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Who Gets a Plus-One? Your Easy Guide to Navigating the Guest List

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You’ve nailed down your date, locked in the venue and now it’s time to tackle one of the most delicate parts of your wedding planning journey: the guest list. And with that comes the age-old question - who gets a plus-one?
We get it, you want your wedding to be full of love and good vibes, but you also have a budget and space to consider. So, how do you decide who gets to bring a guest and who doesn’t? Don’t worry - we’re here to guide you through it with grace, clarity and zero stress.

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First Things First: What Is a Plus One?

A plus one means your guest can bring someone with the, typically a significant other or date to the wedding. But not every invite needs to include one and that’s totally okay. The key is being intentional and consistent with your decisions. Here's who we think you should consider.

Couples in Long Term Relationships

If your guest is married, engaged or in a long-term, committed relationship (even if you haven’t met their partner), it’s customary to offer a plus one. It’s respectful and acknowledges the relationship as a meaningful part of their life.

Bridal Party Members

Your bridal party is going the extra mile for your big day, so if you can swing it, offer them the chance to bring a guest. It’s a thoughtful way to say thank you especially since they’ll be spending a lot of time helping you celebrate.

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Guests Who Won’t Know Anyone Else

If you’re inviting someone who won’t know many (or any) other guests, giving them a plus-one can help them feel more comfortable. This is especially true for solo out of town guests - no one wants to feel alone at a celebration!

Single Friends or Coworkers

This one’s a grey area and where your discretion comes in. If you’re inviting single friends or coworkers and you know they’d appreciate the chance to bring a date (and your budget allows), go for it. If not, don’t stress it’s perfectly acceptable to invite individuals without plus ones. Just be clear on the invite.

*Whatever route you go, try to be consistent. For example, if you’re offering plus-ones to all married or cohabiting couples, stick to that guideline across the board. A consistent approach keeps things fair and makes explaining your choices (if needed) much easier.

How to Word Your Invites

While we won’t get too deep into wording here, just remember: the name on the invite indicates who’s invited. If someone receives an invite addressed only to them, they shouldn’t assume they can bring a guest.

When You Can’t Offer Everyone a Plus One

If your venue or budget is tight, it’s completely okay to limit plus-ones. Focus on those who are in serious relationships or part of your bridal party and be upfront about your limitations if questions arise. Most guests will understand - it’s your wedding, after all!

Our Parting Words

At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect what feels right for you. Don’t feel pressured to give everyone a plus-one if it doesn’t fit your vision or your numbers. Being intentional with your guest list allows you to stay within budget and create a celebration that’s filled with joy, not stress. So take a deep breath, sit down with your guest list and make choices that feel good for you both!

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