How do you handle a plus-one who is a person who is a stranger to you?

Short answer

Treat a stranger plus-one with the same warmth and respect as any other guest, and never assume they know the couple or the couple's friends.

A plus-one who does not know you or your friends can feel a little isolated, so your job is to make them feel included without making a fuss. Think of them as a guest in their own right rather than an accessory to your friend or partner.

When you see them, introduce yourself and say hello. If you know who they are with, a simple, "I'm [name], nice to meet you," works well. If you do not know who they are with, a friendly greeting and a smile are enough.

At the table, a host or a member of the bridal party can help. They might:

sit them next to someone who is good at starting a chat
mention a shared interest or a light topic from the day
avoid putting them at a table full of strangers without any introduction

Do not treat them as a stranger in a negative sense. They are there because the person who invited them wanted them included. Keep the conversation light and kind, and remember that most people will relax once they feel welcome. If you are unsure about any seating or protocol, ask your wedding planner or the person who organised the day.

If you are a guest wondering about your own plus-one, remember that the couple has made a choice about who they can invite. Respect that and enjoy the day.