George Boyle
The plus-one meaning is when you allow your invitee to bring an additional guest of their choosing. On a wedding invitation, this is designated as and guest. While a plus-one usually refers to a date or a romantic interest, it could also include a family member escorting an older guest or a close friend attending with a single person. Ultimately, it is up to the couple's unique discretion, taking into account their budget, venue capacity, and the number of people they want to be present. It is generally recommended to establish consistent rules to avoid any potential favoritism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who gets a plus one? | Members of the couple's immediate family |
| Wedding party members | |
| Outlier guests who won't know many other attendees | |
| Couples who are engaged, live together, or are otherwise in a serious or long-term relationship | |
| Who doesn't get a plus one? | Guests who are casually dating |
| Single guests who'll know other guests | |
| Guests who are single and know everyone |
What You'll Learn
Plus-one etiquette for the couple
Deciding on your guest list can be one of the most challenging parts of wedding planning. Here are some tips to help you navigate the tricky world of plus-ones.
Firstly, it's important to remember that there are no hard and fast rules about plus-ones. Every wedding is different, and you should keep your budget, your vision for the day, and your guests' needs in mind. It's your wedding, so ultimately, the decision is yours and your partner's.
That being said, there are some best practices and guidelines that can help you make these decisions. Firstly, it's standard practice to offer plus-ones to married couples, engaged couples, and those who are cohabiting. This is the case even if you are much closer to one half of the couple than the other, or have never met one partner before. It's also common courtesy to offer plus-ones to your wedding party, as a thank you for their time and effort in supporting you on your special day.
You can also consider offering plus-ones to guests who are in serious relationships, even if they are not cohabiting or engaged. Use your judgment here; if your 16-year-old cousin has been dating someone for a year, it's probably serious. If you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of caution and offer a plus-one.
Another group to consider for plus-ones is guests who won't know many other people at the wedding. This could include out-of-town guests or those who are more distant acquaintances. Offering a plus-one can help these guests feel more comfortable and less lonely.
On the other hand, there are some groups that you don't need to offer a plus-one to. This includes guests who are casually dating or those who are single and will know lots of other people at the wedding.
If you're working with a tight budget or have limited space, you may not be able to offer a plus-one to everyone. In this case, it's a good idea to create an "`A`" list of guests who get a plus-one and a "`B`" list of guests who you'll offer a plus-one to if you have the space and budget.
When it comes to inviting guests, it's important to be direct and honest. If someone doesn't get a plus-one, don't be afraid to explain your reasoning, whether it's due to budget, venue restrictions, or something else. Most people will understand, and you can always emphasize that you'd be honoured by their presence at your wedding, even if they can't bring a date.
Finally, when it comes to the invitations themselves, be sure to include the name of the plus-one if you know it. This ensures that you know everyone who will be attending and can help you create a seating chart. If you don't know the name, you can simply write "and guest".
Remember, the most important thing is to make sure you and your partner are happy with the decisions you're making. It's your special day, so do what feels right for you!
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Plus-one etiquette for guests
If you are a guest at a wedding, there are some important etiquette rules to follow when it comes to bringing a plus-one. Firstly, if your invitation includes a plus-one, don't assume this is an open invitation to bring anyone. A plus-one usually refers to a date or romantic interest, but could also be a family member escorting an older guest or a friend accompanying a single person. If you are unsure, it is best to clarify with the couple.
Secondly, do not sneak in a name substitution. If your invitation includes a plus-one, do not swap out the second guest's name for someone else without checking with the couple first. If the person you intended to bring is no longer able to attend, politely notify the couple and ask if you can bring someone else. It is also important to only include a plus-one if their attendance is guaranteed. Don't leave the couple with empty seats and unnecessary costs.
Thirdly, if you are bringing a plus-one, your gift should reflect that. If you are attending as two guests, bring a gift that accounts for both of you. However, if your plus-one doesn't know the couple, you probably shouldn't ask them to contribute to the gift. Finally, if your plus-one is a new partner, be sure to introduce them to the couple at some point during the wedding.
Remember, every wedding is different, and what works for one couple may not work for another. Always keep the couple's budget, vision for the day, and guest needs in mind when considering your plus-one.
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Budget and space considerations
Budget and space are two of the most important considerations when it comes to planning a wedding and deciding on the number of plus ones to offer. The number of guests can have a huge impact on the overall cost of the wedding, with most areas of a wedding budget affected by the number of guests in attendance.
The cost per guest can vary depending on the type of reception service offered. Buffet-style receptions typically cost $50-$100 per guest, while formal plated dinners are more expensive, ranging from $100-$200 per guest. Alcohol and cake are also usually included in the catering costs, but some couples choose to budget for these separately.
In addition to catering, other areas of the budget that are impacted by guest numbers include venue setup fees, bar expenses, and rental costs for items such as tables, chairs, linens, and dishware. It's important to note that some venues have strict accommodation guidelines or guest limits, which can affect the overall cost.
When creating a wedding budget, it's recommended to allocate around 40% for guest needs, including the venue, food, and beverages. The venue is often the biggest investment, with couples typically spending about 37% of their overall budget on the wedding venue. Catering is another significant expense, taking up about 29% of the average wedding budget.
To manage budget and space considerations, it's essential to create a detailed wedding budget and guest list. This will help determine the number of plus ones that can be accommodated within the allocated funds. It's also important to prioritize certain aspects of the wedding that are most important to the couple, such as food, transportation, and music.
In summary, budget and space are crucial factors when deciding on plus ones for a wedding. By creating a comprehensive budget and guest list, and prioritizing certain aspects of the wedding, couples can effectively manage their resources and ensure a memorable celebration for their guests.
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Serious relationships
When it comes to wedding plus-ones, the general consensus is that it is usually reserved for those in serious or long-term relationships. While there are no set rules, and every wedding is different, here are some guidelines to consider:
Inviting Guests in Serious Relationships
It is common courtesy to extend a plus-one invitation to guests who are in serious or long-term relationships, especially if you don't know their partner well. This acknowledges their commitment and ensures they have a companion for the celebration. It is important to use proper invitation etiquette by addressing both parties on the envelope or including a plus-one note inside.
Budget and Space Constraints
However, it is important to consider the couple's budget and venue capacity when deciding on plus-ones. Weddings can be expensive, and the cost per guest can quickly add up, so don't be surprised if you don't receive a plus-one invitation. Most couples have budget restrictions and limited space, so they may not be able to accommodate a date for every single guest.
When deciding who gets a plus-one, it is recommended to distinguish between serious relationships and casual dating. Couples who are engaged, live together, or have been dating long-term should generally be offered a plus-one. If you're unsure about the relationship status of your guests, it is better to err on the side of caution and offer them a plus-one.
Out-of-Town Guests
Another factor to consider is whether your guests will know other attendees. If you have guests who are travelling from out of town and may not know many people at the wedding, it is considerate to offer them a plus-one so they don't feel out of place or lonely.
Communicating with Guests
When inviting guests with a plus-one, it is important to be clear and consistent. Make sure to include a space on the RSVP for the primary guest to write the name of their plus-one. This will help the couple with seating arrangements and ensure there are no surprise guests on the day.
In summary, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding plus-ones, it is generally considered good etiquette to offer a plus-one to guests in serious or long-term relationships. However, budget and space constraints may limit the number of plus-ones a couple can accommodate. Clear communication and thoughtful consideration of guests' needs are key to navigating this aspect of wedding planning gracefully.
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Single guests who know other guests
If a single guest who knows other guests receives a plus-one invitation, it is essential to choose a suitable plus-one who will not cause any drama or anxiety for the couple or other guests. It is also important to consider the cost of adding an additional guest, as most areas of a wedding's budget, such as food costs, bar expenses, and venue setup fees, are affected by the number of guests in attendance.
When deciding whether to extend a plus-one invitation to single guests who know other guests, it is recommended to be polite and consistent. If the couple chooses not to offer a plus-one to these guests, they should be prepared to respond to requests from guests who ask for one. A kind but firm explanation, such as citing budget constraints, can be provided to guests who inquire about a plus-one.
Ultimately, the decision to offer a plus-one to single guests who know other guests is up to the couple's discretion. It is essential to consider the unique circumstances of each guest and the potential impact on the wedding dynamic and seating arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
It's not necessarily rude, but it depends on the couple's preferences and budget. Plus ones are usually reserved for dates or romantic interests but can also include family members or close friends. It's important to respect the couple's wishes and understand that they may have budget constraints.
A plus one is when an invited guest is given permission to bring someone of their choosing to the wedding. This is usually indicated on the invitation as "and guest" or the guest's name may be included.
It varies depending on the couple, but typically members of the wedding party, immediate family, and out-of-town guests are offered plus ones. Couples who are engaged, live together, or are in a serious relationship are also often given plus ones.
While it's not advisable to ask for a plus one if you didn't receive one, you can politely inquire about it with the couple. Understand that they may have budget or space constraints and respect their decision if they say no.
It's generally more common to bring a date or romantic interest as a plus one, but ultimately it's up to the couple's discretion. Communicate with them about your preference and be respectful of their decision.
