How to Invite Last-Minute Plus-Ones to Your Wedding (and Prevent Awkwardness)

Narrowing down your wedding guest list can be daunting. Of course, part of this process is determining which guests should receive plus-ones. That said, as the big day inches closer and closer, couples may have more room to extend last-minute invites to those who weren't initially given a plus one, even if you've initially enforced a "no ring, no bring" policy. Ahead, we're breaking down everything you need to know about last-minute plus-one wedding etiquette to eliminate any awkwardness, according to the experts themselves.

In this article:

• How to Invite Last-Minute Wedding Guests
• Can You Ask for a Plus-One for a Wedding?
• What to Do If a Guest Asks for a Plus-One Last Minute
• What to Do If You Don't Get a Plus-One

How to Invite Last-Minute Wedding Guests

Before diving in any deeper, let's get one thing straight: It's not rude to have a B-list wedding guest list—which, yes, includes last-minute wedding guests. Not sure how to invite someone late to your wedding? Don't fret! Here are three of our top tips for sending out last-minute wedding invitations.

Be upfront.

When it comes to inviting last-minute plus-ones to your wedding, communication is key, and honesty is the best policy when it comes to preventing awkwardness—especially if the RSVP deadline has passed. It's totally okay to call your friends and family and let them know you had more room than expected and that they are able to bring a plus-one, even if you've already noted on your wedding website that you won't be able to accommodate additional guests. On a similar note, it's wise to also provide them with a hard deadline so that you can submit an accurate headcount in the days leading up to the wedding.

Feel it out.

Your decision to allow or forbid certain guests from bringing plus-ones will vary depending on the circumstance and the individual. For example, says Aspen, Colorado-based wedding planner Juls Sharpley, "If you've got a wonderful friend who recently started dating someone and you randomly ended up a little lower on guest count and have the ability to accommodate, then go for it!" However, she says, "If you've got a friend whose choice of partners is less than desirable and they want to just bring someone random, even if you have the ability to accommodate," you do not have to go out of your way to offer them a plus-one. Remember, it's you and your future spouse's special day, which means both of you are the only ones with the final say.

Don't put pressure on guests.

When extending wedding guests plus-ones at the last minute, it's important not to put pressure on them so they feel as if they have to bring someone. With that in mind, we recommend leaving the conversation—and the gesture itself—open-ended so that the offer is on the table if, and only if, they want it.

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Similarly, if it's been a few weeks and you've not yet heard from your guest on whether or not they've decided to bring a plus-one, it's okay to follow up. However, be mindful of not bugging them about it.

Can You Ask for a Plus-One for a Wedding?

All of the wedding pros we spoke to advised against guests asking for a plus-one. However, according to Nora Sheils, co-founder of Rock Paper Coin and founder of Bridal Bliss in the Pacific Northwest, "it happens all the time." However, there are a few exceptions to which it is okay to ask for a plus-one to a wedding. A few examples include an elderly guest who has a caretaker or someone with an injury who needs help getting around.

Additionally, while Sharpley notes that "it's really not appropriate" to ask for a plus-one to a wedding, she can "see how someone who won't know many other people and has a guest to bring would expect that they could bring their significant other" to the festivities." That said, if you do opt to ask for a plus-one, "it has to be done delicately and respectfully," says Sharpley. Plus, "You must be prepared for the couple to say no!"

What to Do If a Guest Asks for a Plus-One Last Minute

Put simply, says Sharpley, "you have to assess this on a case-by-case basis." She continues, telling The Knot, "If it's someone you really trust and you know they're not going to bring someone who will disrupt your wedding, then allow it." However, "If it's someone that you don't think has great judgment in who they choose for partners or friends, you may choose to decline their request." She's also quick to note that "it's okay to be discerning and to protect your experience on this special day."

What to Do If You Don't Get a Plus-One

If you are a guest whose invitation wasn't addressed with a plus-one, follow good guest etiquette and "consider it a great opportunity to meet new people or connect with friends you haven't seen for a while," says Sheils. Besides, she tells The Knot, "There could be very good reasons you weren't allowed a guest, such as budgetary issues, limited space at the venue and so on."