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Must I Invite Coworkers & Plus-Ones?

 

When two people decide to unite in marriage, it would seem the happiest of times.  For the most part, it is.  But when family, workmates, friends are considered...well, things can get sticky, especially with the guest list. 

What follows are two distinctively different problems solved. 

Dear Polite One,

I'm working on my guest list and as if selecting which friends to invite wasn't hard enough, I have coworkers to consider. Is there an all or nothing rule with co-workers or is it acceptable for me to invite only a few?

Rice Throwing Coworkers 

Dear Rice Throwing Coworkers, 

You are in luck.  It is perfectly acceptable to invite only those with whom you are close, and this includes co-workers.  However, be careful when considering inviting the boss.  This could be viewed as apple polishing. 

Dear Polite One,

I'm on a tight budget and having trouble keeping my guest count down. Half of my friends are in a relationship where I know their counterpart and the other half are single or casually dating. Do I allow all my friends to bring dates even though some of them aren't in a relationship or do I limit the "and guest" to those in relationships and ask my single friends to come alone?

“And Guest” Fatigue

Dear “And Guest” Fatigue,

Ah, the ‘and guest’ dilemma. As much as we would like to be the good host and allow everyone an escort, the numbers do add up quickly.  Fortunately, you are only obligated to invite significant others of your guests, which means those in long-term relationships.

More From The Polite One

Wedding Etiquette 101: How to Say You're Not Invited to the Wedding?

Wedding Invitations: Email, Response Card, Guest Issues

Wedding Correspondence Q & A: Including Registry Info?

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