So you got a wedding invitation and, thankfully, the bride and groom have given you the \u201cand guest\u201d on the invite \u2013 I mean, you want the option, right? But now that you have that special privilege, it\u2019s really important that you do not abuse it. Think carefully about whether you have an appropriate wedding date to bring, and whether you really should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does your potential date know anybody in the wedding group? Has he\/she had a previous relationship with any key members of the wedding? If your date\u2019s mere presence will cause drama, RSVP for one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If this is a destination wedding, are you at the point where you can comfortably share a hotel room with him or her? Can he or she afford the plane ticket and other associated expenses? Or are you prepared to pick up the tab? If you\u2019re not prepared to foot the bill, you run the risk of putting your +1\u2019s financials in a precarious situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it too soon? Don\u2019t invite somebody you have barely started dating to accompany you to a wedding, especially if you are a bridesmaid or groomsman. I think it\u2019s the best way in the world to scare them away \u2013 especially men. Guys tend to associate women and weddings with commitment. If you\u2019re not there yet, but you\u2019d like to be eventually, don\u2019t invite him or her to be your +1. Better to leave them home and wishing you\u2019d extended the invite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can your date hold his or her liquor? If you\u2019ve seen your date misbehave in the past at a bar or restaurant, you can\u2019t be certain (unless you\u2019ve been together a long time and attended a wedding together) that he or she knows their limits at such an auspicious occasion. You don\u2019t want to be remembered as the friend who brought the guest from hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be cautious about inviting someone you\u2019ve just started dating to a wedding that will be filled with your closest friends and family. That\u2019s baptism by fire, especially if they\u2019ve never met before. What are the odds your parents won\u2019t mortify you at some point? If you\u2019re desperate for a date, go for it \u2013 but expect it to be the last one you have with this person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a gross misconception (mostly by women) that going solo to a wedding is a hideous experience. But don\u2019t forget something very, very important \u2013 weddings are a great opportunity to meet somebody new and interesting. You won\u2019t be the only single there, and you never know who you might meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n