DEAR ABBY: Please settle a disagreement between me and my fiance. Several of his co-workers have had weddings recently, with more to come. It is their practice to invite only their co-workers, stressing that no spouses or significant others are invited. This is not true of their other guests, only their co-workers. I have heard they believe the people from work are not as much fun when their spouses or dates are around.
All these weddings have been in halls with light buffets or appetizers and cash bars. They are always held at night with a DJ and dancing. They are not formal.
My fiance's co-workers are almost all female. Therefore, he's the only dancing partner for 10 to 15 women who are without their husbands or boyfriends.
I think this practice is extremely rude. My fiance believes it is their prerogative and the "modern" way of doing things. What do you think? -- STEAMED IN CONNECTICUT
DEAR STEAMED: People usually limit their guest list because of budgetary concerns. Your fiance is correct that it's the host's privilege to issue such an invitation. All the same, to invite only half of a committed couple (a spouse or fiance) to a wedding where there's music and dancing is a breach of etiquette. To quote the lyrics of Irving Berlin, he should be able to "change partners and dance" -- with you if he wishes.