Do You Put Plus One On Wedding Invitations?

A plus-one is an additional guest or date brought to a wedding, typically by an unmarried guest. It adds a layer of comfort and can be used to accommodate numerous friends and relatives who might not know many people at the wedding. To navigate plus-one wedding etiquette, follow these five rules:

1. Determine who is a must for a plus-one and who is not.

2. Write a 1 on a wedding invitation based on the plus-one’s status and entitlement.

3. Include the date, time, and location of the wedding.

4. Put an incorrect start time on the wedding invitation.

5. Include the plus-one in the invitation, including the couple’s names in a larger font.

6. Address all invitees clearly and up-front.

7. Avoid sneaking in name substitutions, as a second guest’s name is considered a plus-one.

8. Avoid using the bride’s and groom’s middle names if they become too long to fit on one line.

9. Consider the type of wedding you want to have and create a guest list that includes everyone you want at your wedding.

Wedding invitations to same-sex couples should be addressed with a plus-one, if possible. This includes addressing both guests by name, or if the guest is allowed to bring a casual date, the words and guest on the inner envelope. If the guest is allowed to bring someone specific, such as their husband or long-term partner, address both guests on the invitation. If the guest can bring anyone, it is best to include a plus-one, regardless of their relationship status.

Include the plus-one on the invitation, addressing the recipient and listing all the names of those invited, such as children or plus-ones. If the invitation doesn’t include a plus-one for you, you either decline the invitation or go solo. It’s important to only include a plus-one if they’re guaranteed, as it can be difficult to plan a relationship months in advance.

In western etiquette, if a plus-one (or “guest”) isn’t listed on the invitation, it may be considered rude to include it. It’s always best to invite both parties in a married couple, even if you’re closer with one person than the other.

Should a wedding invite include plus one?

Many weddings have plus ones on their guest lists. You want everyone to have a plus one, but some brides and grooms want small weddings. If your invitation doesn’t say “plus one,” you can’t bring a date.

Some brides and grooms will allow a plus one, but don’t know how to address it, especially if they don’t know the guest’s name.

Here are some examples of how to address a plus one on wedding invitations.

What is the rule for wedding invitations?

Wedding invitations should include the couple’s names, the hosts’ names (if different), and the place and time of the ceremony. These Epoch Designs invites do just that. Don’t include phrases like “no children” or “adults only” on the invitation. The names on the envelope will show who is invited. Don’t include registry information. Family and wedding party members can share it when asked or provide it on your website.

Write street, PO box, and apartment in full, as seen in these lovely invites by Isidore Augustine. The same is true for city and state names and house numbers under 20. Mr. and Mrs. are usually abbreviated.

Write your guests’ names on the outer envelopes, as seen on these invitations by Brown Fox Creative. Address married couples as Mr. and Mrs. followed by the husband’s name. You can also list both names. If a woman keeps her maiden name, her names are written in alphabetical order. Ms. Susan Jones and Mr. John Smith. Write the names of an unmarried couple who live together on two lines.

What is the +1 rule for weddings?

Wedding guests should get a plus-one if they want one. Immediate family members. Wedding party members. Guests who don’t know many other attendees.

Do you put and guest on wedding invitation envelopes?

How to add “and Guest”? It’s impersonal to address the outer envelope as “Mr. James Smith and Guest.” The two envelope system works well. Address the outer envelope to “Mr. James Smith” and the inner envelope to “Mr. James Smith and Guest.” If you’re using one envelope, add a note. Dear James, You can bring a guest to the wedding. Let me know. Best, Laura. If you have time, you can send James’s guest an invitation. How to stuff the envelopes. When using two envelopes, insert the invitation so that you see the printed side when opening the envelope flap. Place any enclosures on top of the invitation, with their printed sides up, in size order with the smallest on top. When you open the flap, the printed side should be visible. If the invitation is folded, insertions go from smallest to largest, but within the fold. You can use tissues if you want. If used, they go on top of the invitation and below any enclosures. If the invitation is folded, insert the inner envelope into the fold. Place the outer envelope over it, so that when the outer envelope flap is lifted, the name(s) of the guest(s) is visible. Before sealing the outer envelope, check that the names on the inner and outer envelopes match.

Etiquette for mailing wedding invitations. Before buying stamps, weigh your invitation at the post office. Extra postage may be needed for inserts or unusual-shaped envelopes. The post office usually has wedding stamps that cover the cost of most wedding invitations. Some post offices may be out of stock, so allow time to find them at another branch or to order them online.

What does plus one mean on an invitation?

A person who goes to an event with an invited guest. Naomi Watts had a plus-one at the Dior show. —Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024 His love of fashion comes from his mother, who was wearing an indigo dress as his plus-one at the 2024 NAACP Image Awards. —Kory Jarvis, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024 Brett can’t bring a plus-one to the wedding. —Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024 Perspective Carolyn Hax: When a guest isn’t able to make themselves at home. Perspective Carolyn Hax: An invitation without a plus-one threatens decades of family friendship. —Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 2 Apr. 2024 Loro Piana and Louis Vuitton have all the elements of chic and reliable plus-ones. —Madeline Fass, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 Some 2024 Oscar nominees brought their parents and kids as their plus-ones for the night. —Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Kaine’s plus-one was James Gibbs, a third-generation coal miner from Bristol. —Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Allison Holker spent time with her favorite plus-ones on the red carpet over the weekend. —Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024.

These examples show how the word plus-one is used today. These examples don’t reflect the views of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Tell us what you think of these examples. Plus-one. Merriam-Webster Dictionary: plus-one. 4 May. 2024.

Do you put guests names on wedding invitations?

It’s best to write guest names on wedding invitations. I always recommend writing guest names on wedding invitations to avoid confusion. You can have your invitations printed with space for you to write the guest names. Or have your stationer print the names. If you’re sure there won’t be any confusion, you can write “No Guest Name Required” on your invitations. This is the most popular option for evening reception invitations. For more on wedding invitations, see my blog posts. Why not browse?

Questions about writing guest names on your wedding invitations? Come over to Instagram and DM me. I’m happy to chat.

Are weddings always plus one?

The Knot and this post say that if a guest is married, engaged, or cohabiting, they should get a plus-one. Why do they have to do this? Shouldn’t they do what they want? Let’s try to understand why this rule exists: It limits the number of guests. It lets the couple know everyone at their wedding. So that when they look down during the hora, they don’t get startled to realize they don’t know the drunk people pushing them into the air. That’s fair. That’s safe. Pippa Middleton said no rings, no bring. The second-most-talked-about Middleton wedding. Huh! That must be hard. Plus ones should go to… Single guests and new couples. People don’t get plus-ones because they think they’ll meet other single people at the wedding. This is a myth, made up by rom-coms and my friends. Yes, there are one-night stands. I went to a wedding and two guests had sex outside my motel room. That’s the best case. It’s rare. Why don’t single people have sex at weddings? Everyone at the wedding is either married, engaged, or living with their partner.

How do I indicate no plus one on a wedding invitation?

Can I bring a plus one to your wedding? A. Unfortunately, we’re on a tight budget and have limited space, so we can’t afford for all our guests to bring a guest. Plus ones are by invitation only. Please don’t bring a plus one. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You plan for months and get excited until the big day.

But it’s not all fun. Weddings can cause tension between you and your guests. One reason is the discussion around plus ones on your guest list. It can be hard to make everyone happy. You can’t please everyone, and you don’t have to. It’s your day.

Is it rude not to invite plus ones?

1. Married, engaged, and cohabiting guests get a plus-one. As a rule, Emily Post says spouses, fiancés, and live-in partners of each guest should get an invitation. “Your guest is part of a package deal,” say Anne and Lizzie Post.

Some other hidden guests you should invite on your wedding day? The spouse or partner of your ceremony officiant, as well as the parents of ring bearers and flower girls.

2. Everyone in the bridal party should get a plus-one. When it comes to your wedding party, the rules about dating and marriage don’t apply. A happy wedding party makes a happy couple. Bridesmaids appreciate being allowed to bring their boyfriends. This is a small token of appreciation for their efforts and support, says Amber Harrison, a wedding expert at Shutterfly. It’s a thank you for all your bridesmaids have done this past year.

How do you politely say no plus one on an invitation?

We have decided to limit the number of guests because we want our special weekend to be intimate. We are choosing to celebrate with our closest family and friends. Thank you for respecting our wishes. It takes some skill to decide who to invite to your wedding. Think about your budget, venue size, and vision for your special day before deciding on the number of guests. Then, think about what each person brings to the event, their relationship with you and your partner, and sometimes, family politics. You might not be close with an aunt, but it’s better to invite her to future Thanksgivings. Then, think about plus ones. Giving a plus one to a guest is generous. The cost of your wedding affects the value of the invitation. While offering a plus one makes your guest happy, it’s not always possible. It’s reasonable for couples not to offer a plus one to every guest at the wedding, especially if they’re not married or have a serious partner. What if a guest asks for a plus one? This is when you have to decide about your wedding and the other person. Talk to your partner about whether the plus one will work with your budget and relationship. “If you limit the guest list, some people might be upset, especially if you don’t enforce this with everyone,” says wedding planner Lea Stafford.

Is it rude not to give +1 for wedding?

Giving a plus one to a guest is generous. Your wedding costs per head affect the value of the invitation. While it’s nice to offer a plus one, it’s not always affordable or in line with your wedding vision. It’s reasonable for couples not to offer a plus one to every guest, especially if they’re not married or have a serious partner. What if a guest asks for a plus one? This is when you have to decide about your wedding and the other person. Talk to your partner about whether the plus one will work with your budget and relationship. “If you limit the guest list, some people might be upset, especially if you don’t enforce this with all the guests, says wedding planner Lea Stafford. Lea Stafford has over a decade of experience in events and design. She is the founder of Lea Stafford Events, a California-based event planning, production, and design company.

How do you indicate +1 on an invitation?

What is a plus-one? A plus-one at a wedding is an extra guest invited to the wedding ceremony and/or reception. This lets guests bring a partner, but it can also be for close friends or family. A plus-one is usually on the wedding invitation as a guest or similar. Not all wedding invitations include a plus-one. Follow the instructions on the invitation regarding the number of guests allowed.

RSVP with your plus-one’s name. Let the couple know who will be attending. Include your plus-one’s name when you RSVP so the couple can plan.

Consider the dress code. If the wedding has a dress code, make sure your plus-one knows what it is.