When You Can—and Can’t—Bring an Uninvited Guest to a Party | Evite (2024)

The more the merrier? When it comes to bringing an uninvited guest to tag along to a party unannounced...well, not so much. There are exceptions to the rule though, and we've got guidelines on when asking to bring a guest to a party might be ok — and when going solo is the answer.

Signs point to yes: open house parties

If you’re attending a large, open-house style party (think New Year’s Eve blowout bash or BBQ) it's likely okay to bring a plus-one. We recommend checking with your host beforehand (they'll appreciate the ask!), but the odds are in your favor.

Maaaaybe: dinner parties

Bringing along an uninvited guest to a dinner party without asking is a major don’t. The menu (and table settings) have already been planned around the number of attendees, so bringing a plus-one equals a huge headache for your host. Besides, if they wanted additional guests (such as significant others), they probably would have already noted it on the invitation. But if you still really want to bring a guest, call or text your host well ahead of time to ask for permission. Stumped on how to ask? Give them a hint, but give them an easy out in case they’re not on board, like: “I’d love to see you, but my cousin is in town for the weekend. I know it’s a dinner party and you may not have room for more, but do you mind if we stop by after dessert?” Or, “Is this a girls’ night only, or can my new boyfriend tag along?” Your host may still say no, but now you're clear.

Don’t even think about it: formal or intimate gatherings (such as weddings, baby showers and birthdays)

Unless you’ve been given the green light in the invitation itself, it’s never okay to bring a guest to a formal or close-friends-and-family-only event—or even to ask.

When You Can—and Can’t—Bring an Uninvited Guest to a Party | Evite (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to bring uninvited guest to a party? ›

Do not bring along uninvited individuals. It's inconsiderate to bring along uninvited guests in tow. For this reason, make sure that you bring another guest with you only when the invitation requests to do so.

How do you tell someone they can't bring them to a party? ›

Just tell them you'd rather not, or perhaps some other time. You don't owe them a reason. But, as you want to be tactful, you can add you wouldn't be comfortable, you don't know them that well, or you'd prefer just to spend time with them. Whichever sounds best to you, or the like.

How do you deal with uninvited guests at a party? ›

Ask them to leave

They will be the first to collect items that are distributed at the party. Don't hesitate to ask them who they are. If they cannot give you a convincing answer, just ask them to leave. If they refuse, call your security men to throw them out.

What to say when you cant attend a party? ›

To decline an invitation in English, you can try these phrases:
  1. Sorry, I have other plans. I'll definitely go next time!
  2. I wish I could make it, but I can't. I have a test that day.
  3. I have something else going on that day, sorry!
  4. I'm really busy that week, so I can't go. Can we hang out later?
30 May 2020

What to do when you have unwanted guests? ›

But here are a few other things in between you can do to gently hurry folks along:
  1. Change the mood. To get rid of guests who won't leave, change the mood with music and lighting. ...
  2. Try an explicit approach. ...
  3. Or the blunt way. ...
  4. The humorous way. ...
  5. Start to clean off gently. ...
  6. Use a friend to get the ball rolling.
30 Aug 2014

How do you say no extra guests? ›

Sample wedding invitation wording for no extra guests

Due to limited seating arrangements, invitations are limited to specified guests only. We appreciate your support and appreciation of our union. We are only able to accomodate guests named on the invitations. Thank you for celebrating with us.

How do I decline an uninvited guest? ›

Let them know that you are serious. Say, for example, “John, I'd like you to leave by the end of the week.” Try to be polite. For example, say “We've really enjoyed having you stay with us, but its best for everyone if you move on to your next destination.”

How do you politely exclude someone? ›

Consider saying something like, “I know you've got a lot of important work on your agenda, and I'd like to keep you off of this upcoming project so that you can focus on what you've already got. What do you think?” Or “I noticed that a couple of deadlines have slipped recently and that's pretty unusual for you.

How do you say you can't make it to a party nicely? ›

Polite ways to decline an invitation

Using words and phrases like "I am sorry," "I appreciate," "thank you," "honor," and so on, make your response sound more polite. Consider some examples. Thank you for the invite. I am honored; however, I will not be able to attend because I have another engagement that day.

How do you get rid of a guest who has overstayed their welcome? ›

The concrete stuff.
  1. Tell them directly that it's time to go. ...
  2. Set a schedule. ...
  3. The power of body language. ...
  4. Get help from another friend. ...
  5. Offer to gather up their things for them. ...
  6. Set some rules. ...
  7. Let them know the importance of “me time”. ...
  8. Give them something to do.
28 Mar 2019

What is it called when someone comes to a party uninvited? ›

A partygoer is someone at a party. You can't be a partygoer if you don't come to the party. This word defines itself: a partygoer is someone who goes to a party. The first step to being a partygoer is getting invited to a party. If you show up uninvited, you'd probably be called a party crasher rather than a partygoer.

How do you say I am not able to attend? ›

This is going to be an important discussion. I'm not able to attend, but I will find some time to share my thoughts so you can include them in the discussion.” “I'm sorry that I can't attend the meeting. If I prepare you in advance, could I ask that you represent my ideas at the meeting?”

How do you say can't attend? ›

Examples for declining meetings
  1. I can't attend this meeting, but I'd like to chat with you about this. ...
  2. I know our schedules are all very busy. ...
  3. Apologies, but I'm not available for this meeting. ...
  4. I'm sorry I'm not available at the time you requested. ...
  5. I don't think I'm the right person to attend this meeting.

How do you write unable to attend? ›

Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment that I am unable to change, I will not be able to attend the meeting. If you need to contact me, please do not hesitate to do so on my mobile, 6902341899. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

How do I stop unexpected visitors? ›

6 Easy Ways to Protect Your Home from Unwanted Visitors
  1. Don't Look Like a Target. Don't advertise yourself as an easy target for criminals. ...
  2. Hiding Places. ...
  3. Lighting and Cameras. ...
  4. Keep Your Possessions Hidden. ...
  5. Generic Security Signs. ...
  6. Get a Dog.
7 Feb 2017

What to do with rude guests? ›

5 Strategies for Handling Rude Customers
  • Stay Calm, Don't React. The first thing to do is to remain calm and not respond in kind. ...
  • Don't Take It Personally. Why are some customers so rude? ...
  • Listen and, If Appropriate, Apologize. Rude customers often need to vent their frustration. ...
  • Stand Firm. ...
  • Solve the Problem.

How do you let guests know they can bring a guest? ›

Another way of doing this is by not necessarily saying “Mr. Smith & Guest” but sending it to your guest and adding a note at the bottom of the card or on the back of the invitation saying “You are invited to bring a guest” or “You are invited to bring a plus one”.

What is a nice way to say no to an invitation? ›

“Oh, thank you so much for thinking of me! Unfortunately I won't be able to make it, but thank you for the invitation!” “Oh, that sounds lovely, but I won't be able to make it. But have a great time!”

How do you say Seating is limited? ›

Due to limited venue space, adults only please.” “Due to budget/space limitations, we are unable to extend the invitation to children.” “Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them at the venue due to restricted numbers.”

How do you uninvite someone without being rude? ›

Say something like, “I'm really sorry, but I'm just not comfortable with you being here. I think it would be best for everyone if you left.” If you feel comfortable with it, you can also explain to the individual why you want them to leave. Don't be rude, though; be straightforward yet polite.

What is a good sentence for exclude? ›

The Academy excluded women from its classes. Many of the youngsters feel excluded. They eat only plant foods, and exclude animal products from other areas of their lives. I cannot entirely exclude the possibility that some form of pressure was applied to the neck.

How do you tell if people are excluding you? ›

9 Signs You're Being Left Out
  1. They leave quickly without telling you where they are going.
  2. They cancel plans with you last minute.
  3. They don't invite you to their parties or events.
  4. They ignore your text messages or don't return your calls.
  5. They say they're busy, then post photos on social media or hang out with other people.

How long is too long for a guest to stay? ›

Anything over a week will be too exhausting and stressful for everyone — host and guest. It is best to minimize the disruption of everyone's lives." Although three days and two nights is the ideal visit, Hokemeyer admits that when guests are coming from a great distance, the stay may have to be extended.

What do you call a guest who leaves without paying? ›

If someone stays at your hotel and deliberately leaves without paying this is a type of theft. It is known as 'making off without payment' or 'bilking'.

How do I keep my guests back? ›

Create A Loyalty Program

If you want to keep people coming back, you must offer them something of value. Price and location are among the most important decision making factors when it comes to booking a room at a hotel, but you can encourage repeat bookings with the proper use of loyalty programs.

What's another word for unwelcome guest? ›

Alternate Synonyms for "unwelcome guest":

gatecrasher; crasher; intruder; interloper; trespasser.

What do you call someone who shows up unannounced? ›

strangers. nounperson who is unfamiliar.

What is it called when you leave a party unannounced? ›

Ahh yes, the notorious “Irish Goodbye,” the practice of leaving a party or gathering undetected and unannounced, purposely avoiding the expected formalities. This activity is also known today as “ghosting,” and it doesn't just happen among friends who wish to slip out of your co*cktail party unnoticed.

How do you say I can't come in formal? ›

Polite Ways to Say I Can't in English
  1. I'm not able to complete this project by 4:00 p.m. (but I should have it finished tomorrow morning).
  2. I'm unable to meet you tomorrow. I'm sorry.
  3. I'm really sorry but I'm not able to come to your dinner party on Saturday evening.
20 Sept 2017

How do you say sorry for not attending an invitation? ›

Apologise for declining

You can say something like “Sorry I can't attend” or “I'm afraid I'm not able to come.” These expressions work equally well in spoken or written English so you could use them on the phone or in an email.

How do you apologize? ›

How to apologize genuinely
  1. Acknowledge the offense. Take responsibility for the offense, whether it was a physical or psychological harm, and confirm that your behavior was not acceptable. ...
  2. Explain what happened. ...
  3. Express remorse. ...
  4. Offer to make amends.
13 Apr 2021

Is it rude to bring an uninvited guest to a wedding? ›

Moral of the story: If you're the to-be-wed, make it clear to your guests what your plus-one policy is if you get any pushback; and if you're someone else's guest considering bringing someone who didn't score an invite—just don't do it. You'll be doing a disservice to pretty much everyone, and that's not cool.

Is it rude to show up empty-handed to a party? ›

It's never a good idea to show up empty-handed, no matter how close you are to the guest — and it doesn't have to be anything expensive. "You should arrive with gifts for your host," says etiquette expert Jodi RR Smith over email.

What is it called when you show up uninvited to a party? ›

The first step to being a partygoer is getting invited to a party. If you show up uninvited, you'd probably be called a party crasher rather than a partygoer.

Is it rude to not bring anything to a party? ›

You might think it's polite to accept their demands, but don't. It's always a good idea to bring something to a dinner party rather than showing up empty-handed.

What is an unwelcome guest called? ›

Definitions of unwelcome guest. someone who gets in (to a party) without an invitation or without paying. synonyms: crasher, gatecrasher. type of: interloper, intruder, trespasser.

How do you apologize for not inviting someone to a party? ›

We understand that this may come as a disappointment to you, and we apologise for that but hope that you understand. However, we'd still love to celebrate with you at some point - we'll be having drinks and cake at [location] to mark the occasion and it would be wonderful to see you there.

How do you say don't bring anything? ›

This might be something like 'We have everything we need and your attendance is the cherry on top! Please no gifts,'" she says. Whitmore adds that you could also say something like, "Your presence is our present" or "The gift of your company is the only gift needed."

When should you not bring a hostess gift? ›

As a general rule, hostess gifts should be given at the brunch, dinner, or co*cktail party. The one exception to this is for overnight or weekend visits. I recently spent a lovely weekend with friends of mine who recently moved to Chicago. I hadn't seen their new place, so I didn't bring a hostess gift.

How do you act at a party where you know nobody? ›

9 Ways To Survive A Party When You're Alone
  1. Quit Being So Negative. ...
  2. Ask To Help The Host. ...
  3. Show Up With Some Information. ...
  4. Practice Your Conversation Starters. ...
  5. Actually Listen To What People Say. ...
  6. Remember There Is No Spotlight On You. ...
  7. Look For Other Loners (They Really Want To Talk) ...
  8. Just Have Fun.
13 Jan 2016

What do you bring to the party when the host says bring nothing? ›

If they say, bring nothing, and if you decide to come empty-handed (which is fine!), show up and be helpful. Offer to help pour drinks, clean up dirty plates or empty bottles, or wash and put away dishes. Even though you're not bringing anything, you're contributing by helping them enjoy the party they're hosting.

What is it called when everyone brings something to a party? ›

: a communal meal to which people bring food to share. usually used attributively. a potluck supper. : whatever is offered or available in given circ*mstances or at a given time.

What shouldn't you do at a party? ›

10 Things You Should Never Do At A Party, Ever
  • Getting Too Drunk To Handle. ...
  • Puking All Over The Place. ...
  • Shouting At The Top Of Your Voice. ...
  • Making Out In Front Of Everyone. ...
  • Dressing Like A Disco Ball. ...
  • Sitting Alone, Not Trying To Make Any Conversation. ...
  • Snapchatting The Whole Party. ...
  • Running Into Your Ex And Getting All Paranoid.
29 Dec 2016

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