Inclusivity In Wedding Invites: Welcoming Plus Ones

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the first steps is figuring out your guest list, which includes deciding who gets a plus-one. While there are no set rules, there are best practices and etiquette guidelines to help make the process easier. The term plus-one grants an invited guest permission to bring someone with them, usually a romantic partner or a friend. It is not always feasible to offer every guest a plus-one due to budget and space constraints. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of wedding planning.

Married, engaged, and cohabiting guests traditionally receive a plus-one

When it comes to wedding guest lists, it can be tricky to know who to include and how to extend invitations, especially when it comes to plus-ones. While there are no hard and fast rules, there are some traditional guidelines and best practices to follow to ensure smooth planning and happy guests.

Other Considerations for Plus-One Invitations

In addition to married, engaged, and cohabiting guests, there are other factors to consider when allocating plus-ones:

• Members of the wedding party should receive a plus-one as a token of appreciation for their time, support, and expenses.
• Out-of-town guests or those who won't know many other attendees are often given plus-one privileges to ensure they feel comfortable and not lonely.
• Close family members may be given a plus-one on a case-by-case basis, depending on the familiarity and comfort level within the family.
• If only a few single people are invited, they may benefit from having a date at their side, so a plus-one could be considered.

Practicalities of Plus-One Invitations

When deciding on plus-ones, it's essential to keep budget and space constraints in mind. Weddings are expensive, and each additional guest incurs costs for food, drinks, favours, and more. It's also important to be mindful of the venue's capacity and your vision for the day.

To notify guests about plus-ones, the invitation envelope is key. Traditional wedding invitations have an outer and inner envelope. The outer envelope addresses the recipient, and the inner envelope lists the names of those invited, including plus-ones. For modern invitations with only one envelope, be sure to address all invitees clearly, listing couples by their full names or writing "and guest" if a plus-one is allowed.

In conclusion, while married, engaged, and cohabiting guests traditionally receive a plus-one, there are other factors and considerations to keep in mind when creating your guest list and allocating plus-ones. Clear communication and thoughtful planning will help ensure a smooth process and a joyful celebration.

Everyone in the bridal party should receive a plus-one

When it comes to your wedding, you want to be surrounded by your loved ones, and that includes the bridal party. These are the people who have been there for you throughout the entire wedding prep process, from dress shopping to planning your bachelorette party. They have spent their time, energy, and money to be there for you, so it's only fair that they get to bring a plus-one to the wedding.

Allowing a bridesmaid or groomsman to bring a date is a token of appreciation for their efforts and support. It's a small way to say "thank you" for all the occasions they have had to organize and participate in leading up to your big day. Plus, it's a chance for them to let loose and have some fun with someone they care about!

It's important to remember that your bridal party members are individuals with their own preferences. By offering a plus-one, you're not forcing them to bring someone; you're simply giving them the option. This is especially considerate if you have bridal party members who are from out of town or who might feel more comfortable having a familiar face by their side.

When deciding whether to allow plus-ones for the bridal party, it's crucial to keep budget and space constraints in mind. Weddings are expensive, and adding extra names might not be feasible. However, if possible, it's a thoughtful gesture to give your bridal party the opportunity to bring a guest.

Remember, a happy bridal party contributes to a happy couple! So, go ahead and extend that invitation—your bridal party will thank you for it.

Include the plus-one on the invitation

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many factors to consider, and guest lists can be a tricky part of the process. Here is a detailed and direct guide on how to include plus-ones on your wedding invitations:

The Outer Envelope

On the outer envelope, write the name of the guest you are inviting. If they are married or in a serious relationship, write the names of both parties. For example, "Mrs. Valerie Smith and Mrs. Hannah Woods". This makes it clear that both people are invited.

The Inner Envelope

If your guest has a plus-one, such as a spouse, fiancé or live-in partner, the inner envelope is where you can include their name. For instance, "Mrs. Valerie Smith & Guest". This is also the place to specify "and Guest" if your guest is single and you are happy for them to bring a date.

Modern Invitations

With more modern invitations, such as online invites, be sure to address all invitees clearly and up-front. If a couple is in a relationship, list both guests by their full names. If a single guest is invited to bring a date, write their name and then "and Guest".

Notes

Some people choose to include a note at the bottom of the card or on the back of the invitation, stating "You are invited to bring a guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one". This makes it clear that you are happy for them to bring someone.

RSVP Cards

It is a good idea to include an RSVP card with a space for the guest to write in the number of people attending. For example, "_ of 2 will be attending". This helps to eliminate any confusion and manage your guest list effectively.

Be Consistent

Finally, it is important to be consistent with your plus-one invitations. If one person in the wedding party is offered a plus-one, it is polite to offer the same to everyone in the wedding party. This avoids any potential hurt feelings or favouritism.

Remember, it is your special day, so only give plus-ones where you think they are needed and can be accommodated within your budget and venue capacity.

Put your wedding plus-one info on your website

It's important to establish clear guidelines for plus-ones on your wedding website to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings. Here are some tips to help you navigate this delicate topic:

Define "Plus-One"

Start by defining what a plus-one means to you. Typically, it refers to a guest's romantic partner or date. However, it can also include family members escorting older guests or close friends accompanying single attendees. Clarifying this on your website will help set expectations for your guests.

Set Criteria for Plus-Ones

Communicate the criteria for who will receive a plus-one invitation. Traditionally, married, engaged, and cohabitating guests receive a plus-one. You may also want to extend this courtesy to your bridal party as a token of appreciation for their time and support. Be mindful of your budget and venue capacity when setting these criteria.

Address Envelopes Clearly

When sending out invitations, be sure to address the envelopes clearly. If a guest is invited with a plus-one, include both names on the outer envelope. If you are only including one envelope, be sure to address all invitees clearly, such as "Mr. James R. Smith and guest." This will help your guests understand who is invited.

Provide an FAQ Section

Create a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on your website specifically for plus-one inquiries. Here, you can answer common questions such as "Am I allowed to bring a plus-one?" or "What is your policy on children as plus-ones?" Be transparent about your policies and provide clear explanations for your decisions.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to plus-ones. If you offer a plus-one to one member of the bridal party, it's considerate to extend the same courtesy to the others. This avoids any appearance of favoritism and ensures everyone feels valued. Remember, your bridal party has invested their time, energy, and money into your special day.

Consider Budget and Dynamics

When deciding on plus-ones, carefully consider your budget and the social dynamics of your wedding. If budget allows, you may want to offer plus-ones to single guests to avoid anyone feeling left out. However, be mindful of how additional guests may impact the overall atmosphere and seating arrangements.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your plus-one policies on your wedding website, ensuring your guests are well-informed and your special day runs smoothly.

Have grace when dealing with guests asking for a plus-one

When dealing with guests asking for a plus-one, it's important to be polite and consistent. Wedding planner Emily Coyne says that "there's never a reason to make anyone feel bad but the person who asked for a plus-one is in the wrong here". It's also important to consider each request individually and take into account logistical factors like budget, venue capacity, and the venue's rules.

If you are unsure of how to respond to a guest's request for a plus-one, wedding expert Amber Harrison suggests saying something along the lines of: "Let me check with my planner and see what our venue allows". This gives you time to discuss with your partner and/or planner and make a final decision. If you decide that you cannot accommodate the request, Coyne suggests maintaining consistency by saying something like: "We wish we could allow everyone to bring a plus-one, but as we faced some limitations in being able to do this, we were only able to allow wedding party members to bring a guest".

It's also worth noting that it's generally considered good etiquette to grant a plus-one to guests who are married, engaged, or cohabiting. Wedding planner Lea Stafford advises that you should "clearly identify your 'why'. Why are you not extending an invite for a plus-one?" Your reasons could range from budget constraints to venue capacity or health and safety concerns. It's also important to consider who the guest is—are they a close friend or family member, a coworker, or someone your parents have invited? This will help you determine the appropriate tone for your response.

• "Given our planned resources, we have decided to limit the number of guests."
• "Our goal is to keep our very special weekend (or day) as intimate as possible, so we are choosing to celebrate with only our closest family and friends. Thank you for respecting our wishes."
• "We'd love to include everyone, but unfortunately, our budget only allowed us to invite close friends and family. We appreciate your understanding and really hope to see you there!"

Frequently asked questions