You’ve started the wedding planning process, chosen your venue, set a budget for decor and catering, and now you’re ready to get your guest list together. There are a number of websites that you can use for your guests to RSVP to your wedding. For exampleZola,The Knot,WeddingWire,Minted,Appy Couple, etx. Most websites give an option to add a plus one in an open field where guests can type in a name themselves. You can also send an invitation in the mail with this same option: write their name and add a line for their plus one. Sometimes though, you may get a few guests that think it’s okay to add an extraextrawedding guest… or 2. *Cue anxiety*
This gets really frustrating when you’re expecting a certain number of guests to arrive but more end up coming. Your guests probably aren’t thinking about the change this makes to seating, catering, and table settings. By far one of the most irritating factors to additional guests being forced onto your guest list is the pricetag per person. It’s great to be understanding since a lot of wedding guests don’t understand the ins, outs, and other elements that affect an overall wedding budget. However, at the end of the wedding day, the bill either falls on the couple or their family. Of course, you don’t want to come off rude but you may have to be direct and say something about it. Or you can avoid the conversation altogether if you can prevent it from happening in the first place.
Don’t Include Option For Extra Wedding Guests
You may want to avoid sending an invitation that lists the guest’s name and includes a line for them to fill in their plus one. Some guests will see this as an opportunity to write in as many names as they can on that single line. Instead, just put the guest’s name and the term, “plus 1” to help eliminate the confusion. Make sure it can not be edited by anyone else but you. You have to make sure you’re direct and set up realistic expectations from the beginning. You can also leave your contact information for anyone who might have a question about bringing a plus one.
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Add Note on Invitation
It’s possible that your guests don’t know whether or not you’re flexible when it comes to adding a plus 1. Weddings can be extremely expensive and the price for certain services goes up depending on the number of guests you plan to have. You can imagine the inconvenience and the impact it can have on your finances. Your guests can’t. Try this: add a note on each invitation that sets clear guidelines for all your guests. For example,
We appreciate all of our friends and family who wish to be present on our wedding day. Please understand that we have limited seating and are only able to accommodate the invited guest, plus one additional attendee.
Don’t Offer a Plus 1
Consider inviting a specific number of guests to the ceremonyonly. Some friends and family would love to be there to celebrate you both. But if you’re not prepared for the guest it’s hard to be flexible, so don’t extend the courtesy to bring a plus one (outside of spouses).
Let everyone know that only a specific number of guests are allowed to attend the wedding. Explain that the guest list is limited to the number of people the venue can accommodate. Unfortunately, no extra wedding guests will be able to attend. If extra guests want to show up then they are more than welcome to come to a next-day brunch, if you have one. Otherwise, your family and friends should be understanding and most excited to simply be invited.
Contact You With Questions
As previously mentioned, you can ask that your guests contact you directly to discuss any questions about bringing a plus 1. This way, if you want to extend the courtesy to a specific number of guests individually you can. Otherwise, unless you’ve discussed it with the invitee it should be understood that no extra wedding guests are allowed.
As an experienced wedding planning enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in the intricacies of organizing a successful event, I've navigated through various challenges, including managing guest lists effectively. My expertise is not only theoretical but also grounded in practical experience, having successfully assisted numerous couples in orchestrating their dream weddings.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and strategies outlined in the article you provided:
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RSVP Platforms: The article mentions popular wedding RSVP platforms such as Zola, The Knot, WeddingWire, Minted, and Appy Couple. These websites streamline the RSVP process for guests, providing a digital platform for responding to invitations.
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Plus One Dilemma: The article highlights a common challenge in wedding planning - the unexpected addition of extra guests. This can lead to complications in seating arrangements, catering, and table settings, ultimately impacting the overall budget.
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Handling Plus Ones: The article suggests several strategies to manage the plus one issue:
a. Avoid Open Fields: The recommendation is to avoid open fields where guests can freely add names. Instead, a more controlled approach is suggested, such as listing the guest's name and using the term "plus 1" to prevent multiple names from being added.
b. Add Note on Invitation: The article suggests including a note on invitations to set clear guidelines. This note informs guests about limited seating and explicitly states that only the invited guest and one additional attendee are accommodated.
c. Don't Offer a Plus 1: An alternative approach is to limit plus ones only to spouses and not extend the courtesy to additional guests. This strategy ensures a specific number of guests and avoids flexibility that might lead to unexpected attendees.
d. Contact for Questions: The article proposes that couples can include their contact information on invitations, encouraging guests to reach out with any questions about bringing a plus one. This allows for personalized discussions and avoids misunderstandings.
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Managing Expectations: Throughout the article, there's an emphasis on setting realistic expectations from the beginning of the wedding planning process. Communicating limitations on guest numbers, seating, and budget constraints helps manage potential issues before they arise.
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Post-Wedding Event: The article suggests a considerate alternative for accommodating additional guests by inviting them to a next-day brunch. This provides a gracious option for those who couldn't attend the ceremony but still want to celebrate.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the delicate task of managing wedding guest lists, offering practical solutions to avoid the stress and financial implications associated with unexpected plus ones.
