Inviting Your Co-Workers

Are You In The ‘Invite Co-Workers To The Wedding’ Pickle? Here’s What To Do

You had a small 200-people wedding in mind. But the guest list right now has gone up to a roaring 400. Who are these extras at the wedding? That’s just the beginning of a discussion that can soon end up in a quarrel between couples. While relatives and friends fall under the mandatory list, there are a few amendments that can be made to the work-list. Who should be omitted from the ‘office list’ is a complicated question. With bigger things to manage, you definitely want this one to be the last thing on your mind. A piece of advice- invite only those who will feature in the photo album that you and your other half will fondly flip through later. Here are a few tips on how to make a work invitation list:

1. You call the shots
It is your big day. Inviting people is completely up to your discretion. While it is not said as often as it should be, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for not inviting them. Besides friends and family, inviting anyone from work is a choice and not an obligation.

2. What do we do with the boss?
This can be tricky. Your boss is in charge of you at work and you have to report him/her, but that is not a good enough reason for them to be invited to your wedding. Call your boss only if you wish to and if you share a personal rapport with him/her. If you are friends outside of work, then we are pretty sure their blessings are with you on your wedding day.

3. Party Like A Rockstar
If you don’t want the entire company at the wedding, it is a better idea to hold a separate party for them. There is always the ‘we are having a small ceremony with family’ reason that will help you at all times. If you decide to hold a party, make sure you invite the entire office clan. You either invite everyone or none for such an event.

4. Cut The Wedding Talk
If you are thinking of not inviting too many people from work, then we suggest you stop gushing about your wedding preparations at the workplace. Talking about the preparatory work with everyone might send out the wrong ideas. Don’t talk about it especially with those you are not planning to call. Invite the handful and be discreet about it. In fact, ask them to do the same.

5. Bring Your Plus One
Make it clear in your invitation whether a colleague can bring a plus one or a guest. The confusion can be real and a few of them might not turn up due to lack of company. So, be clear if they can bring a plus one. Specify if you have a dress code in the invitation as well. Even though your co-workers might take home a hefty sum, you could mention the no-gift rule.

6. Let Them In
Inviting colleagues to your wedding is taking a step forward towards mixing your personal and professional life. Keep in mind that it might become a little awkward if your co-workers are not friends outside of the office. They might probably get to see a different side to you which they have never witnessed at work. You don’t want to be put in a spot when you are embarrassed to face your co-workers. So, think it through before making your office invitation list.

7. Bring In The Extras
You spend almost 12 hours or more with people at work. Counting in all those hours, you are at work half your life. Many of us have a special office husband/wife, a close friend, or a guide, make sure you don’t offend anyone by not inviting them to your wedding. Think it through and if at the last minute, you change your mind, we suggest you have a dozen spare invites in your bag for calling those who you thought won’t make it to the list. Finally, we wish you luck with the wedding invitation and have a happy wedding!  

– Mrinalini Sundar