Alcohol or not to alcohol, that. Is the question.

You provide alcohol because it’s what you want and this is your wedding, no one else’s. If people are so upset that there is going to be alcohol there, they don’t have to attend. It’s not like you’re forcing them to drink it.

Serve it. If people are so offended then they can decline.

Provide alcohol because it’s your wedding! I’ve been to a wedding where one of the families was LDS, they just drank Diet Coke all evening while the catholic family drank wine and beer. I learned in my own wedding planning that it’s literally impossible to make everyone happy so at the end of the day do what you want.

Also do these family members never go to restaurants, concerts, or sporting events? I just can’t imagine it’s possible to live in a world where you are never around other people drinking.

I agree with PPs and say you serve it as it is a part of good hosting.

If people dont don’t want to drink, they don’t have to drink. If they don’t believe in drinking *and* want y’all to change your hosting to support their beliefs that’s some next level entitlement.

I love the the idea of wine and craft beer

View Quoted Comment This!!! Kelly always gives good advice and this is gold. You will drive yourself crazy trying to please everyone.

Also, if you want to be diplomatic with your family just tell them you insisted on limiting the drinking to “a very, very limited bar” and do a little head shake as if you disapprove of any alcohol but had to concede!! They’ll back off.

If you both would like alcohol there, then have alcohol. You are celebrating your marriage in the way you want. Your families do not have to agree with everything about your wedding or your marriage. Do what feels right for you!!!

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You always have great advice! This is spot on!

View Quoted Comment 100% agree with this. If YOU both want it, then serve it.

View Quoted Comment Thank you!!

Thank you all, very good points. I laughed at some of these! <in a happy way

A few options..

1) You could get away with a dry brunch reception. Guests on both sides should be fine.

2) If you’re having an evening wedding, and especially if there’s dancing, offer at least beer & wine! People who don’t like alcohol don’t have to drink it (and you can tell the non-drinkers while thinking of them you decided against hard alcohol). But non-drinkers don’t get to tell drinkers how to live. If it really bothers them they can leave early.

Provide alcohol and hope that your guests know how to act like adults and not cause drama. People who do not approve of drinking do not have to drink. If someone is so offended by the offering of alcohol at a wedding reception, then they do not have to attend. That is my view on this.

What side you and your FH are on? It's your big day, and if you want to enjoy a nice glass of wine or beer at you wedding you should serve serve it. If the idea of serving alchohol doesn't align with your views, then don't it if it makes you feel uncomfortable. And if you still want to accommodate the ones that drink have a cash bar.
Also, to have in mind is if your venue includes alchohol, they might still charge you for the guest that don't drink.

I would say offer it. Just because some people refuse to drink it or chose not to doesn't mean they can force their opinions or lifestyles on every one else.

I attended a wedding where the bride was a PK (preacher's kid). There was alcohol available if you chose to drink. A large amount of guests were a part of the preachers congregation. It was the most uncomfortable thing to watch... people trying to decide if they were going to be judged because they wanted to enjoy a drink in celebration. It affected the tone of the day somewhat and I say do what makes you happy as a couple. Those that want to partake will and those that don't want to can drink soft drinks and water. All the best to you!

In my opinion, guests that want to drink shouldn't be punished by those that don't want to drink. Some guests don't like drinking? Great, don't drink!

Interesting points but everyone missed the part where I said my drinking family members judge those who don't have a drink in their hand, even if the non-drinker doesn't make a big deal about it.

That's where things get dramatic for no reason.

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The dry brunch reception could work, though I know some people who would ask where the mimosas were. However, this may be a viable option! Thank you!

Its your wedding, at the end of the day. If you want alcohol (or don't) your family is going to have to suck it up. I know it sounds harsh but I'm doing something similar- we wanted an open bar but can't afford $12pp for it but we also don't want it being strictly cash bar-- so we are laying down a tab of, for example $200, and once that's gone it'll be a cash bar and everyone has to pay for their own drinks. Those who don't care for alcohol don't have to drink it. But its my wedding and I'm having alcohol served.