Alternatives to alcohol?

@Original I think it's more so pp's post that has things in an uproar! Some of the excuses of not hosting an open bar, when it's really a budget issue. I completely understand if you simply cannot afford one, but don't throw friends and family under the bus by labeling "Alcoholics". WW is the 1st forum other than AA forums where there are sooooo many "Alcoholics" in the family when cash bars are being defended. Somebody contact A&E intervention to help these poor family members please!

OP I truly think that most people didn't fully read your thread based on the comments. It appears they are thinking you are hosting a traditional reception with a meal.

I apologize, OP. I didn't read thoroughly and missed the part about it being an afternoon wedding. So I made comments surrounding dinner time.

The sad thing is that my father really does struggle with alcohol, and one of the things that goes along with that is if there's any alcohol around him he constantly obsesses about it until someone else drinks it or he gets a drink. So with that in mind I imagined a dry wedding as my dream wedding so my father can actually enjoy his oldest daughter getting married without obsessing over his addiction. He's tried AA and we're in the process of trying to figure out another recovery tool for him to use but at this point in his (attempt at) recovery he's not ready to be around alcohol and I don't think that will be changing in the next year or so and that's one of the top reasons for my decision. I wasn't using alcoholism as an excuse because it is something that runs on my father's side and it is my #1 reason for a dry wedding among other various reasons I made the choice.

I'm not much of a drinker but I do expect to have a couple mixed drinks or glasses of wine. Going to weddings can be socially awkward. Being in a room with a bunch of family members you haven't seen in 15 years is just like being in a room full of strangers. I've gone to dry weddings and, although I'd never complain in front of the bride or groom, I always leave early to go home and watch tv.

Damn FMW.

I stopped reading your novel once I saw that you were comparing your wedding to a birthday party.

I skimmed, but I will say I never said you shouldn't get married, so way to read too far into it. I said you should elope. Which would make you just as married as someone else.

I don't know about you, but my birthday parties still have a provided meal and booze.

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I understand your father doesn't drink and you want to respect him. Just remember someone will byob and he'll be obsessing anyway.

OH, and FMW:

Jessica, that's the chance I'm willing to take because I can hope that our guests will respect our request, and knowing our families and friends I think it won't be too much of an issue if at all. But I know if I provide alcohol there is a 100% he will be distracted and unable to enjoy the day and at least by having a dry wedding I can have the hope that that won't happen.

A hookah bar

Oh- this thread is not a joke? But unless you are going with a cake and punch wedding, there aren't any alternatives to alcohol. Adults want alcohol at a wedding. (Even non-alcoholic punch might be a stretch, honestly.)

OP - If your plan is to have a dessert and punch reception, have it at 3, not 1. I would also suggest less drink options and spend the money on food.

I think what you are having is fine. I love that you are being considerate. I don't drink either. I am having alcohol because my hubby wants it but I think there is nothing wrong with a dry wedding. To each there own. Good luck and congrats

Don't let anyone be mean to you about your wedding choice my FH and I are also having a dry wedding. My suggestion is to include on the wedding invite somewhere that it is a dry wedding and hope your friends and family are respectful of your choices. We are having an apple cider toast it's cute and goes with the theme! You don't need to have booze at a wedding to have fun also make sure it's a lunch wedding. your day will be great and perfect!

Since this is an afternoon reception, you can pass on the alcohol. Evening receptions are completely different. With it being in the fall, I would think cider would be nice, but also offer other cold options like tea, soda and coffee. Mini candy apples, popcorn and cake sounds delicious for me. I still would not stay long as a guest, but it would not be terrible for an afternoon.

@OP, let's ask for a show of hands from all across the world of people who are experts on you and your FH's wedding. You know how many hands would be raised? TWO. Yours and your FH's. I don't quite understand the idea that there MUST be alcohol in order for a group of people to be properly hosted (no matter what time of day). If folks wanna have booze at their wedding, that's their choice; if they don't want to have booze, that's also their choice and should be respected just as much as the former. A wedding is about two people making a lifelong covenant, not about Aunt Wanda getting sloshed. But I'm adult enough to concede to the fact that if someone wants to provide the hooch for their Aunt Wanda to get sloshed, that's their prerogative. Just enjoy your day and your tasty cider on a crisp fall afternoon! It'll be great.

Rainey, that's cute... If I asked for a show of hands for experts on my and my FH wedding's, just my hand would be raised...

"Ummm are there like going to be flowers and stuff?" What the hell do you think I've been doing for the last 1.5 years of our engagement?! He needs a memory booster for all the stuff he's forgotten that has been planned....

ETA: spelling is hard.

My FH and i are having a dry wedding, our reception hall does not allow it either. We are planning on just doing bottled water and lots of different sodas. We will also be doing a sparkling apple juice for the toast. We are doing a rehearsal bbq the night prior which our wedding party and close frieds will be at so we can all have drinks then. I feel that its your wedding and if you choose to do a dry wedding its all up to you, not your guest.

Am I the only person here who almost exclusively goes to day weddings with alcohol? They're cheaper than evening weddings so they're been pretty popular. And it's still a party, with DJ and dancing, full meals, full bar etc.