invites

what do you do when you want to invite someone to the wedding, but can't have them bring a date.

majority of my guests will have dates, but theres about 20 coworkers(from past and current job) that i want to invite, but if i have them each bring a guest thats another 20 people additional.

how do you word the invitation? or do i have to tell them persoonally:

You write Mr. John Smith (or whatever) on the outer and inner envelope

ETA...And you can also talk to them personally if you want and say look I really wanted you at my wedding but unfortuntely I cannot afford to invite you with a guest

invitation-write their name

talk to them and just explian you really want them there but in order to afford it you have to invite them alone unfortuately

but will the person be siting with thers they know??