Alcohol during cocktail hour only? *EDITED*

I think your situation is unique. I also don't think it should be a concern of whether it is "confusing for guests" -- I know there's a lot of comments about properly hosting, but I think your guests will understand why, especially if they are close to the groom. What's so confusing, exactly? You get a mimosa, and then an hour later, you are offered coffee, juice, or soda. Where did the mimosas go? They stopped serving them. Ok, good to know, and then move on. If it's too much of a "tease", you can go to a bar afterwards. Hopefully you should be able to handle the emotional turmoil of being able to drink alcohol for an hour, and then not drinking it for 3-4 more hours.

As a friend of the groom, I would appreciate being given an opportunity to have a celebratory drink. As their friend, I would also feel really awkward/bad drinking in front of him in this very difficult phase of his life. Offering it during cocktail hour is the perfect way to be a good host, and to also do what's best for you.

Have none, respect his situation, which is much more important to have a happier marriage for years to come than to tempt the devil. My son has been having issues with alcohol and we recently had a going away party for him, so I insisted that no one drink at all. Supporting a sober spouse for years to come is more important than providing guest with a little drink.

We're having a dry wedding due to possible incidents that could occur and who wants to get a call that a accident has occurred involving drinking directly related to their wedding day! Sorry to be a debbie downer, just old fashion I guess!

Given the time of day, a dry wedding would be fine, especially because your FH is a recovering addict.

However, only serving it for a certain amount of time is NOT okay, ever.