expert party tips

We have provided party tips from the experts to help you plan and throw a great party.

Can I bring a date to a formal event if my invitation doesn't say "and guest"?

In a word, no. Formal events tend to be pre-planned affairs, and your uninvited guest may find themselves without a chair or a meal all night. They, and you, may also be the recipient of icy glares because of your party-crashing ways.

As with all good rules, there are exceptions. If you have a significantly significant other that the host has forgotten or isn't aware of, you can ask the host if you can bring a plus one — but only if you're on familiar terms with the host and it won't be a great inconvenience to them. In other words, contact the host in good time and be polite about it. A breezy text message the night before the event might get you and your date uninvited.