Late Plus Ones

I would contact everyone and ask for the name of the plus one. If they don't have one, advise that the RSVP deadline has closed and you cannot accomodate any further additions to the list. That's perfectly acceptable.

We had a couple people who didn't tell us if they were bringing a +1 until the last minute (they all opted to come solo). I would just call and say "please give us your plus one's name now or we'll put down that you're coming alone."

Where are you between the reply due date and the deadline for the final headcount? Because typically no mention is made before the reply due date, but the evening of the due date, after all your main replies are counted, you start calling immediately to confirm with everyone you have not heard from. You don’t hang up until you get the information you need (if they are attending and the name of who they are bringing if anyone). It may take one evening to reach out to everyone or 1-2 full days depending on how many people you have to track down.


Curious but are your plus ones random strangers or are they significant others of any time frame who should be invited by name?

How far ahead was the RSVP date? A month out is considered reasonable. If it was more than that I’d give them until then. No caterer needs numbers that far out and there is still plenty of time to finalize table arrangements.


I would follow up individually. Call and give them until X date to give you a name or let them know you need your final numbers now. Personally, I think it’s a shame that singles seem to feel the need to bring someone. Weddings were at one time known to be a great place to meet new people. They still can be.