How Do You Say No Plus One At A Wedding? [The Best Approach]

When it comes to finalizing wedding numbers, plus ones are where you can really save on the guest count. Besides, we all have our preferences for weddings size, venue allowances/restrictions, and of course budget. But how do you politely and strategically state that plus one is not invited? This is the approach to take.

So, how do you say no plus on at a wedding? The best way to state that a guest should not bring a plus one is to clearly define it on the Save The Dates, or Wedding Invitations. Make no reference to the possibility of a plus one, or more specifically state the number of guests invited. Alternatively, explicitly write the name of the guest on the card who is invited.

The last tactic is the one my Fiance and I used.

We literally wrote the name of the guest, by hand on the RSVP card.

That way, the recipient knew exactly that they were invited and there wasn’t a possibility to invite their own plus one.

If we wanted a guest to have a plus one, we added their plus one’s name.

And here’s the benefit of this approach.

It also meant we had control of who the plus one was.

It meant that the guest couldn’t just invite anyone.

Let us now look at some other considerations so that you can approach this the right way, and set guest expectations accordingly.

No Plus One Wording Suggestions

Below, you can find some examples of wording that you can include on your Save the Dates, or wedding Invitations.

While we would love for you to attend our special day, our venue permits a limited number of guests. We therefore ask that you do not bring a plus one.

… and I have always dreamed of a close, intimate wedding. For this reason, we ask that you do not bring a plus one.

Unfortuntately, we are unable to accomodate plus ones at our wedding.

Please note that this invite does not extend to plus ones.

Other Ways To Tell Wedding Guests Not To Bring a Plus One

Outside of Save the Dates, Wedding Invites and RSVP cards, you generally have a couple of other ways of getting the message across.

Conversations

Long before you even send out your wedding comms, you can, and perhaps should drop your views and sentiments on the topic to your friends and family.

Make it clear through casual conversation that you are not able, or open to offering this to all guests.

This will be a gentle way to introduce the news and will also mean that it does not come as a surprise by the time the communications come around.

It is also likely that these conversations will take place, as everyone gets excited about the wedding. So it’s a natural place to mention it in conversation.

Besides, you could always cloak the news in the ‘asking for advice’ kind of conversation.

Be sure to mention things like financial limitations, venue limitations, space, and wedding intimacy as reasons behind your decision.

Create a Wedding Website

Wedding websites are ideal for bringing all the information guests will need in one place.

Whether it is venue information, dates, times, or accommodation suggestions.

Be sure to add a section, perhaps even via an FAQ page on your approach toward plus ones. Make it clear and easily found.

Can You Invite People To A Wedding Without A Plus One?

You can invite people to a wedding without a plus one – it is your day and you decide on the guests who are to be in attendance. That being said, how you approach it, or who you decide not to invite, can result in unnecessary drama, tension, or even conflict – so do consider and plan accordingly.

As a general rule, not every guest needs, or should have a plus one.

This is increasingly true for single guests or guests with who you are not particularly close with.

Then there are individual circumstances and caveats to consider to, like who the guest may know, whether they are in a relationship, along with how many guests you have left to invite.

It could be that in some situations and circumstances, you decide on offering a plus one.

Once you start receiving RSVPs back, you should start to get a better idea of numbers and if any plus ones could perhaps be accommodated.

Nevertheless, you do not have to offer plus ones.

This should be the decision of the couple first and foremost, where they should not feel pressured into offering plus ones to appease.

And the benefits of not offering a plus one – a closer, more intimate wedding with more people you know. That also will likely cost less too!

How Do I Limit The Number Of Guests At My Wedding?

If you are concerned with the numbers of your wedding, here are some quick and handy ways to limit the numbers:

• Consider your relationships – Look at your guest list and consider whether there are guests who you do not necessarily need to invite,
• Consider your past, future and present – are you still in contact with the individual? Are they an old friend who you no longer speak with? Are you likely to rekindle the friendship or relationship in the future?
• Be firm and consistent – if you decide on a certain number – stick to it. You may even have to dissapoint a few people but ultimately there comes a time where you have to set boundaries (even if it is with your partner).

Finally

Saying no plus one at a wedding is all about being upfront, honest and explicit.

Do not leave anything open to interpretation, and chance.

Instead, be careful and particular with your wording.

In fact, depending on who you use as a supplier, they may be able to suggest or recommend the wording to include and how you can explicitly state that plus ones are not invited.

And if you are still looking for your wedding stationery – you just have to head over to Minted!

Designed by independent artists, this is how you get beautifully crafted and unique Save The Dates, Wedding Invites, and RSVPs.

It’s what we did, and we never looked back!