Alcohol or Dry Wedding?

I've never heard of a dry wedding before coming here. I've never been to a party in my adult life that didn't have alcohol so yes, you will look cheap as fuck if you don't at least have beer and wine.

"I don't want to seem cheap and I don't think I've ever been to a dry wedding before."

You answered your own question.

It's a very cheap move. Offer beer and wine if you are worried about it being the afternoon and you are worried about budget.

No one comes out and goes "IM A BIG DRINKER PREPARE THE BAR!" People drink for celebrations. I assure you. If it is there they will drink. It's not a waste to host them well. Also I'm not sure security is something you will need unless it is required by your venue. If you have an experienced bartender they will know when to cut people off.

Here we go again.

People will drink... don't worry. It's a celebration and it's expected. It shouldn't even be a question.

I went to dry wedding this past summer and it felt cheap. My FH and I spent half the time figuring out if they'd run alcohol out at some point. I'd say do beer and wine if nothing else.

Don't debate with yourself. Offer beer and wine and close the debate.

Alcohol.

I wouldnt stay long at a dry afternoon wedding reception. If you are okay with it being short, I think the afternoon is the best time for a dry wedding. Personally, I prefer alcohol at weddings and would be much more likely to stay and party with it. Eta: words

Always have alcohol.

But if you're doing a daytime wedding and don't think people will drink much, it's fine to do just wine and beer instead of a full bar.

If you're worried about paying a ton and people NOT drinking.... a) You're probably wrong, I will throw em back at 2pm. b) Do consumption bar. But either way, host the bar yourself.

@Kate- I agree. I troll through so many posts and they are all the same!

Is this even a question? Yes, it's cheap and there is a reason you've never seen one.

A wedding is not just a bunch of people getting together at 2:00. It's a celebration. And unless everyone is 6 years old, they'll probably want a glass of wine or something

A limited bar is totally fine; wine, beer, a sig drink.

I like @OGJV had never heard of a dry wedding. I'm Mexican, we have alcohol for pretty much any occasion lol. I'm not a big drinker myself but when planning I knew I needed an open bar because the reception is for the guests and they must be properly hosted.

Do you already have a venue? If not you can look for one that will let you supply your own alcohol. Then you can find a supplier that will buy back unopened cases so that you will not lose money if it turns out that people did not drink as much as you expected.

I'm having a Sunday wedding too, but we're having an open bar. We told out venue what our budget is for alcohol, what time the open bar will be open, and we have them what drinks we wanted provided. We're having alcoholic punch bowls too, which are pretty cheap and serve about 50 people.

I know people that are heavy drinkers and recovering alcoholics that will be coming to our wedding, but I'm not letting that deter me from having booze...it's our wedding and people should be given the privilege to drink!

Like PPs said..it's very cheap-looking to have a dry wedding, and people won't be very pleased and could leave the reception early.

Maybe you can do a consumption based bar if your crowd aren't big drinkers. That may save you some money, but 100% you should offer drinks at your wedding.

I've been a bartender several times for weddings in the time period that you mentioned. Have wine and beer, it's a bloody party, be a good host.

@Kayla It might help to take a look at the CGs. Most of these were helpful comments. I'm not sure what you mean about not wanting people to linger. 2-6 is four hours. Do you not want people to stay for your full reception.

Do a consumption bar then