If your guest will have plenty of friends or family in attendance, they likely won’t feel uncomfortable coming solo.


Coworkers or Casual Acquaintances: For coworkers or less familiar guests, you’re not obligated to offer a plus-one unless they’re in a long-term relationship.


Limited Capacity Weddings: If your venue has strict capacity limits or you’re working with a tight budget, it’s perfectly acceptable to limit plus-ones.



How to Communicate Your Plus-One Policy

Clear communication is essential to avoid any misunderstandings about your wedding guest list. Here’s how to do it:


1. Be Specific on Invitations

Your wedding invitation should clearly state who is invited. For guests with a plus-one, include and Guest on the envelope (e.g., John Smith and Guest). For single guests, simply list their name without mentioning a guest.


2. Address Questions on Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website is the perfect place to outline your guest list approach. Include a note such as, “Due to venue and budget constraints, we are unable to extend plus-ones to all guests. Thank you for understanding!” This proactive step can save you from fielding multiple questions later.


3. Handle Conversations With Care

If a guest asks about bringing a plus-one and it’s not an option, respond kindly but firmly. Something like, “We wish we could invite everyone with a guest, but due to space limitations, we had to make some tough decisions. Thank you for understanding!” will help maintain clarity without causing hurt feelings.



wedding invitations

Final Thoughts on Plus-Ones for Weddings

When deciding who gets a plus-one at your wedding, remember that this is your day. It’s okay to make decisions that align with your vision, budget, and guest list priorities. By following these guidelines and communicating openly, you can ensure everyone feels included and appreciated, whether they’re attending solo or with a guest.


Planning your guest list is one of many wedding tasks that requires careful consideration. If you’re looking for more wedding planning tips or need expert guidance to make your wedding stress-free and unforgettable, explore our services at Musa Wedding

Photo by Afrik Armando



 



Cheers,

Andi

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