Alternatives to alcohol?

This won't end well...

Perhaps read previous threads on dry weddings. Some have actual suggestions on them and can save you some of the grief you may get for this thread.

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My dad is a recovering alcoholic, and we're having an open bar, so I feel like your excuse of having family members who struggle is flimsy. He knows that to really be sober and recovering, he has to learn how to be around alcohol socially. Demonizing booze only leads to relapse.

There was a thread about a dry wedding like earlier today. This won't end well. To be forewarned.

If your venue really doesn't allow alcohol, I suggest pushing your wedding up to an earlier time. Maybe have a brunch reception?

There are no alternatives to alcohol. All weddings have non-alcoholic beverages.

Alcoholics will find their alcohol one way or another, regardless of where their supply is coming from. Unless you are their addiction counselor, you cannot dictate their actions. It's not preschool.

Insert eyeroll here

What kind of venues are you looking at? I'd keep looking.

No alcohol at all?

I think your ideas so far are good! Also provide the regular soda too for those that might not care for cider or cocoa

If the only venue you can afford won't let you serve alcohol, then go with a morning or early afternoon reception with no dancing. Or a cake and punch reception during a non-meal time. But serve alcohol if you can, even if it is just beer and wine.

Yeah, I'd be smuggling in a flask of vodka to mix with that cider.

Lauren, I totally back you on this choice! You might also add a coffee bar. Your wedding sounds delicious and fun, BTW.

I'd like to add in that I am very uncomfortable around alcohol due to traumatic experiences growing up and that's one of my main reasons. I understand other adults can handle themselves but I want to enjoy my wedding day too and I don't know if I can comfortably do that when I know others are drinking. It's a complicated thing and I may still decide to do a champagne toast but other than that I would like a dry wedding. I'll look to other threads for ideas as well in case no one actually has advice.

What katie90 said ^^^

*sigh*

Keep looking for a venue that allows alcohol.

ADULTS will behave themselves. No one is going to get "take my clothes off" drunk at a wedding. Alcoholics are going to be around alcohol at some point or another during their recovery. Its not your job to shield or shelter them. Its their job to be strong.

Most adults like to have a glass of wine with dinner. Even if you only offer wine and beer, you should offer SOMETHING alcoholic.

Dry weddings are neither tacky or improperly hosting your guests. They are simply a different kind of wedding that when planned with that in mind can be nice weddings. I've been to really nice dry weddings and horrible weddings with alcohol. It's true that adults can adult and make their own decisions regarding their consumption of alcohol. Adults are also capable of attending an event for several hours that doesn't serve it. And you don't need to feel you have to explain or justify your reasons. Your own suggestions sound very nice.

I Support your choice for an alcohol free wedding for the following reasons. First, showing support for a close family member's recovery is a compassionate choice. Second and this depends on the culture where you live but here in the Bible belt it's totally normal to go alcohol free so make your toast with sparkling grape juice and have good clean fun. I don't judge if you drink why should I judge you if you don't. You can also look up recipes for punch that taste like Champaign