Can I invite my single friends without a "plus one"? Or does that look really cheap?

Question

My fiance and I figure that to save money and to eliminate the number of random people at our wedding (we are planning to have a fairly intimate wedding, less than 100 guests), we shouldn't have to let our single friends bring a "plus one".

Obviously, whoever is married, engaged, or has a significant other, will get a "+ guest" on their invitation, but seeing as how all of our single friends know each other and wont feel left out without a date, we feel that we shouldn't have to spend $100+ per plate on people we don't know.

What do you think? I've heard people tell me "it's your wedding, do whatever you want", and others who say that it's cheap to invite someone without letting them bring a date. Thanks for your opinion!

Answer 1

This is the way I am doing it, because I had the same problem:

If there are going to be several single people THAT KNOW EACHOTHER, then don't worry about "and guest." However, if that single person isn't going to know other people very well, then give them the "and guest" so they do not feel alone and uncomforatble throughout everything. That would just be no fun for them, and you want everybody to enjoy your wedding, not feel awkward and uncomfy and alone!

And congrats! Make sure you have FUN planning and don't stress! When in doubt, Yahoo Anwers!!! =)

Answer 2

First of all, you need to make sure that you distinguish your single friends from your friends who are single but in a relationship which is very hard. You're going to have to keep tabs on everyone's relationships at all times. And invites go out ahead of time, and by the time the wedding rolls around, your single friends may not be single anymore! Just make sure you know who's in a relationship and who's not so there aren't any hurt feelings. Anyways, all you have to do is just not put "and a guest" on the invite, and only put one menu card in the invitation. However, be warned that even if you don't put "and a guest" on the invite and don't include a menu card, there may be a few stragglers who decide to bring a guest anyway, not knowing the etiquette behind it.

Answer 3

Yeah, it's not a requirement to invite a guest for every single person coming to the wedding. I didn't invite guests for any of the single friends I had coming. They were completely fine with it and were actually looking forward to coming alone and having a good time - and they did!

You have to pay for these people to come. Why should you have to pay for someone you don't know or have never met? I decided that anyone who had been in a relationship for a year or more could invite their significant other that way you assumed they would still be dating during your wedding.

Answer 4

I think this is fine and understandable. I think you did the right thing by inviting the spouses, fiances and long-term S.O. But, I do agree that it's a bit wasteful to invite your friend's flavor of the month boyfriend/girlfriend. If your friend isn't dating anyone, then why invite them w/ a random guest.

Since all the singles know each other, I don't see a problem with it. If I didn't have a date at a wedding, but I was sitting with a table for of friends; I'd be fine.

Answer 5

I think it is polite to include a guest for your single friends. We did this for our wedding, and I have to say, most singles did not bring a date, and some who already knew each other came together. I think it is nice to give people the option though, especially for those singles who may not know anyone else. They may appreciate being able to bring someone so they don't feel all alone with no one to talk to.

Answer 6

YOUR wedding, YOUR rules. You and your future hubby can invite or not invite whoever you want to your wedding. Especially since it'll be an intimate gathering. Just be sure that your single friends know invitation-etiquette: when there's only one name on the invitation and no indication that they can bring a guest, they shouldn't simply assume they can bring a guest.

Good luck!

Answer 7

I actually had this conversation with a friend of mine. She was telling me who she was going to bring to the wedding. I simply had to tell her (withouth being rude, of course) that there was a good chance that we wouldn't be able to afford to invite guests. She was completely understanding about it.

However, my sister had a similar situation. Her friend was so offended that she didn't go to the wedding at all. Personally, I think anyone who matters will be understanding. Weddings are expensive! Just make sure you're clear that you're not just being selfish or spiteful, that it's really important to you.

Good luck!

Answer 8

well it IS your wedding.. and you can do what you want.. however, you asked for our opinion.. now this is not saying that you should do what we say.. you should still do what YOU want.. but take our opinions and form your own from that..

i personally do not think it is appropriate to not add "and guest" on invitations of single guests.. but other people do not see an issue with it.. however, if you decide that you will not invite guests, then on the ones that you said you would put "and guest", make sure instead of putting "and guest" find out their full names and put that on the invite.. if you do not do that, it will look bad to the singles that you didnt put "and guest" for... they may not understand your thoughts as to why you put "and guest" for the others but not for them... it also will look very impersonal if you do not put their full names... especially if it is a spouse!

Answer 9

These answers are right. If you invite a single friend who doesn't know anyone else well, then you really should give them a plus one. If you can't do a plus one, then you could try inviting some of them out together (e.g. on your hen night) to meet each other before the wedding. If you're inviting say, some friends from college who are single and know each other, then it doesn't matter at all.

Answer 10

well, u have to understand that u dont want ur single friends to feel left out and depressed that here they are at her friends wedding and im single, not engaged and no boyfriend. thats a depreseing thought. i mean if ur single friends are friends with the other single friends, they can go together. but if they are not so close, i dont think its a good idea at all. they might end up not going to ur wedding because they dont want to look lonely, obviously single and end up drepressed. u know what i mean? thats the only reason why single women bring escorts!