Unless you choose for your wedding to be an intimate event with only your very closest friends and/or family, it would be amazing to invite everyone you know and like, along with whomever they choose to bring as a guest. However, realistically, wedding guest lists aren’t typically that large because most of us are limited by the size of our budget and venue. So, how do you handle the whole plus-one issue the right way?
First of all, remember that your wedding is exactly that – YOUR wedding. So, although of course no one wants to offend anyone or ruffle any feathers, whatever you decide to do is perfectly acceptable.
If you do want to offer certain guests the option of bringing a plus-one, here are some thoughts on the subject that may help:
Aside from being undoubtedly close to you, your wedding party will probably invest quite a lot of their time and money for your wedding and leading up to the event. It would be a nice gesture to grant those folks a plus-one. It is also good to try to be consistent. For example, it wouldn’t really be good form to let only some people in your wedding party have a plus-one.
Family members and close friends are often given the option of a plus-one, but if you are not close to them or if other people they know will be there, a plus-one doesn’t necessarily have to be a given.
Most people should understand that “and guest” on a wedding invite means you get a plus-one. If you think those who do not get a plus-one might misunderstand, for your sake and theirs, it may be best to add a polite, but very clear explanation. Possibly something like, “Although we wish everyone we invite could bring a guest, we are restricted by budget and space. We hope you understand and look forward to celebrating our special day with you.”