Crafting Wedding Website Wording For Plus-One Invites

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding who to invite. One of the most common questions couples ask is who should get a plus-one. While there are no set rules, there are best practices and etiquette guidelines to help make the process easier. This article will provide tips and suggestions for how to word inviting a plus-one on your wedding website, including when and how to inform your guests.

Who Gets a Plus One?

The short answer is that it's your wedding, so it's up to you! However, there are some general guidelines and best practices to help you navigate this tricky issue.

General Guidelines

• Married or engaged couples: It is customary to invite spouses or fiancés, even if you haven't met them or are not particularly close with them.
• Long-term relationships: Couples who live together or have been dating long-term (e.g., more than six months to a year) should also be invited together.
• Other guests: Consider allowing plus-ones for guests who may feel uncomfortable attending alone, such as coworkers, old friends, or those travelling for the wedding.
• Budget and space: Keep in mind that the number of guests will impact your budget and the venue's capacity. You may need to set limits on plus-ones due to these constraints.

Best Practices

• Be consistent: Establish your own rules and apply them consistently to avoid any hint of favouritism. For example, if you offer a plus-one to one member of the wedding party, offer it to all.
• Clear communication: Make sure your invitations clearly indicate whether a plus-one is included. Use names if you know them, or "and guest" if you don't.
• Address envelopes properly: For guests with a plus-one, include their name on the outer envelope and "and guest" on the inner envelope. For no plus-one, address only to the guest on both envelopes.
• Be prepared for questions: Some guests may reach out about bringing a plus-one. Be ready to respond kindly but firmly, explaining any limitations due to budget or space.
• Seating arrangements: When creating your seating chart, try to seat single guests with people they know or with friendly, outgoing couples to foster a comfortable and communal atmosphere.

Remember, your wedding day should reflect what you and your partner want. These guidelines and best practices can help you navigate the tricky terrain of plus-ones and ensure your guests are happy and comfortable.

How to Say No Plus Ones

Deciding on a guest list for your wedding can be a tricky task, and it's natural to want to keep all your guests happy. However, there are many reasons why you might want to limit plus ones, such as budget or space constraints. Here are some tips and tricks on how to politely say no to plus ones on your wedding website:

Be Clear and Consistent

It is generally best to have a blanket rule for plus ones to avoid any potential drama or hurt feelings. For example, you could decide that only guests who are married, engaged, or living together are allowed to bring a plus one. This is a widely accepted rule of thumb, but you can also add long-term relationships to this list if you wish. Having a clear rule will help you explain your decision to guests and may help to narrow down your guest list.

Address Invitations Correctly

When sending out your wedding invitations, make sure to address them specifically to those who are invited. For example, write "Mr and Mrs John and Sarah Smith" instead of "the Smith family" to make it obvious that only the named people are expected to attend. If plus ones are allowed, the invitation would read "Mr John Smith plus Guest".

Make it Clear on the RSVP Card

The RSVP card is a great tool for communicating the plus one rule. Rather than leaving the name line blank, write your guest(s)' names on the reply card yourself, leaving no room for them to add anyone else. You could also add a section saying, "We have reserved _ seat(s) in your honour", filling in the blank with the number of people invited.

Include an FAQ on Your Wedding Website

FAQs are a brilliant way to explain things to your guests without having to address them directly. You could include something like:

> Q: Can I bring a plus one to your wedding?

> A: Unfortunately, due to budget and space limitations, we simply can’t afford for all of our lovely guests to bring a guest of their own. Plus ones are therefore by invitation only, and we ask other guests to please not bring a plus one. Thank you so much for understanding!

Inform Guests in Advance

Before you send out invitations, you can slip the "no plus ones" rule into casual conversation when discussing your wedding plans. Explain that your venue is fairly small or that you're trying to stick to a budget, so you won't be allowing plus ones. This will help to soften the idea for your guests.

Consider the Consequences

Think carefully about the impact of not inviting someone's partner. If it is going to ruin a friendship, consider whether you can make space for one more. Also, consider whether your guests will be comfortable attending alone. They may know very few people at the wedding, and having a companion could allow them to enjoy the event more.

Remember, it's your wedding day, and you don't have to please everyone. These guidelines will help you communicate your decisions politely and effectively.

Plus-One Invitation Wording

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the trickiest tasks is deciding on the guest list, and whether to offer plus-ones. It would be ideal if everyone could bring a guest, but unfortunately, budget and space limitations often mean that this isn't possible. So, how do you navigate this delicate situation?

Firstly, it's important to establish who will be offered a plus-one. Traditionally, this includes married or engaged guests, those in long-term relationships, and members of the wedding party. It's also a nice gesture to offer plus-ones to guests who are travelling or who won't know many other attendees, so they don't feel out of place.

When addressing invitations, the general rule is that if a guest is not offered a plus-one, the outer and inner envelope should only include their name. If they are offered a plus-one, the outer envelope should include their name alone, and the inner envelope should add "and guest". For online invitations, simply include the guest's name and "and guest" at the beginning of the email.

If you know the name of the plus-one, it's best to include it on the invitation. You can list their name on a separate line below the guest's name, or send a separate invitation directly to the plus-one. This adds a personal touch and affirms that the guest is welcome.

For guests who are offered a plus-one but whose guest's name is unknown, simply add "and Guest" to the envelope. For example, "Mr. Harry Stockton and Guest".

If you are not inviting a plus-one, simply include the name of the guest on the envelope, with no mention of a plus-one.

To make your intentions clear, you can also include the exact number of seats reserved for each guest. This gently conveys that they cannot bring an additional guest.

Remember, it's your wedding, so ultimately, the decision is up to you and your partner. Be proactive, keep track of your guest list, and don't be afraid to set boundaries.

What to Do When Someone Asks for a Plus One

It is important to be prepared for the possibility that guests who do not have a plus one may ask about bringing one. Here are some tips on how to handle this situation:

Be Clear and Elegant in Your Wording

When addressing your invitations, be clear and elegant in your wording. A good way to gently inform guests that they cannot bring a plus one is to specify the exact number of seats that have been reserved for them. This way, they understand that there is no room for an additional guest.

Stick to Your Rules

If you and your partner have set certain rules for your guest list, it is best to stick to them. For example, if you have decided that only guests who are married, engaged, or in a long-term relationship can bring a plus one, communicate this to your guests. This will help to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.

Be Consistent

It is important to be polite and consistent when dealing with guests who ask for a plus one. If you have decided that only certain guests will be allowed to bring a plus one, communicate this clearly and consistently to everyone. This will help to avoid any accusations of favouritism.

Consider Special Circumstances

There may be cases where a guest's relationship status has changed since you sent out your invitations. For example, they may have recently gotten engaged or become more serious with their partner. In these cases, it is appropriate to reconsider your decision and, if possible, extend an invitation to their partner.

Be Mindful of Your Guests' Comfort

If a guest does not have a plus one, try to seat them with other guests they know or with friendly couples they can socialize with. This will help create a comfortable and communal atmosphere for everyone.

Communicate Your Decision Graciously

If a guest asks about bringing a plus one, it is important to respond graciously, even if you need to decline their request. You can say something like, "We would love for you to bring a guest, but this is a very intimate affair." It is best to deliver this message over the phone or in person, rather than via email or text.

How to Address Plus Ones on Invitations

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the trickiest tasks is often deciding on the guest list and figuring out who to invite. This includes whether to offer plus ones and how to word the invitations. Here's a guide to help you navigate this process:

Who Traditionally Gets a Plus One?

It's generally considered standard etiquette to offer a plus one to married guests, allowing them to bring their spouse or partner. Engaged couples and those who live together should also be given the opportunity to bring their significant other. Beyond these groups, it's up to the couple's discretion, but other factors to consider may include the guest's relationship status, whether they know other attendees, and the couple's budget and venue capacity.

Creating a Clear and Elegant Message

When it comes to addressing invitations, it's important to be clear and delicate. One way to do this is by indicating the exact number of seats reserved for each guest, conveying that they are not offered a plus one. For example, addressing the invitation to "Mr. Smith and Guest" or simply including "and Guest" on the inner envelope or RSVP card.

If you're sending online invitations, be sure to include the names of both the primary guest and their plus one at the beginning of the email. This ensures there is no confusion about the number of people invited.

Outer and Inner Envelopes

Very traditional wedding invitations often have an outer and inner envelope. The outer envelope is addressed to the primary guest, and the inner envelope lists the names of any additional guests, like children or plus ones. If you're only using one envelope or sending an online invitation, be sure to address all invitees clearly.

Tips for Proactive Plus-One Planning

• Get the name of every guest, including their plus one, on the RSVPs to aid in seating chart preparation.
• Be prepared to respond to requests from guests who don't receive a plus one. Have a kind but firm explanation, such as budget constraints.
• Consider seating arrangements in advance to avoid any unwanted drama at the reception.
• Use proper plus-one invitation etiquette by swapping "plus one" with "invited guest" to add formality.
• Keep track of wedding RSVPs and follow up on any unconfirmed plus ones.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to plus-one etiquette. The most important thing is to be proactive and consistent in your decisions, ensuring that you and your partner are happy with the guest list for your special day.

Frequently asked questions