Many items can be addressed directly on your wedding invites, mainly the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, why), but not everyone is familiar with the intricacies of wedding etiquette and procedure. Despite your best efforts to be straightforward while still maintaining a level of formality, you’ll most likely get at least a few questions from your wedding guests. Here’s a guide to help you answer them.
Check out the top questions wedding guests ask!
1. Can I bring a plus one?
Who is invited, and who is not, should be clear from the address on the invite, but sometimes your wedding guests’ relationship statuses or other circ*mstances will change, so chances are you will probably get this question from someone. Depending on your personal preferences or the restrictions of your wedding venue or budget, your answer may vary. Try something like this:
If the answer is yes:
“Sure thing! The more the merrier.”
If the answer is no:
“Unfortunately, we’re on a tight budget and we really can’t accommodate another guest.”
“Unfortunately, we’ve booked a small venue and we’re already at capacity.”
“We’re having a small wedding and we only invited close friends and family.”
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2. Can I bring my kid(s)?
This can be a sensitive one for some wedding guests. Some will be completely off put, or even offended, if you choose to host an adults-only event or only invite some guests to bring their kids and not others. Ultimately the decision is up to you and here are some ways you can approach this question:
If the answer is yes:
“We’d be more than happy to host you and your family!”
If the answer is no:
"Unfortunately, we decided to make this an evening for adults only, but we’ll be happy to help you coordinate a sitter for the night!”
3. What should I wear?
As obvious as this answer may seem to you or others, sometimes people feel the need to ask. Better to be safe than sorry! Your first instinct might be to snap back, “Well, definitely don’t wear white!” but maybe try you might try some of these alternatives instead:
“The wedding is casual, so please feel free to wear whatever you’d feel best in!”
See Alsowedding stationery“The wedding is semi-formal, so we encourage you to wear co*cktail attire [for evening events] / Sunday best [for daytime events].”
“The wedding is formal, so we encourage you to wear black tie attire. Evening gowns and tuxedos are appropriate.”
4. Do I really have to submit an RSVP?
If you’re on a tight budget, have a huge guest list, or are trying to stay organized, the answer to this question will be an abounding YES! Try this or a similar approach:
“Yes, please submit your RSVP via *insert method here—snail mail, online, etc.* by *insert date here* to help keep us organized as we plan for our big day! We greatly appreciate your cooperation.”
Tip: If you have or will have a wedding website, consider including an FAQ (frequently asked questions) section to your site in order to save your guests and yourself some time.
Need more tips? Don’t leave your guests wondering about wedding day attire.
As a seasoned wedding planning expert with years of hands-on experience, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of wedding etiquette and procedure. My expertise in this domain is not merely theoretical but grounded in a multitude of successful events where attention to detail and adherence to proper protocols ensured smooth and memorable celebrations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in the article you provided:
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Addressing the 5 W’s on Invitations:
- Who: Clearly identify the hosts and the couple.
- What: Specify that it's a wedding celebration.
- When: Include the date and time of the event.
- Where: Provide the venue details.
- Why: While not explicitly mentioned, the "why" in a wedding invitation is the celebration of the union between the couple.
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Handling Plus-One Requests:
- Understanding that guests may inquire about bringing a plus one.
- Considerations for responding affirmatively or negatively based on budget, venue constraints, or personal preferences.
- Providing polite and considerate responses, regardless of the decision.
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Children at the Wedding:
- Acknowledging the potential sensitivity of the topic.
- Offering flexibility in allowing or not allowing children at the wedding.
- Diplomatically addressing the issue by suggesting solutions for those with children.
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Dress Code Information:
- Anticipating that guests may ask about appropriate attire.
- Offering clear guidance on the dress code, whether casual, semi-formal, or formal.
- Providing alternatives to ensure guests feel comfortable and well-informed about what to wear.
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RSVP Etiquette:
- Emphasizing the importance of RSVPs for budgeting, guest list management, and overall event organization.
- Politely requesting guests to submit their RSVPs by a specified date.
- Suggesting the inclusion of an FAQ section on a wedding website for additional information.
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Wedding Website Integration:
- Acknowledging the utility of a wedding website for disseminating information.
- Highlighting the benefits of an FAQ section to address common questions and save time for both guests and hosts.
- Suggesting the use of the website for RSVP submissions.
By understanding and effectively addressing these concepts, you can navigate the complexities of wedding planning with finesse, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests.
