Alternatives to alcohol?

Beer and wine only is the best alternative to no alcohol.

@monique- telling someone they should have alcohol is NOT bullying. It's solid advice, which is what people come here for.

Oh, yes I have to chime in too.

GIVING ADVICE AND HAVING DIFFERING OPINIONS IS NOT FUCKING BULLYING.

There's a thread floating around about ACTUAL bullying. Please educate yourself.

@Monique: oh that's cute. You've obviously never been bullied before.

Bullying doesn't equal telling someone their idea is bad. Dry weddings are a terrible idea.

Monique, you really haven't been following what's gone on these last five days, have you? Since you're a vendor, that actually really surprises me.

Well well well. Didn't take long for that bullying comment to come up.

Also, @dreamer posted in another thread the she and her FH don't drink but will serve it because she understands it's for her guests aka it's PROPER hosting.

For real?? Bullying?! This all seems opinion based to me... You know, like a forum.

Alternatives to alcohol. That's funny.

@Katie, very well put!

You do you. I think that's the only answer we're allowed to give now, right?

So because of a handful of family members you're worried about, you're going to punish over 100 people (100 households, right?) by not allowing them to have a glass of wine with dinner at a party?

do I have that right?

My face... at a dry wedding... I would be leaving early and hitting a bar on the way home. Might even have a group of us guests doing that.

I don't think not having alcohol is a punishment, adults will live for a few hours in the afternoon without a drink. I don't feel the need to justify my choices but it has more to it than a few family members. Yes, I want those few to be comfortable considering they're immediate family. But I also want to be comfortable because it is my day to celebrate my marriage. Considering the trauma I have experienced in relation to alcohol, I don't want to be brought to a dark place on an exciting day. I also know my guest list and I know that I have been to social events with many of the people, and these social events had no alcohol and everyone still enjoyed each others company and enjoyed the party.

Thank you to those who have given me some great suggestions! I really appreciate it As a young bride I still have a lot to learn and figure out and I appreciate having support while I come up with ideas!

^by tea she means a Long Island ice tea

Katie, how your dad handles being around alcohol will be different then how her family does or any other alcoholic. You can't compare the two, or the two experiences. It's like apples and oranges. She knows her family, her guests... trust her judgement that she is making the best decision possible for all involved.

Ugh. Here we go with the "it's my day." Just warning you, you will probably get some really harsh responses for that. A reception is to thank your guests, it is your day to get married, but it's not "your" reception. It's your guests'.

Maybe you should see a therapist or counselor. This is said in all sincerity, if being around alcohol is such a trigger for you it might help to talk to someone about it. Not only for your own wedding but many future weddings or functions with alcohol present that you might attend.

Al-anon is a great resource for people whose families are affected by alcohol abuse.

And it is a punishment for your other guests. They will expect alcohol at a wedding.

Marijuana? Cocaine? Hand out Molly?

Ok, MrsWade, all of my guests survive on only sugar, so I will be having cake, candy, and nothing else. I know my guests, chill. Maybe your guests prefer actual food, but that's apples and oranges.