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Inviting Plus Ones: Who Gets a Guest at Your Wedding?

The guest list for your wedding is like assembling the ultimate party crew to celebrate the start of your marriage journey – a pretty monumental task, right? As the guest count grows, you're faced with logistical considerations such as venue capacity and personal preferences. One question emerges: Should everyone get a plus one? It's a tricky topic, but fear not – we're here to help you navigate this delicate situation.


Our goal is to ensure your guests have a blast and can bring someone to share in the festivities. However, it's worth noting that each additional guest can lead to significant costs, from food and drinks to décor and rentals. While you want to create cherished memories, it's equally important to be surrounded by your loved ones. That's why we've created a guide for plus ones!

Bride and Groom kissing in front of the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena.

Photo by Epic Vision Studios


Who gets a plus one? Here are some suggestions:


Married Guests: Offering a plus one to married guests acknowledges their committed status and shows respect for their union.


Engaged or Cohabitating Couples: Couples who are engaged or live together are clearly dedicated to one another.


In Serious Relationships: For guests in a relationship of at least six months, regardless of engagement or their living situation, you should consider a plus one. While this can be a subjective call, remember that not extending one might lead to disappointment.


Unacquainted Attendees: If a guest doesn't know anyone else at the wedding, extending a plus one is a considerate gesture. It boosts attendance rates and ensures their comfort throughout the event.

Photos by Epic Vision Studios


Who can go solo? Here are some suggestions:


Casual Daters: Guests who are casually dating typically don't require a plus one. An invitation to a wedding is an honor, and it is unsure if their plus one will be in their life long term.


Social Singles: If a guest is single but knows other attendees, they'll likely thrive without a plus one. With familiar faces around, they can still enjoy the celebration.


Colleagues: Navigating plus ones for coworkers is nuanced. Per traditional etiquette, it's often unnecessary to invite plus ones for colleagues, especially if you're not familiar with their partners or if they're attending as part of a work group.


Acquaintances and Distant Relatives: Extending plus ones to those you aren't well-acquainted with or distant relatives isn't obligatory. Their plus ones may find it challenging to connect with others at the wedding, and it can be difficult to accommodate additional guests if you have limited space.

Photos by Epic Vision Studios


Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you hold the reins on guest list choices and plus ones. Balancing the inclusion of plus ones can be intricate. Strive to make your guests feel valued and involved, while also following proper etiquette. The guidelines we've provided are only suggestions, but remember go with what aligns with your comfort on your special day!


If you're intrigued by the idea of collaborating with professional planners who can handle these considerations and provide comprehensive etiquette advice from start to finish, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Reach out today to arrange a complimentary consultation!

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