Tips for Handling Plus-Ones on Your Guest List

Creating your wedding guest list can be one of the trickiest parts of planning your big day, and deciding how to handle plus-ones adds an extra layer of complexity. While you want everyone to feel included and comfortable, balancing your budget, venue capacity, and personal preferences is key. Here’s a guide to navigating plus-ones with grace and clarity.

1. Start with Your Budget and Venue Limitations

Before making decisions about plus-ones, determine how many guests your budget and venue can accommodate. Each additional person impacts costs like catering, seating, and favours. Knowing your limits helps you set realistic expectations.

2. Establish Clear Guidelines

Set rules for who will receive a plus-one to avoid confusion or hurt feelings. Common approaches include:

Married, engaged, or long-term partners: Automatically extending a plus-one to these guests shows respect for their established relationships.
Guests in serious relationships: Consider inviting significant others if your budget and capacity allow. Define a relationship length, such as six months or more, to keep things fair.
Single guests: For single friends or family members, decide whether to offer plus-ones or prioritise them only if space allows.

3. Make It Clear on the Invitations

Clearly indicate on your invitations who is invited:

Address envelopes to the specific individuals invited (e.g., “Ms. Jane Doe and Guest” or simply “Ms. Jane Doe”).
On RSVPs, include space for the guest’s name and their plus-one’s name if applicable.
Avoid vague language like “and family” or “and guest” if you’re not offering a plus-one.
Use myitson.com to send invitations and receive RSVP’s whilst appropriately addressing the plus-one, with a couple of clicks.

4. Communicate Your Decision Thoughtfully

For guests who expect a plus-one but won’t receive one, be prepared to handle the situation kindly:

Explain your decision is based on budget or venue restrictions.
Reassure them they’ll have a great time, with plenty of familiar faces to enjoy the celebration with.

5. Make Introductions for Single Guests

To ensure single guests feel included, take the time to seat them with people they know or guests with similar interests.

Mix them into a fun, friendly table.
Encourage mingling by planning interactive activities like games or dancing.

6. Create an Adults-Only Policy if Necessary

If your guest list is already tight, you may choose to limit plus-ones to adults only. Be clear on your invitations to avoid misunderstandings and make exceptions only if necessary.

7. Be Consistent

One of the best ways to avoid drama is by being consistent in how you handle plus-ones. If one single friend gets to bring a date, others might feel slighted if they don’t receive the same option.

8. Consider a Smaller Wedding Party Plus-One Rule

If you’re hosting a more intimate wedding, it’s okay to skip plus-ones altogether for single guests. In this case, emphasize the small, personal nature of your event when explaining your decision.

9. Stay Firm on Your Decision

It’s natural for some guests to push back, especially if they assumed a plus-one would be automatic. Politely but firmly stick to your guidelines—your wedding is about celebrating your love, not accommodating everyone’s preferences.

10. Show Appreciation for All Your Guests

Whether they come solo or with a partner, make each guest feel valued:

Include a heartfelt thank-you note or special mention during the wedding festivities.
Engage with everyone during the event to show how much their presence means to you.

Final Thoughts

Managing plus-ones can be tricky, but thoughtful communication and clear guidelines will help you navigate the process with ease. Remember, this is your day, and it’s okay to make decisions that reflect your priorities, whether it’s staying within budget or keeping the atmosphere intimate.

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