Alcohol before ceremony?

If it is a religious ceremony I would wait until after for the alcohol! Also, keep in mind the temperature in order to make sure they stay cold!

That's a good thought, I just kinda thought it would be hot so that might help keep everyone cool. I think I would make other beverages available as well if I did it

It's not my favorite visual, but I think it's nice to offer a refreshment. We're going to have waiters passing glasses of sparkling wine and orange juice on the beach before the ceremony for those who want.

I would worry about people who are underage grabbing a drink if they were just sitting out like that with no bartender to serve guests.

Cute! I love it when drinks are offered before the ceremony. We will have our bar open for 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. We couldn't do what you're planning because at our venue all alcohol must be served by a bartender, but if you don't have those restrictions, I say go for it.

We are having a welcome drink of some kind, echoing PPs it will be served by bartenders. I think it's a good idea if you keep those logistical points in mind!

My venue doesnt have any restrictions like that, and I could be silly for assuming this but I don't think my guests would get crazy. I feel like I know every person I've invited and I just assumed they wouldn't get too crazy. And the kids are the ones in my family and I don't think they would just grab it and drink it without someone seeing that. But I could definitely put any alcoholic drinks up out of reach on a table or something. I kind of thought if everyone had a drink and were kinda socializing already it would help with some of my nerves. Lol

We're going to do ice water and lemonade for guests, that they can help themselves to on the way to the ceremony, but not alcohol.

Maybe just do non alcoholic drinks to keep them cool.....you dont want people drinking to much before they eat and stumbling and throwing up. especially if youre having a cocktail hour.

Yeah I like the idea of water, bc I could still use the sign and set it up at the entrance which will tie in my other signs and still achieve the goal to keep everyone cool. Unfortunately, I don't think hiring anyone else is in my budget.

I wouldn't be mad about it as a guest.

I'd just make sure they dispose of them before the processional. You don't want cans of beer in the photosof you walking down the aisle.

@Natalie that is a great point, thank you. I didn't even think of that

We are having a water, iced tea, and lemonade station for before the wedding, then an open bar after. It might just be me, but I'm not a fan of alcohol before the ceremony

Last wedding we went to that had alcohol available before the ceremony, half the guests were drunk before the bride showed up

We had beer, wine and signature drinks...all available before the ceremony. Wasn't an issue for us and people appreciated it. Noone was drunk...but maybe that was just the maturity of our crowd.

I would wait until after the ceremony. I wouldn't want guests to be drinking during the ceremony if they hadn't finished their drink before it started. It might be too distracting, and would show up in pictures.

We are opening the bar 1/2 an hour before the ceremony. My friends and family will be drinking before the ceremony regardless of if I provided it or not. Even I'll be drinking mimosas while getting ready.

Depending on what state you are in you could be liable so you may want to check on that. In CA the person drinking is liable for themselves.

If you are going to do this, I would offer a non-alcoholic option as well. Not everyone drinks beer, and I personally don't like to drink on an empty stomach, especially on a hot day.

We provided bottled water before the ceremony, which was outdoors.

We are having glass dispensers outside just before the entrance to the ceremony. The ice and cans I feel can get messy and I don't want pictures of people with coke or beer cans as I walk down the isle.

Thanks everyone