Attending a special event with a guest who's not on your specified list can throw off seating arrangements and catering preparations. This is why the "plus one" question arises when getting your save the dates ready. But do you really need to put plus ones on save the dates? Let's delve into the etiquette, benefits, and potential pitfalls of including plus ones on your save the dates.
Including or excluding plus ones can significantly impact your guests' experience and your wedding planning process. It's a crucial decision that requires careful thought and understanding of the implications.
Understanding the Fine Print: Save the Dates vs. Invitations
Save the dates are preliminary notices that inform guests about the details of your event. They are usually sent out months in advance, while wedding invitations, which include the RSVP card, are sent out closer to the event date. The type of information you include on your save the dates can vary, but there's a common misconception about what these initial notices entail.
Save the dates should typically include the date, venue, and a brief description of the event. They are not meant to give exhaustive details about the wedding ceremony, reception, or the dress code. However, when it comes to mentioning plus ones, save the dates can vary. Despite this, a general rule of thumb is that you should leave out the plus one on your save the dates to avoid confusion.
Why Not Include Plus Ones on Save the Dates?
Putting plus ones on save the dates can cause unnecessary stress and convolute your wedding planning process. It can lead to confusion and may entail your guests making assumptions that are not necessarily valid. Here are a few reasons why you might want to reconsider including plus ones on your save the dates:
- Budget Constraints: Every additional guest can increase the cost of catering, venue rental, and other wedding expenses.
- Seating Arrangements: Plus ones can disrupt your carefully planned seating chart and make it difficult to accommodate everyone comfortably.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Including a plus one on your save the dates can lead your guests to expect they can bring a date, potentially leading to disappointment when they learn they can't.
When Should You Mention Plus Ones?
Rather than including plus ones on save the dates, it's a better idea to wait until you send out your official invitations. This will give you ample time to decide on your final guest list and budget allocations. By then, you'll have a better idea of your capacity constraints and can extend invitations accordingly.
In your invitation, you can use specific language to accommodate plus ones where possible. Instead of using ambiguous phrases, consider using clear, kind, but firm language. For example, you could say, "We are delighted to invite you and a guest to our special day," or "We would be thrilled if you could join us along with a significant other." This way, you're clear about your intentions without leaving it open for misinterpretation.
Crafting Clear and Concise Save the Dates
Save the dates are meant to be simple and straightforward. They should not bombard your guests with too much information or intricate details. Here's what your save the dates should typically include:
- Names of the Couple: Start with the names of the couple getting married.
- Date and Venue: Specify the date and the venue of the wedding. Do not mention the time at this stage as it is usually not finalized.
- Tagline: Include a brief, fun, or romantic tagline that reflects your wedding theme or personalities.
Remember, clarity is key when it comes to save the dates. Keep the details minimal and resist the urge to make them overly complex. This will help avoid confusion and streamline your wedding planning process.
In conclusion, deciding whether to put plus ones on save the dates is a complex issue that needs careful consideration. While there's no one-size-fits-all rule, it's generally more thoughtful to exclude plus ones on your initial notice to avoid potential misunderstandings. After all, the last thing you want is for your guests to feel excluded or disappointed. Instead, focus on crafting clear, concise, and engaging save the dates that set the right tone for your special day.