Inviting new friends

We had enough people decline that we definitely have room for extras, so I'm just wondering what would be the best/politest way to go about inviting them. Our RSVP system is online, so it’d be super easy to just add them to the list and say “hey go to this website and pick your meal out” but that seems…tacky. But sending them an invitation that says RSVP by August 14th also seems strange. Should I write a letter or just text them the link or just ask them in person?

I would not invite someone (ANYONE) at this short of notice.

This is a difficult situation, and I also ran into the same thing. I ended up really good friends with this one girl after setting the guest list. She's helped me with a lot of wedding planning things and I admitted to her that I didn't have room on the guest list at the time. Since getting RSVPs enough people have RSVP'd no that she could fit. Since we have been talking about the wedding enough and she knew that I had set the guest list prior to meeting her she has told me that's she's not insulted to be invited after the fact now that FH and I know we can afford to properly host her.

ETA - I'm fully expecting to get roasted for this. But honestly, if you've had the conversation before I feel like you would know if that friend would understand or not if you've truly become that close with them.

I agree with VJ. You met them after and room opened up so it's not like you B-listed them. You can extend the offer and they can decline if they wish.

Oh yeah, I mean, they know we sent out the invitations before we actually met them, so I'm not worried about them being insulted, just whether I should give them something written or just say "Hey, if you guys want you should come to the wedding!"

VJ - you are still more than 3 months out - 3 weeks is fairly short notice. But that is my opinion.

Something written would be nice. All of the other guests got a written invite (I'm assuming) and it makes it more sincere. If you have a game night coming up you can bring an invite then.

Erin - Totally true, the timing is shorter, but I still don't think a new friend would be insulted by being invited after the invitations. They would know they weren't B-listed since they didn't know each other while the "A-list" was being created. If it's too short notice and they can't make it then no harm no fowl. If it were me I would just be flattered to be invited.

To be honest, I'd probably invite them.

I know I know, people will say this is bad etiquette, but if they are new friends I think they would understand not being invited initially, considering you didn't even know them when you sent invites. I think if you let them know that you are happy for the friendship and would love to have them there (also apologize for the short notice), they'd understand the late invite. If I put myself in their shoes I'm pretty sure I'd be excited that someone wanted me to come to their wedding with the friendship being so new. It's not like you intentionally B-listed these people.

I wouldn't be offended if I was your friend. She knows that she's a new friend... I'd be flattered that you invited me!

^^^ same

I wouldn't invite them. They honestly won't be offended either way. I went out to lunch Monday with a friend from work. I met her back in Nov. but other than our one lunch in Dec. we hadn't done anything outside of work until the last couple months (mostly bc she was part time and left wayyy earlier than I did, but now she's full time). I thought about inviting her but it was too late once we got closer. I can tell from our lunch Monday she completely understands, most ppl will.

I might not be getting the proper read on this, but it sounds like you're inviting them to fill out your 'side' or something. Someone already asked if you are friends with these people outside of your mutual friend (the best man). Do you really consider these people friends, or just nice people to fill seats? If it's the former, I would invite them. If it's the latter, I would worry that they may read into this that they're seat-fillers, and I would not invite them.

If you like them and want them there, invite them! I'd hand her an invitation and say, "ignore the rsvp date, hehe."

I agree with JaimieLeigh. if you met them late and want them there, ask them to come!

I agree with hallie, i think you're over thinking this. You want them there invite them! You're not rude because you didnt know them at the you sent the invites out.

If your B listing or filling in declines, no.

If there people you've recently gotten to know and you genuinely would love to have there I see nothing wrong with it. Can it be hand delivered? This would be a personal way of telling them you've had a really wonderful time getting to know them and you would love for them to attend if they are able. If you can't a personal note in the invitation would do as well.