Who Should Get A Plus One at Your Wedding?

Determining who receives a plus one invitation to your wedding can be a delicate topic and an occasionally challenging decision. While you may want to accommodate your guests and ensure everyone feels welcome, external factors such as budget constraints, venue capacity, and even personal preferences may influence your guest list. Who should ultimately receive a plus one at your wedding? We are here to help you explore the considerations and nuances of this question to help you navigate this strategic aspect of wedding planning.

Immediate Family and Bridal Party

When it comes to plus one invitations, immediate family and members of the bridal party typically receive priority. This includes parents, siblings, and close relatives who are not necessarily in a committed relationship, as well as bridesmaids and groomsmen. These individuals play significant roles in your life and wedding, and extending a plus one invitation to them is a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for their support and involvement in your special day.

Long-Term Partners and Spouses

Guests who are married or are in committed, long-term relationships should generally receive a plus one invitation to your wedding. This includes significant others, spouses, and partners with whom your guests share a meaningful and established relationship. Inviting these individuals acknowledges the importance of their presence in your guests’ lives and demonstrates respect for their relationship status.

According to Brides, it’s considered courteous to extend a plus one invitation to guests who are in serious relationships or married, as it allows them to celebrate your wedding day with their partner by their side. Your wedding is a celebration of the longevity and commitment of love; the guests of yours who are in long-term, loving and committed relationships should be able to celebrate the establishment of your partnership with their own partner by their side.

Single Guests

For single guests who may not be in a committed relationship, the decision to offer a plus one invitation may depend on various factors such as venue capacity, budget constraints, and the overall dynamics of your guest list. While it’s thoughtful to extend a plus one invitation to single guests to make them feel included, comfortable and valued, it’s not always feasible or practical, especially for intimate weddings or events with limited space. Extending plus-ones to single guests outside of immediate family and bridal party circles may be done if you have the resources and bandwidth for an expanded guest list. If your budget allows and your mindset is “the more the merrier,” then go ahead and extend those plus ones outside of the traditional realm.

Special Considerations

In addition to the above guidelines, there may be special considerations to take into account when determining who should receive a plus one invitation. For example, guests traveling from out of town or attending your wedding solo may appreciate the opportunity to bring a companion to accompany them in a new locale. Similarly, guests who may not know many other attendees or who have specific needs or preferences may benefit from having a plus one.

It also may be prudent to be mindful of your guests’ comfort and well-being as a whole when extending plus-one invitations. Consider external factors such as guest dynamics, individual circumstances, and your relationship with each guest when making these decisions. Ultimately, your goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where all guests feel valued and welcomed to enhance the celebratory ambiance on your special day.

Determining who should receive a plus one invitation at your wedding involves thoughtful consideration of various factors, including relationships, logistics, guest dynamics and personal preferences. By prioritizing immediate family, members of the bridal party, long-term partners, and spouses, while also considering the needs and circumstances of single guests, you can create a guest list that reflects your values, respects your budgetary considerations and overall desires, and ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. We hope this guide helps you in deciding who should get a plus one at your wedding!