Guest List: plus ones

So if a couple is dating, then that's not a plus one situation, they are a single unit who need to be invited together, whether you know them or like them. This is where people tend to differ on what constitutes as a "relationship." Personally, if you have some iffy people, my opinion is to ask the person you know if they're in a relationship or not. They know their relationship better than you will. If someone is a single person who is not in a relationship, then you can choose whether they get to bring a plus one or not.

Edit: Just to clarify because some people have ran with the whole couple thing lol, I'm not assuming you're talking about couples, if that's not what you meant. You just asked what plus one etiquette is and I believe that knowing that couples aren't considered plus ones is part of that.

Anyone in a relationship should have their significant other invited. It’s optional to give a plus one for people that are single.

I agree with Jessi. If your definition of stranger is a family/friends significant other that you haven’t met, it’s rude to not invite them. There shouldn’t be any reason why you and your closest friends or family SOs cant meet you or your fiancé prior to wedding invites. FaceTime, zoom, etc can be used to meet people all over. If you wedding is as small as you say, then I would ask am I really this close to this person if I’ve never met (or atleast talked about) their SO in the past 1-2 years. True plus ones are for single people who can invite anyone they choose should you extend a guest invite.

Plus Ones are for truly single people, and you are not obligated to include a Plus One for those guests if you don't want to. However, for couples in a committed relationship (dating, engaged, living together, married), they are a social unit and their partner should be included in their invitation - whether you have met them or not is not relevant.

I agree with Jessie. It isn’t based on whether you know them but if they’re in a relationship with that person. So, no, you don’t have to give plus ones to anyone (that would be for someone to bring any uninvited guest). You do have to invite the significant others of those you plan to invite.

While I, personally, agree with everyone here that plus ones for singles guests are up to you, I believe “proper etiquette” is that if they are invited they get a plus one. I am not following that rule due to budget, but if you’re looking for the true etiquette rule then give everyone a plus one.

A plus one is a random stranger that you allow for single unattached guests. They are never required. A significant other is an automatic invite and is given to anyone in a relationship. You cannot ask someone to celebrate relationship while discounting theirs, nor is it your place to judge the validity if they consider themselves a couple.

As long as they are in a relationship before invitations get sent out then you should include their SO. It doesn't matter if you know them or not or how long they been together. Plus ones are for truly single people and you do not have to give them a plus one.