Perfect Your Wedding Save the Dates and Plus Ones with This Expert Guide

Ah, the joy of planning a wedding – choosing colors, picking out dresses, and, of course, navigating the dreaded plus-one dilemma. It’s a decision that many couples dread as they send out their save-the-date cards, wondering whether to include the significant others of their guests or not. But fear not, my soon-to-be-married friends. We have some tips and tricks to help you navigate this tricky situation without pulling your hair out. In this article, we’ll focus on how to use save the date templates and wording to make your plus one policy crystal clear. So grab a glass of bubbly and let’s dive in!

Understanding the Save the Date Plus One Dilemma

Let’s start with the basics, shall we? The plus one dilemma is the age-old question of whether or not to allow guests to bring a date to your wedding. It may seem like a small issue, but trust us, it can cause major headaches for couples. Do you invite your cousin’s new fling of the week? What about your friend’s on-again, off-again partner who you’re not sure will even be around by the time the wedding rolls around?

There are a variety of factors that can influence your decision to include or exclude plus ones. Some couples may have strict budget or venue capacity constraints, while others may prefer a more intimate affair without too many unknown faces. Whatever the reason, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your final decision.

Common concerns among couples include the cost of adding additional guests, the potential impact on the seating plan and catering arrangements, and the worry that some guests may feel left out or offended if they aren’t allowed to bring a plus one. But fear not, we’ll cover all of these concerns and more in the sections to come.

Using Wedding Save-the-Date Templates

Okay, let’s talk about save-the-date templates – they’re a lifesaver. Using a template can save you time and money, and make the process of sending out save-the-dates a breeze. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can make them as unique or as simple as you want.

When it comes to the plus one dilemma, choosing the right template can make all the difference. Look for templates that allow for easy customization, so you can add or remove plus ones as needed. It’s also important to choose a template that fits with the overall style and theme of your wedding.

The key is to find a template that works for you while also making your plus one policy clear.

Crafting Save-the-Date Wording

Next, you need to word your save-the-dates to make it crystal clear whether or not a plus one is included. This can be a tricky balancing act – you want to be polite and clear without being rude or inhospitable.

First things first, make sure to include the names of each guest you’re inviting on the save-the-date. This makes it clear who exactly is invited and can prevent confusion down the line. If you’re not inviting a plus one, you can simply write the guest’s name without adding “and guest.”

If you are inviting plus ones, make sure to include this information on the save-the-date. Some examples of wording that can be used to communicate your plus one policy include:

“We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Please bring a plus one to join in on the fun.”

“We’re excited to share our special day with you! If you’ll be bringing a date, please let us know by [date].”

“We’re keeping things intimate and would love for you to join us solo.”

Remember to consider special circumstances, such as when a guest has a long-term partner but isn’t engaged or married. In this case, you can either invite the partner by name or include a “plus one” line on the save-the-date.

The key is to be clear, polite, and consistent with your messaging across all save-the-dates. And remember, if anyone has questions about your plus one policy, don’t be afraid to reach out and clarify. It is your wedding, after all. 

Handling Plus One Requests

Ah, the dreaded plus one request. Even if you’ve made it clear on the save-the-date that no plus ones are allowed, there’s always that one guest who tries to sneak in a date. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with some strategies for dealing with these requests.

First, stay firm but polite. Let the guest know that unfortunately, you’re not able to accommodate a plus one due to budget or venue constraints. If you do have some wiggle room in your guest list, you can consider allowing a plus one on a case-by-case basis.

Another option is to suggest that the guest come solo and offer to introduce them to other single guests at the wedding. After all, weddings are a great place to make new friends and connections!

If a guest’s relationship status changes between the save-the-date and the wedding, it’s important to handle the situation with grace. If the guest has gotten engaged or married, of course, you’ll want to include their partner on the guest list. On the flip side, if a guest has broken up with their partner, it’s important to let them know that they’re still welcome to attend the wedding solo.

The key is to handle these situations on a case-by-case basis and to communicate with guests in a clear and respectful manner. And remember, at the end of the day, you have the final say on who is invited and who isn’t.

Solving the Plus One Dilemma 

We’ve covered a lot of ground today on the dreaded plus one dilemma when it comes to save-the-date cards. It can be a tough decision to make, but it’s important to think about what works best for you and your guests.

Using save-the-date templates can be a real lifesaver, especially if you’re on a tight timeline or budget. You can easily customize them to fit your style and theme, while also making it clear whether or not plus ones are invited.

Crafting the perfect wording for your save-the-dates is another key piece of the puzzle. You want to be clear and polite, while also making sure guests know exactly what to expect. And when it comes to handling plus-one requests, it’s important to stay firm but gracious, and to remember that ultimately, it’s your wedding and you get to make the final call.

At the end of the day, the plus-one dilemma can be a real headache, but with careful planning and communication, you can navigate it with ease. So take a deep breath, relax, and know that you’ve got this! And if you need any more wedding advice, you know where to find me.