Here's a (fun?) question to help those of us that don't know how to interact with other people despite being 30 years old now.

A male family friend that I haven't talked to in years is getting married and sent me an invitation without mention of a guest. I've been in a relationship for the past 2 years, and my boyfriend lives with me. However, the friend getting married doesn't know that I'm dating anyone (unless they stalk my facebook, in which case the pictures there should be enough to make them highly suspicious).

I could just RSVP and enter '2' in the spot of "Number Attending," possibly adding in something like "if there's space, please." Or I could ask someone before sending in the RSVP. I don't have any contact information for the friend getting married. However, his brother (who is actually my age and more my friend than the guy getting married) is on facebook and so I could ask him. I have met the bride-to-be once or twice, and she's on facebook too, so that's another possibility.

Also, is it weird that the address the RSVP is going to is that of the groom-to-be's parents? I thought the bride's family did the wedding stuff. Unless my friend and his fiance have taken over the house from their parents, which I guess is possible.

If you don't know these people why are you going to their wedding?

I don't get it, are you a guy or a girl?

Oh my. Awkward.

I just assumed gay dude the whole way through. But I suppose it's not 100% clear.

I was under the impression that if the invite doesn't say "plus guest" (or something similar) then you aren't supposed to bring a guest. However, if it asks something about how many guests maybe you are okay.

OP's name suggests he's a guy, but I don't know and not sure how it's relevant.

No idea why you're going

If I were OP, I would ask the bride if I could bring a date.

It is relevant if OP is gay and going to a wedding where either the bride or groom considers homosexual acts a sin. It is their day and their views should take precedence. You might be able to get clues from FB about their views.

As someone else said, not sure why you are thinking about going given you haven't seen the groom in years. Seems like a ploy by the couple to get more gifts.

We grew up together. Our families parallelled each other (both sets of parents had daughters first that are the same age, then me and their son are the same age, and then younger sons the same age). We went on family vacations together. Both of our older sisters have gotten married and we were all at both those weddings. I mean, I wouldn't have been surprised or upset if I didn't get invited, but the lack of contact for the past several years doesn't mean I don't know them.

I guess I've been gone from OOT for too long . I'm a gay guy. Interestingly, the brother in the other family that's my age is also gay.

Although it shouldn't, this changes things a bit.

If the invite doesn't include an "and guest", you are invited with no +1. Based on this, your options for number attending are 0 or 1.

If you or your parents can contact the groom's family, I would ask them about bringing your boyfriend.

I considered this for a moment. I doubt the bride or groom cares.

I know that when my counter-part in that family came out, his parents didn't take it so well (based on what I could gather from facebook). If his parents still find gays icky, I'd be more likely to want to go with my boyfriend -- it's the bride and groom whose opinions matter and I get some small joy annoying homophobes. If the bride and groom weren't ok with gay then I wouldn't want to go even alone.

Wow, Christians sure have changed since to old days. Are you saying that they are okay with people doing heterosexual acts at the wedding?

I don't know the couple and I don't know if they are Christians so I don't know.

No +1's are charity invites. They don't even really want you to attend.

Decline and wish them well. Maybe send them one wine glass or something as a gift.

Good man.

Are they poors?

obviously "and guest" not being on the invitation means just you

even more obviously, if you are not close enough to just ask the guy why would you go?

Except for special circumstances, I always feel obligated to attend weddings I'm invited to.

No +1 means no guest. I wouldnt ask about it either since I think it's awkward if the people inviting you are purposefully not inviting your guest for whatever reason (usually to save money).

Also, inviting people to weddings without offering them a +1 is stupid cheap and should never be done.

I went back and looked at my post. Where did I bring up religion?

If you give great gifts, the wife and I might have to have a second wedding and invite you.

Yep

Isn't it pretty much implied that if you get a wedding invitation that you can bring a guest too? Maybe they just designed the invitation poorly and other people are confused too. It's not like they paid to make two different types of invitations, one for the married people and one for the sodomites.

But yeah, I would probably ask them instead of us.

Unless things have changed, the invitation is always addressed to exactly who is invited.

Mr.and Mrs. Or Mr and Mrs and family if kids are invited. If you invite someone who is single, or you are not sure of their relationship status, it's Mr and guest.

If you are living with someone, or engaged, you can either address one invitation in both of their names, or send each separately.

If you receive on with only your name, then it's an invite for just you.

I was given these instructions by the people who printed my invitations.
If you are uncomfortable contacting them, you could always call a printer.