Etiquette Guide: Listing Plus Ones On Wedding Invites

Wedding planning is a stressful task, and one of the most important aspects is the guest list. Deciding who gets a plus-one can be tricky, but there are some general guidelines to follow. Plus-ones are typically offered to guests who are married, engaged, or in a serious relationship, as well as those who are part of the wedding party or are out-of-town guests. It is also common courtesy to extend a plus-one invitation to members of the couple's immediate family. When addressing the invitations, it is best to include the name of the plus-one if known, or simply add and Guest if you don't know their name.

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

When it comes to wedding guest lists, it's only natural to wonder how to navigate plus-one etiquette. The good news is that there are some tried-and-true rules to help you decide.

According to wedding etiquette experts, spouses, fiancés, and live-in partners of each guest should receive an invitation. This means that if your guest is married, engaged, or living with their partner, it's standard practice to include their other half on the invite. Even if you've never met your guest's significant other, it's important to respect their relationship.

How to List Plus-Ones on the Invitation

When it comes to addressing the invitations, there are a few options. For married, engaged, or cohabiting couples, it's best to list both guests by their full names. This shows respect for their relationship and makes them both feel welcomed.

If, for any reason, you don't know the name of your guest's partner, you can use the term "invited guest" instead. This is more formal than "plus-one" and indicates that your guest is welcome to bring someone.

Other Considerations

While married, engaged, and cohabiting guests are the top priority when it comes to plus-ones, there are a few other situations to consider:

• Wedding Party Members: It's courteous to offer a plus-one to members of your wedding party, even if they're not in a serious relationship. This is a way to thank them for their time, support, and effort throughout the wedding planning process.
• Outlier Guests: If you have guests who won't know many people at the wedding, especially those travelling from out of town, it's a nice gesture to offer them a plus-one so they feel more comfortable.
• VIP Guests: If you have a very important guest who is single and won't know many people, consider giving them a plus-one so they can enjoy the celebration without feeling isolated.

Final Thoughts

Remember, every wedding is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to plus-one etiquette. Keep your budget, venue size, and guests' needs in mind when making decisions. It's also a good idea to be prepared for requests from guests who don't receive a plus-one. Have a kind and firm explanation ready, and be understanding if they choose not to attend.

Everyone in the bridal party should receive a plus-one

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many factors to consider, and the guest list is one of the most important aspects. While it can be challenging to accommodate everyone, it is generally agreed that everyone in the bridal party should receive a plus-one as a courteous gesture. Here are some reasons why this is a good idea:

Firstly, it is essential to recognise the time, effort, and financial contributions of the bridal party. They have dedicated their time, energy, and money to support the couple throughout the wedding planning process, from dress shopping and bachelorette parties to transportation and lodging. Offering them a plus-one is a way to express gratitude for their unwavering support and participation in various wedding-related events.

Secondly, having a plus-one can enhance the bridal party's overall experience and comfort level. Weddings can be lonely and awkward for those flying solo, especially if they are the only ones without a date or are unfamiliar with the other guests. By allowing them to bring a guest, you create a more inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere for your bridal party.

Additionally, it is worth considering the dynamics between the bridal party members. In some cases, the person each member walks down the aisle with may not be their date or significant other. Forcing a setup in front of everyone can be uncomfortable and unnecessary. Respecting their preferences and allowing them to bring their own dates fosters a more positive and authentic experience for everyone involved.

Lastly, it is important to remember that weddings are about celebrating love and commitment. By offering a plus-one to the bridal party, you are not only showing your appreciation for their support but also enabling them to share this special day with someone they care about. This gesture aligns with the spirit of the celebration and strengthens the bond between the couple and their beloved bridal party.

While budget and space constraints may pose challenges, it is worth considering the happiness and comfort of the bridal party. Ultimately, the decision to offer plus-ones is a personal one, and each couple should decide what works best for their unique situation.

How to address the envelope when inviting a guest and a plus-one

When addressing a wedding invitation envelope to a guest and their plus-one, there are a few options to consider. The traditional way is to use an outer and inner envelope. The outer envelope is addressed to the recipient, and the inner envelope lists the names of all invitees, such as children or plus-ones. However, if you are using a single envelope or sending an online invitation, there are other ways to indicate a plus-one.

If the guest is in a relationship, list both guests by their full names. For example, write "Mr. Shawn Mendes, Ms. Camilla Cabello". If you are sending a paper invitation, write the plus-one's name and address on the inner envelope or include a note card that says, "You are invited to bring a guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one".

If the guest is unmarried and you don't know who they will bring, a simple "and Guest" after their name will suffice. For example, "Mr. Harry Styles and Guest". This is also suitable for online invitations.

If you are inviting a married couple or a couple living together, it is polite to invite both, even if you are closer to one person. Write their full names on separate lines, starting with the woman's name. For example, "Ms. Taylor Swift, Mr. Joe Alwyn". If they live separately, send individual invitations to each.

It is essential to manage your guest list and be proactive to eliminate potential stress. Be clear and direct when addressing the envelopes to avoid confusion and unwanted guests.

How to address the envelope when not inviting a plus-one

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations, there are a few different approaches you can take, depending on your preferences and the nature of your guest list. Here are some instructive paragraphs on how to address the envelope when not inviting a plus-one:

Firstly, it's important to understand that the outer and inner envelopes of a wedding invitation typically follow different etiquette rules. The outer envelope is more formal and should include the recipient's full name and personal title, such as Mr., Ms., Miss, or Mx. This format works for couples of all genders, regardless of whether they share a surname. However, if you feel that personal titles may be restrictive or exclusive for your guest list, you can opt for a more modern approach by using only first and last names. Remember to double-check each attendee's preferred personal title, especially if they identify as non-binary.

When addressing a wedding invitation to a single person without a plus-one, use their preferred title and name on the outer envelope. For example, "Ms. Ali Johnson". On the inner envelope, you can use their last name only, such as "Ms. Johnson". This approach clearly indicates that the invitation is for the individual without a plus-one.

If you are inviting a married couple without plus-ones, there are a few options for addressing the envelopes. On the outer envelope, you can write their names on the same line, such as "Mr. John and Mrs. Samantha Rivera". Alternatively, you can list their names separately: "Ms. Celine Elgin" and "Ms. Jacqueline Purcell". On the inner envelope, you can use their surnames only, such as "Mr. and Mrs. Rivera" or "Ms. Elgin and Ms. Purcell".

When addressing an unmarried couple without plus-ones, include both names on separate lines on the outer envelope: "Mr. Aaron Triguiero" and "Mr. Gabriel Reyes". On the inner envelope, you can use their surnames only: "Mr. Triguiero" and "Mr. Reyes".

If you are inviting guests with distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, judges, or military personnel, it is proper etiquette to address them by their title on the outer envelope. For example, for a doctor, you would write "Dr. Anne Barker and Mr. Peter Underwood". On the inner envelope, you can refer to them by their titles and names, such as "Dr. Barker and Mr. Underwood".

Remember, these are just some guidelines to consider when addressing wedding invitations without plus-ones. The most important thing is to use proper titles and names, and to clearly indicate who is invited to ensure there is no confusion.

How to communicate plus-one privileges to guests

Communicating plus-one privileges to guests can be a tricky part of wedding planning. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Be Clear About Who Gets a Plus-One

Before you start addressing invitations, decide who will receive a plus-one. It's common to extend this privilege to married, engaged, and cohabiting guests, as well as members of the wedding party and out-of-town guests. If you're working with a tight budget or limited space, you may need to be more selective. Create an "A" list of guests who will definitely receive a plus-one and a "B" list of those who will be offered a plus-one if your budget allows.

Use Clear Wording on the Invitation

When addressing the invitations, make it clear who is invited. If you know the name of the plus-one, include it on the invitation. For example, "Mr. Shawn Mendes, Ms. Camilla Cabello". If you don't know the name of the plus-one, you can simply add "and Guest" to the envelope, like "Mr. Harry Styles and Guest".

Another option is to include a note on the invitation or RSVP card. For example, you can write the guest's name and add "and Guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one". You can also include a line on the RSVP card that indicates the number of seats reserved, such as "_ seats reserved in your honour".

Be Prepared to Respond to Requests

Even if you don't offer a plus-one to every guest, some may still ask about bringing one. Have a kind but firm response prepared, such as, "We'd love to include everyone, but unfortunately, our budget only allowed us to invite close friends and family. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you there!". It's best to deliver this response over the phone or in person rather than via email.

Keep Track of RSVPs

Stay organised by keeping track of your RSVPs. If you receive an RSVP confirming a plus-one but no name is provided, follow up to request the name. This will be helpful for seating arrangements and place cards.

Be Mindful of Seating Arrangements

When planning the seating arrangements, try to accommodate plus-ones to make them feel comfortable. Avoid seating them between couples or in an obvious "singles-only" table. Instead, seat them with friendly, outgoing couples or guests with similar interests to foster a communal feel.

By following these tips, you can effectively communicate plus-one privileges to your wedding guests and ensure that everyone has a wonderful time on your big day.

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