10 Polite Ways to Say “Only Take One”

When hosting an event, you might offer freebies for the attendees.

However, if you’re trying to say “only take one,” you might want to come up with a few polite alternatives.

After all, “only take one” can sound a bit rude and forceful, right?

Well, this article will explore some synonyms showing you a nice way to say “only take one.”

Other Ways to Say “Only Take One”

  • Please limit yourself to one item per person
  • Just take one, so there’s enough for everyone
  • Kindly take only one item
  • Take no more than one item
  • Please refrain from taking more than one
  • We kindly request that you take only a single item
  • To ensure fairness, please take one item
  • We ask that you limit your selection
  • To keep things fair, take one item only
  • Please be considerate of others and only take one

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • “Only take one” is not rude, but it’s a simple instruction that encourages people to save some items for everyone else.
  • “Please limit yourself to one item per person” is a great formal alternative, showing that you’d appreciate it if people shared.
  • Try “just take one, so there’s enough for everyone” in more informal situations.

Keep reading to learn a polite way to say “only take one.” Then, you’ll know how to encourage guests to take one per person at any event with free items.

You should also read the final section to learn if asking people to take only one item is rude. Then, you’ll know whether you can include it when hosting your own events.

Please Limit Yourself to One Item Per Person (Formal)

You can use “please limit yourself to one item per person” in formal situations. It’s a great formal synonym for “only take one” that shows you have an item cap on certain things at an event.

For instance, let’s say you’re hosting a business event. Loads of clients and recruiters show up, but you only have enough items to go around everyone once.

You should write “please limit yourself to one item per person” as a reminder to the attendees.

It’s polite yet clear. So, they shouldn’t get confused with what you expect of them.

Anyone who takes more than one item is technically breaking the rules. Therefore, it’s on them if someone else doesn’t get one of the items at the event.

You can review these examples to help you understand it better:

Please limit yourself to one item per person. I’m afraid there’s not enough to go around otherwise!

Please limit yourself to one item per person at the wedding. Then, we can guarantee that everyone gets something.

Just Take One, so There’s Enough for Everyone (Informal)

When you’re trying to say only one per person at events, nothing beats “just take on, so there’s enough for everyone.”

You can include it when hosting a wedding. It lets people know they shouldn’t help themselves to too many items, as it’s likely that there’s only enough to go around once per person.

So, this informal phrase is quite an easy one to follow! Even if the attendees have had a few drinks, they should still be able to understand it all.

It’s clear and direct while retaining a friendly vibe.

For starters, it says “just take one.” This is a simple instruction encouraging people to stick to the rules.

Then, it appeals to the attendee’s feelings by saying “there’s enough for everyone.” So, if they took more than one, it’d be their fault if someone missed out.

Also, review these examples if you need more help with it:

Just take one, so there’s enough for everyone. Please be considerate of all the other guests at this venue!

Just take one, so there’s enough for everyone. We’re happy to provide, but we need you to cooperate.

Is It Rude to Ask People to Only Take One?

It is not rude to ask people to only take one item.

Sometimes, it’s necessary.

After all, when you offer freebies at events (like weddings or seminars), people might be likely to take as many as possible. Yes, they will do that even if they don’t need the item!

So, to dissuade people from picking up too many free items, it’s good to say “only take one” or something similar.

That way, it encourages people to follow the rules.

It’s not a direct rule that has to be followed, but it counts as an honor code that shows you’d appreciate it if someone only took one thing.

For instance:

Only take one, as we need to save some for the rest of the guests at this event.

Please only take one. We appreciate that it may be difficult, but it’s designed to keep it fair for everyone.