Wedding Etiquette Questions: Ask the Etiquist

Is it okay to invite a single person to a wedding reception without inviting them to bring a guest?

Q. I am a 39 year old lady and currently single. Is it proper or rude to invite me to a wedding without the option of bringing a guest? I feel like it's an insult to assume that I'll be alone. This is an affair where the guest list is not so tight that it would be an issue. I am extremely close to the groom and his entire family.

A. The only time it would be considered a breach of etiquette to omit inviting you to bring a guest would be if you were married, engaged, had a live-in partner or were involved in a serious relationship.Since you are very close to the groom and his family, I assume he'd know if you were in a serious relationship.

You mention that the guest list is not so tight that it would be an issue, but the couple may have based their decision on financial considerations you are unaware of.

Some single wedding invitees call to ask if they can bring a guest, but this is considered rude - you'd be putting your friends on the spot. If you don't have someone serious in your life, they are not obligated to host your guest.

Also consider that weddings are a great place to meet other singles.

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