My sister just got married this past september, and we had SEVERAL people bring dates that did not have dates invited --- one bold cousin even had the nerve to bring a girlfriend along with her - not even anyone close.. just to have SOMEONE with her!! grrrrrrrr...

(PS: we have a HUGE family and need to cut wherever possible... our guest list is CURRENTLY at 265 and we need to cut it to 230 to make budget) anyway... is there ANY POSSIBLE "tactful" way to stick an insert in the single's invites that aren't dating anyone seriously that says something to the effect of:

"We apologize for the fact that we could not include a guest with your invitiation. We look forward to seeing you at the wedding."

ideas? suggestions? or am i beating a dead horse?

thanks,
jess

In my opinion, if you have to say it, say it.

This is your and his family and you know how people will respond.

But, another idea is to say it without saying it.

If you are having response cards sent in your invitation, fill out the name on the response card yourself.

Example:
Mr. John Doe will attend
____ Yes?
____ No?
Etc, etc.

To make it more noticeable, write in the person's name yourself, don't have it printed.

This is a suggestion and by doing this, I think people will get the message.

oooo.. that's an idea i hadn't thought of!!!!!!

thanks so much for the suggestion. i don't want to be "rude" but i just CANNOT afford to do what happened to my sister. our wedding is almost double the cost per person than hers was..

again, thanks for your imput!

In addition to the great recommendation that digital_pixie provided, you may want to consider welcoming a limited party for dinner, and then cordially allow for dates once the dinner is concluded. You may want to limit the "open bar" portion to the bridal party in anticipation of a larger wedding as well.

For appropriate wording, we suggest using phrases like:

"Due to limited seating, we welcome you to our wedding ceremony and dinner. We invite you and a guest to the reception following, to celebrate our union."

I went to a wedding once and they put on the invitation "PLEASE NO GUESTS" People honored their request.
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I can see where your issue is if you have a huge family. If you don't come right out on the invite and say it, proper etiquette is anyone over 16 should have the invite addressed "and guest."