Bringing a date to weddings is an age-old custom, probably dating back to the time of Noah—and those were some busy boat trips! But today, weddings are a big deal, and the question of “plus-ones” is often a hot topic.
Take Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, for example. Their wedding is set for July 3, and there’s been a lot of buzz about who gets to bring someone along. One guest shared their disappointment at not receiving an invite for a plus-one. They expressed their frustration, saying it would be awkward to attend alone, especially since they didn’t know many people there.
This situation highlights a common dilemma at weddings: how to handle plus-ones. In recent years, the cost of weddings has skyrocketed, so inviting fewer guests can make sense for many couples. A survey found that the average cost of weddings in the U.S. is now over $34,000. That’s a hefty price tag that often leads to tough decisions about guest lists.
Weddings come with their own set of etiquette rules. According to Lizzie Post, a modern-day expert on wedding etiquette and great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, you should usually invite someone’s spouse or long-term partner. If you invite one single friend to bring a guest, you should offer that to all singles. It’s about fairness and clarity.
While some may feel slighted without a plus-one, it’s important to remember that the couple may have limitations on their guest list. For a high-profile wedding, like Swift’s, it’s even more complex. Interestingly, singles often find weddings to be great opportunities to meet new people, so who knows what magic could happen?
To wrap things up, the rules around plus-ones are all about balance and fairness. If you’re planning your own wedding or attending one soon, keeping these guidelines in mind may help ease the process. Remember to celebrate love—whether in pairs or solo!
For more expert insights, you can check out British Vogue’s take on wedding plus-one etiquette and navigate the tricky waters of wedding invites with confidence.
