How to Word Plus-Ones on an Invitation (and How to Say No Kindly)
How to word plus-ones on a wedding, party or work-event invitation: welcoming a guest, inviting named partners only, saying no plus-ones politely, and handling children.
Plus-ones cause more awkward conversations than almost anything else on an invitation, nearly always because the invitation was vague. Decide first, then say it once, clearly.
Decide your rule
- Everyone may bring someone.
- Named partners only: spouses and long-term partners, by name.
- No plus-ones.
- Case by case: some guests can, some can’t. Then the invitation itself must say which.
Welcoming a plus-one
- You’re welcome to bring a guest.
- Plus-ones welcome!
- Bring your partner, or a friend.
- Sam and Guest (on a wedding invitation or envelope).
- Let us know if you’re bringing someone when you reply.
Named partners only
- Address it to both: “Sam and Alex”.
- We’d love to see you and Alex there.
No plus-ones
- We’re keeping our celebration small, so we’re unable to extend invitations to additional guests.
- This one’s just for the team.
- Due to venue capacity, we can only accommodate those named on the invitation.
- We hope you understand that this is an intimate gathering.
Children
- Children are very welcome. Let us know their ages when you reply.
- We love your little ones, but our celebration will be adults only.
- A family-friendly party: bring the kids!
Work events
- Partners welcome at the end-of-year party.
- This lunch is for the team only; partners will be invited to the summer social.
Count plus-ones properly
Ask in the reply itself: “Are you bringing anyone?” Then count them into the total, since that’s the number the venue and caterer need.
TeamRally Invitations lets you allow plus-ones or not, and set how many each guest may bring; replies count them into the headcount automatically. Free for up to 100 guests.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say plus-one welcome on an invitation? “You’re welcome to bring a guest,” or address it to “Sam and Guest”.
How do you politely say no plus-ones? Address it by name, and if needed say you’re keeping it small.
Should plus-ones be counted in the headcount? Yes.