rsvps and plus ones

General etiquette/ social politeness: if a couple is in an exclusive and committed relationship at the time you are addressing the invitations, 10-12 weeks out, they are invited as a couple. Whether they have been together 2 months ( will be 5 by wedding) or 6 months, or 1 year or six. Setting a minimum, like at least a year, or only engaged or married, is considered rude . And the girlfriend or boyfriend is invited by name. If they break up, your guest does not get to bring someone else. It is not a plus on. For people not committed to one person, not a serious couple , those you do what you want.

I think the general rule of thumb is that people who are married or have been dating at least a year should receive a plus one. If he is not contributing to the wedding then he does not really have a huge say on the final guest list. You have to think of the extra costs associated with plus ones which can be upwards of 50-100 pp depending on meal choices. I would make it clear on the invites/RSVP cards who is invited. For the couples list both their names and for single people just list the person who is invited.

I don’t think you have to give every single person a plus one. We offered plus ones to people travelling to the wedding alone (which no one actually took us up on) and to some friends that would be the only “single Pringle” amongst a group of couples. We didn’t give every adult a plus one, especially if they were attending with family or other friends. I’d build in a little bit of flexibility to your guest count figure because people can get into relationships and then will invited as a partner rather than plus one!