If you’re considering hosting an alcohol-free wedding then you might be concerned about straying from the norm, but dry weddings are far more popular today than they were several years ago. This is because many couples are opting to create an inclusive atmosphere, ensure their own sobriety is respected and have a more harmonious celebration where the focus is on sharing the story of their love rather than having a party.
There are many ways to toast the joining of hands without the need for alcohol, and at Wise Bartender, we think some of the very best weddings are dry. But, if you’re here, then you’re probably looking for where to start. Our team has some ideas.
Find an accommodating venue
The venue you choose can set the tone for your wedding and establish a comfortable environment for an event that doesn’t involve drinking. For example, sitting around a table in a stuffy dining hall might not be the right setting for a dry wedding, but a handfasting style outdoor event in charming manor gardens can give that sense of serenity that you’re aiming for.
It can also be helpful to speak to the venue about the entertainment and alcohol-free options they have available to see whether they can accommodate your ideas. They may also be able to recommend the structure for your day and provide helpful advice.
Let your guests know in advance
It can be a good idea to let your guests know on your wedding invitations. This doesn’t need to be a big caveat on the RSVPs, but mention it as you would any other theme.
Giving your guests a heads up will let them know what to expect from the day, and give them the opportunity to arrange transport.
You should also speak with your bridal party and groomsmen to make sure that any planned activities are sensitive to your situation.
Set the tone with an alcohol-free welcome drink
It is possible that people will be apprehensive about attending an alcohol-free wedding because they might not have attended one before. Which is why you should set the tone from the moment they arrive.
One way to do this is to offer a tasty welcome drink to show them that there are still tasty morsels on offer. This could be a well loved mocktail like a Kiss on the Beach, or a drink that is personalised for the happy couple.
Hire an alcohol-free mobile bar
Hiring a mobile bar is a way to make alcohol-free as fun as can be. Bringing professional alcohol-free bartenders into the equation will ensure that the drinks served at your wedding are top notch.
And who doesn’t love a mobile bar?
You can be as investive with this as you like. It could be an old farm cart or a converted trailer. Alcohol-free doesn’t mean boring, so make sure you embrace the fun and you’ll create a day that is truly memorable.
Introduce ‘drinking hours’
If you are happy with your guests drinking but are concerned about the possibility of it getting out of control, then there are many ways you can manage alcohol consumption without needing to completely remove it from your big day.
You could:
- Introduce drinking hours in the evening
- Only serve alcohol with the wedding breakfast
- Create alcoholic drinks tokens for guests
Schedule sober entertainment
In English culture, it is quite typical for the night to conclude with an open bar and a dancefloor, but it doesn’t have to. Dry weddings thrive when unique activities are planned for the evening that keep the celebrations going beyond the wedding breakfast.
You may find that this wows your wedding guests and leads to more memorable moments for everyone in attendance.
- Silent disco
- Comedy
- Watching the sunset with a picnic
- Live music
- Firework displays
- Outdoor sports like archery
- Themed treasure hunt
- Activity stations
- Bouncy boxing
- Bridal party vs grooms party competitions
- Alcohol-free wine and mocktail tastings
- Make your own mocktail station
Make it seasonal
One way to plan an alcohol-free wedding, which is personally a favourite of ours, is to blend it into the theme of the day. For example, hosting a wedding that is autumnal or winter themed.
This opens the opportunity to introduce hot drinks like hot chocolates, spiced lattes and other drinks that are naturally alcohol-free but merge seamlessly with the decor, weather and overall atmosphere.
You could even have a hot drinks cart or hot chocolate station that allows your guests to top their hot chocolate with a wide variety of toppings, similar to an ice cream cart. We really love this idea as it adds a touch of magical, child-like whimsy to a wedding without drawing too much attention to the fact that the drinks are alcohol-free.
Likewise, it’s a great way to keep any children in attendance happy.
Remember that it’s your day
You might feel pressure to appease your guests, but it’s important to remember that this day is about celebrating the love you have for your partner in a way that makes you most comfortable.
The people you love enough to have witness this moment in your life should be accepting of your choices, and you may find that most of your wedding party are more than happy to attend a dry wedding, because they are there to celebrate you.
And, when you look back on your wedding, you will always remember the laughter and emotion of the day. That is what is important.
Find alcohol-free drinks alternatives
Although not necessary, you could find drinks that can act as a substitute for the alcoholic drinks you would usually drink, and keep the traditions of the day alive.
For example:
- Have an alcohol-free sparkling wine tower
- Invent a personalised mocktail for the couple
- Have an open (alcohol-free) bar
- Pair alcohol-free wines with each course of your wedding breakfast
