Crafting Name Cards For Wedding Plus Ones: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding place cards are an important part of the big day, helping to ensure guests can find their seats with ease and removing any confusion at the reception. They can also be a great way to add a personalised final touch to your wedding reception.

If you're inviting plus ones to your wedding, you'll need to make sure you know their names for the place cards. If you don't know the name of the plus one, you can write and guest on the invitation, but be sure to leave space on the RSVP card for them to fill in their guest's name. This will ensure you have the correct name for the seating chart, place cards, and thank you notes.

There are many creative ways to design your place cards, from classic folded cards to acrylic name plates, and even mini succulents with personalised tags. You can also add a sweet message to your place cards, such as welcome or at last.

How to address plus ones on wedding invitations

There are a few ways to address plus ones on wedding invitations. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Understanding Plus Ones

First, it's important to understand what a plus one means. A plus one is typically granted to unmarried guests, giving them the opportunity to bring a date to the wedding. It is not usually an open invitation to bring any friend. Plus ones are also commonly given to out-of-town guests who may not know many other attendees, as well as members of the couple's immediate family and wedding party members.

Step 2: Creating Your Guest List

When creating your guest list, consider dividing it into an "A" list and a "B" list. The "A" list should include all the guests who should absolutely receive a plus one, such as family members and wedding party members. The "B" list can include guests you would like to offer a plus one to if your budget allows. This way, you can prioritize who receives a plus one invitation first.

Step 3: Addressing the Envelopes

When addressing the outer envelope, write the guest's first and last name, without adding "and guest". This makes it clear that the invitation is directed towards the named individual. Once they open the card, they will see the mention of the plus one. You can simply write "Mr. Smith & Guest" or add a note at the bottom of the card or on the back of the invitation saying, "You are invited to bring a guest" or "You are invited to bring a plus one".

Step 4: Invitation Wording

When designing your invitations and RSVP cards, use the term "invited guest" instead of "plus one" to add formality. For single guests granted a plus one, address the invitation to the primary guest's name and "invited guest", or address it to the primary guest only and include a plus one note inside with the RSVP card.

For unmarried couples living together, address both parties on the outside and inside of the invitation. If they live separately, each party should ideally receive their own addressed invitation. If you don't have separate addresses, address the invitation to the primary guest and include the partner's name inside. If you are unsure of the relationship status, use "invited guest" instead of their name.

Step 5: Managing RSVPs

Be sure to include a space on the RSVP for the primary guest to write the name of their plus one. This is important for seating chart preparation and place cards. It also helps to cut out the possibility of a stranger or problem guest showing up. If you receive an RSVP confirming a plus one but no name is provided, be sure to follow up. Keep track of your RSVPs and reach out to guests who have not responded as the deadline approaches.

Step 6: Seating Arrangements

Consider your seating arrangements and how you will accommodate plus ones. Use a seating chart tool to create a mock seating chart and ensure it will be relatively easy to seat the guests with plus ones. Take personalities and relationships into account to avoid unwanted drama at the reception. Seat guests or plus ones away from others they may have issues with.

Who should get a plus one

Deciding who gets a plus one at a wedding can be tricky. It's important to remember that a plus one is different from inviting a couple. A plus one is a guest that the invitee can bring along, whereas a couple is a social unit that should be invited together. With that in mind, here are some guidelines on who should get a plus one:

• Wedding Party Members: It is generally considered good etiquette to offer a plus one to members of the wedding party. They have likely spent a lot of time, energy, and money on your wedding, so it's a nice gesture to allow them to bring a guest.
• Married or Engaged Couples: It is standard etiquette to invite both members of a married or engaged couple, even if you are much closer to one person than the other.
• Long-Term Couples: If a guest is in a long-term relationship (usually defined as dating for over a year), their partner should be invited as well. This acknowledges and respects their commitment to each other.
• Single Guests Who Don't Know Many People: If a guest won't know many people at the wedding, it's a kind gesture to offer them a plus one so they have a familiar face to spend time with.
• Older Guests: Older guests may feel more comfortable bringing a friend, especially if they don't know many people at the wedding.
• Single Siblings: If a sibling is single, it may be a good idea to offer them a plus one, even if they know other people at the wedding.
• Out-of-Town Guests: Guests who are travelling alone to attend your wedding may appreciate having a plus one to accompany them.

On the other hand, here are some situations where a plus one is not necessary:

• Guests in Casual Dating Relationships: If a guest has a new partner every few months or hasn't been in a relationship for more than a year, a plus one is not a priority.
• Single Guests Who Know Other Guests: If a single guest will know many people at the wedding, they may not need a plus one. However, this is a case-by-case situation, and you can decide based on the individual's preferences.
• Coworkers: Unless you are very close friends with a coworker, it is not necessary to offer them a plus one.
• Guests in Large Friend Groups: If a single guest is part of a large friend group, they may not need a plus one since they will have plenty of familiar faces to spend time with.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and ultimately, the decision is up to you and your discretion. You may want to consider your budget and venue capacity when making these decisions. Be consistent with your choices to avoid any potential favouritism.

Who shouldn't expect a plus one

When it comes to wedding planning, deciding on the guest list can be one of the most stressful aspects. This includes figuring out who to give the option of a plus one to. Here are some guidelines on who doesn't need a plus one invitation:

• Non-bridal party members like old friends and coworkers do not need a plus one, although it is a nice gesture if your budget allows it.
• Guests who are casual daters or single and will know other people at the wedding. If they are part of your larger friend group, they will likely have fun without a plus one.
• Guests who are married do not need a plus one; they should each be invited by name.
• Couples who live together or are engaged should be invited as a social unit and are not considered plus ones.
• If you are trying to limit your guest list, only give plus ones to important guests, such as the wedding party.

Remember, it is essential to be consistent when offering plus ones. For example, if one person in the wedding party gets a plus one, everyone in the wedding party should be offered one as well. Ultimately, the decision of who doesn't get a plus one is up to the couple's discretion, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Tips for inviting plus ones

When it comes to inviting plus ones to your wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process and a pleasant experience for your guests. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

• Be Clear About Who's Invited: On the invitation and RSVP card, list the names of those who are invited, including plus ones. If you don't know the name of the plus one, you can write "and guest". However, make sure they are noted to avoid any confusion.
• Know Their Names: Ensure you know how to spell the names of all your guests, including plus ones. You will need these names for various wedding stationery, such as invitations, table escort cards, place cards, and thank-you cards.
• Consider the Seating Chart: When creating your seating chart, allocate seats for the plus ones next to their respective partners. If the partner of a plus one is in the wedding party, try to avoid seating them alone during the photos and entrances.
• Communicate About Plus Ones: If someone who didn't receive a plus one reaches out to you, hear them out. Their relationship status may have changed, and it's worth considering their request. If you decide not to offer a plus one, respond politely and explain your reasons, such as venue constraints or budget limitations.
• Addressing Plus Ones on Invitations: When addressing invitations, consider the relationship status of your guests and their plus ones. For married couples or couples living together, write both names on the envelope and invitation. For couples who don't live together, send separate invitations if possible. If you're unsure about their relationship status, address the primary guest with "and Guest".
• Provide an RSVP Option for Plus Ones: On the RSVP card, leave space for guests with plus ones to fill in the name of their guest. This ensures you have the correct information for seating charts and place cards.
• Be Consistent with Wording: Maintain a consistent approach when addressing plus ones. If you offer plus ones to some guests, try to extend the same courtesy to others in similar situations. Avoid creating different policies for different guests to prevent confusion and hurt feelings.
• Inform Guests Without Plus Ones: For guests who don't receive a plus one, there is no need to explicitly mention it on the invitation. Simply address the invitation to the individual guest without any indication of a plus one. You can also add a note on the RSVP card indicating the number of seats reserved for them.
• Ask for Names in Advance: If possible, request the names of plus ones well in advance, especially if you plan to create place cards with guest names. This helps to avoid last-minute changes and ensures a more accurate seating arrangement.
• Be Flexible: Remember that plans can change, and some guests may not know their plus one's name when you send out the invitations. Be prepared to make adjustments and accommodate changes as needed.

By following these tips, you can effectively manage the process of inviting plus ones to your wedding, ensuring that your guests feel welcomed and valued while also staying organized and maintaining a smooth planning process.

Etiquette for plus ones

When it comes to plus ones, there are no hard and fast rules, but there are some best practices and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the plus-one etiquette for your wedding:

Who Gets a Plus-One?

The general consensus is that married couples, engaged couples, and those who are cohabiting should receive a plus-one. It is also common to extend plus-ones to members of the wedding party and immediate family members of the couple. Additionally, consider offering plus-ones to outlier guests who may not know many other attendees, especially those travelling from out of town.

Who Doesn't Get a Plus-One?

Not everyone needs to receive a plus-one. You can exclude new couples or those who are casually dating, as well as single guests who will know other people at the wedding.

Budget and Space Constraints

One of the biggest factors influencing plus-one decisions is the couple's budget and the venue's capacity. If you have a limited budget or restricted space, you may not be able to offer plus-ones to everyone.

Consistency is Key

It is important to establish consistent "rules" for plus-ones to avoid any favouritism or hurt feelings. For example, if one person in the wedding party gets a plus-one, consider offering the same to all members of the wedding party.

Addressing Invitations

When addressing invitations, use the outer envelope for the guest(s) you know personally. If you are offering a plus-one, include their name on the outer envelope as well. If you don't know the name of the plus-one, you can write "and guest" on the inner envelope. Alternatively, include a note inside the invitation indicating that a plus-one is invited.

Seating Arrangements

When creating a seating plan, be mindful of solo guests and try to seat them with outgoing and friendly couples to create a comfortable and communal atmosphere. Avoid placing them between couples, especially those prone to PDA!

Handling Requests for Plus-Ones

Be prepared for guests to reach out and ask for a plus-one if they haven't been offered one. Inquire about their relationship status, and if it has progressed to a more serious level, do your best to include their partner. If you truly cannot accommodate a plus-one due to budget or space constraints, respond kindly and explain that it is an intimate affair.

Knowing the Names of Plus-Ones

Make an effort to know the names of all plus-ones and ensure they are spelled correctly on the invitation and escort cards. This shows attention to detail and is the polite thing to do.

Managing Guest List and RSVPs

Create an "A" list of guests who are a priority for plus-ones, and a "B" list of guests you would like to include if possible. Use a seating chart tool to help you visualise and manage your guest list. When sending out invitations, be sure to include a space for the primary guest to write the name of their plus-one on the RSVP.

Proper Plus-One Invitation Etiquette

When designing invitations, use the term "invited guest" instead of "plus-one" to add formality. Address invitations appropriately, either to the primary guest and their invited guest, or to the primary guest with a plus-one note inside.

Plus-One Etiquette for Guests

Guests who are offered a plus-one should also follow certain guidelines. Do not substitute the name of the invited plus-one with someone else. If the original guest is not attending, politely notify the couple and ask if you can bring someone else. Additionally, do not bring an uninvited guest as your plus-one, and always be considerate of the couple's time, effort, and expenses.

These guidelines will help you navigate the sometimes tricky territory of plus-one etiquette. Remember, your wedding day should ultimately reflect what you and your partner want, so make decisions that align with your vision, budget, and guest's needs.

Frequently asked questions