Alcohol at reception with christian parents?

I'm not so sure calling their bluff will work. A family friend was telling me yesterday that when her daughter got married, the groom's parents really didn't approve of having alcohol there, but everyone else wanted alcohol. His parents wound up leaving right after all the important events were done, and everyone else got down!

I have this problem with my parents. They don't believe in drinking... and it would make them and their relatives uncomfortable to have alcohol at the wedding. It's gonna be pretty small, but we're not going to have alcohol. We're probably going to have an after-party though, where more people can show up at a bar that we like and we'll drink then. Drinking can be a touchy subject for some people... whether they don't do it for religious reasons... or whether someone deals with alcoholism in some way (themselves or close friends or family members... sometimes it's too much to bear). They ARE your parents. Do what you have to do though. It might turn out all right... it might cause resentment for a LONG time... only you can really know how they might react... so you have to use your best judgment.

I understand your parent's point of view. Although it sounds like they are being snobbish for not allowing/ wanting alcohol at a reception, they may have the best interests in mind.

I know of the story of Jesus turning water into wine.....but the bible never explicitly states how much alcohol content was in the wine....there may actually have been none/lower because traditional Jewish weddings FORBID the use of yeast (usually used to ferment drinks) in passover feasts and wedding feasts.

If you are planning to have couples at the wedding who are either planning to conceive or are currently expecting....having non-alcoholic beverages at your wedding is a priority! Some of the couples may not want others to know they are in early stages of pregnancy/conception so they hope not to feel the embarrassment of having to turn down alcoholic beverages in front of friends and family.

I believe your best option is to have alcoholic beverages along with the dancing at a separate location.

I am in your exact situation! My fiance parents are catholic and very open to drinking. My parents are pentecostal and very conservative. They think drinking is wrong. They don't know that I drink and we want to have beer and wine at our wedding next year. I know I need to talk to them and ask about alcohol, but I'm really nervous. I'm going to tell them that his parents are paying for the alcohol, but I'm worried they will be very disappointed. I would love any suggestions that you can give me!