Writing Etiquette: Plus One On Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to navigating the guest list and deciding who gets a plus-one. The topic of plus-ones is a delicate one, and it's important to handle it with care to ensure that your guests feel comfortable and welcomed. In this paragraph, we will discuss the different ways to indicate plus-ones on wedding invitations, ensuring that your guests are well-informed and your special day runs smoothly.

Address the envelope to the guest and their plus one

When addressing a wedding invitation envelope to a guest and their plus one, there are a few different approaches you can take. One option is to write the guest's name followed by "and guest". For example, "Mr. James R. Smith and guest". This approach clearly indicates that the guest is invited to bring a plus one.

Another option is to include a note on the invitation itself. You could write the guest's name on the outer envelope and then add a note on the back of the invitation or at the bottom of the card saying, "You are invited to bring a guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one". This approach allows you to directly address the invitation to the guest while still offering the option of bringing a plus one.

It's worth noting that including "and guest" on the outer envelope is not necessary. You can simply address the envelope to the guest by name, and they will understand that the invitation is directed towards them. Once they open the card and see the mention of "plus one" or "and guest", they will know they are invited to bring someone.

If you are inviting a married or engaged couple, it is common courtesy to invite both individuals, even if you are closer to one person than the other. In this case, you would address the envelope to both people by name, for example, "Mrs. Valerie Smith and Mrs. Hannah Woods".

Remember, it is your special day, and you can be selective about who you offer a plus one to. You are not obligated to allow everyone to bring a guest, especially if you are planning a small wedding or working with a limited budget.

Include a note on the invitation that a plus one is welcome

Including a note on the invitation that a plus one is welcome is a great way to let your guests know they can bring a date. This can be done in a few ways, depending on your preference and the style of your invitation.

One option is to simply write "and guest" after the guest's name on the envelope. For example, "Mr. James R. Smith and guest". This is a common way to indicate that a plus one is invited and is clear and direct. It is also a good option if you are sending online invitations, as suggested by Vogue, where you can address all invitees clearly upfront.

Another way to include a plus one is to write the guest's name on the outer envelope and then add "and guest" on the inner envelope or invitation card. This way, the guest first sees that they are invited and then opens the envelope to see that they can bring a date. This works well with traditional invitations that have an outer and inner envelope.

If you are inviting a married couple or a couple that lives together, it is standard etiquette to invite both parties, even if you are closer to one person. In this case, list both guests by their full names on the envelope.

You can also include a note on the invitation that says "You are invited to bring a guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one". This can be written at the bottom of the card or on the back of the invitation. This option is especially useful if you are unsure whether your guest knows about traditional plus-one wording or if you want to make the information very clear.

Remember, it is your special day, so don't feel obligated to offer plus ones to everyone. You can be selective and only offer them where you think they are needed or wanted.

If you don't know the plus one's name, write and guest

When inviting a guest to your wedding, it is customary to extend the invitation to their spouse, fiancé, or live-in partner. However, if you are inviting a single guest and don't know the name of their plus-one, there are a few ways to indicate that they are allowed to bring a guest.

One way to do this is to write "and guest" on the invitation. For example, the envelope might read: "Mr. James R. Smith and guest". This is a common way to indicate that the guest can bring someone of their choosing. It is important to note that a plus-one usually refers to a date or romantic interest, but it could also include a family member escorting an older guest or a close friend attending with a single person.

Another way to indicate that a guest is allowed to bring a plus-one is to include a note at the bottom of the card or on the back of the invitation. For example, you could write: "You are invited to bring a guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one". This approach allows you to directly address the guest of honour while still extending the option to bring a plus-one.

When addressing the outer envelope, you can simply write the guest's name without adding "and guest". Once they open the card, they will see the "plus one" indication. This approach ensures that the guest understands that the invitation is directed specifically to them while still offering the option to bring someone else.

It is worth mentioning that you don't have to feel obligated to offer plus-ones to every guest. It is perfectly acceptable to be selective, especially if you are planning a small wedding. Ultimately, it is your special day, and you can decide who gets a plus-one based on your budget, venue capacity, and the dynamic you want to create for your wedding.

If you do know the plus one's name, write their name on the envelope

If you know the name of your guest's plus one, the best way to address the envelope is to write the names of both your guest and their plus one. For example, "Mrs. Valerie Smith and Mrs. Hannah Woods". This is the clearest way to indicate that both people are invited to the wedding.

If you are inviting a married couple or a couple who live together, it is also appropriate to invite them by writing both names on the envelope. For instance, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith".

If you are happy for your guest to bring a plus one but you don't know their name, there are a few ways to indicate this. One option is to write your guest's name on the outer envelope and then add "and Guest" to the inner envelope. Alternatively, you could write a note at the bottom of the invitation, such as "You are invited to bring a plus one".

It is important to be mindful of the social dynamics and seating arrangements when deciding on your guest list and whether to allow plus ones. You may want to consider creating a clear set of criteria for deciding who gets a plus one to avoid any potential hurt feelings.

Put the number of guests invited on the RSVP card

When inviting guests to a wedding, it is important to be clear about the number of guests invited per invitee. This is usually done on the RSVP card, where the invited guest can indicate the number of people attending.

One way to do this is to include a line on the RSVP card that says, "___ of 2 will be attending," or "___ seats have been reserved in your honour." This ensures that the invited guest knows exactly how many people they are allowed to bring and helps to avoid any confusion or assumptions about the number of guests invited.

Another option is to write the number of guests invited directly on the RSVP card. For example, "You are invited to bring one guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one." This approach is more direct and leaves less room for interpretation.

It is worth noting that the traditional way of indicating a plus one on a wedding invitation is to write "and guest" on the envelope or inner card. However, this may not always be clear, especially if there is no indication of the number of guests invited on the RSVP card. Combining these approaches by including both the number of guests invited and "and guest" on the envelope or inner card can help to ensure clarity and avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to be clear and consistent in your communication about the number of guests invited per invitee. This will help to ensure that your guests have a positive experience and that your wedding planning goes smoothly.

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