Do I NEED alcohol my wedding?

The reception is to thank your guests. You should provide them with at least free beer and wine. Also, drink tokens are also rude.

I would recommend searching this, as it is brought up pretty much every day....

You will probably not get answers you are looking for. Hosting at least beer and wine is proper etiquette.

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I don't drink, as a matter of fact, the majority of my family doesn't either but we are having an open bar. The reception isn't for me, it's for the guests.

If you know your guests drink, then you should provide alcohol.

The reception is a thank you to the guests, so it's proper etiquette to aim for guests being well-hosted (i.e. providing free booze). At the very least, offer a few different wines and beers to your guests so that they have an option to drink. Don't do drink tokens. If you can't do that, your guest list needs to be cut.

We are only having beer and wine. I don't think you HAVE to have alcohol/open bar - I think it depends on your guests. Both FH and my family are huge beer drinkers so it works for us. Do whats best for you guys and your guest GL.

Provide alcohol, and pay for it. It doesn't have to be expensive.

Yes. Yes you do.

Ah jeez.. abandon ship!

I think you do .. it's a touchy subject

Yes. I consider alcohol a need!

If you cant afford an open bar or what not then.you and your fiance should get together and spend what ever you can afford on alcohol, beer, wines, etc.. and do it that way it may work ,out cheaper ofcourse if the venue allows you to do so. But the reception is not for you its for you guests and alcohol is not a must. Like what we have planned is to start buying bottles now with the spare money we have after bills and such and putting them up every chance we get so by the time april comes around we will have a whole lot and we will use that as our venue allows us to bring our own alcohol. So just think of ways around it thats all. Also dont stress so much. Because for one your guest will under stand and and a cash bar is not rude as long as you let your guest know a head of time. Good luck and congrats

If you are looking for advice about the etiquette of providing, or not providing alcohol, I suggest you do your research on an etiquette website. Many of the responses you will get have nothing to do with etiquette.

No one NEEDS to provide alcohol. Hosts are free to have a dry event should they so choose.

Your guests who want or need alcohol to have a good time, may leave earlier, and that's their choice.

You might also want to consider a different sort of reception than the traditional dinner and dance. A brunch, lunch, or early afternoon reception might be easier for you to host without alcohol.

Coming from a pretty conservative background, neither of our families drink much either, but I'm still serving it. My Nana wouldn't be interested in shots, but she'd probably drink a glass of wine with dinner if it was provided. You can serve wine and beer only! It doesn't have to be free flowing liquor all night long. It will save you money, and keep your guests happy.

Alcohol is not necessary. However, it's possible and/or likely that your guests will not enjoy themselves AS MUCH. It depends on your guests and it depends on what other activities you plan on offering at your reception.

I also agree with above poster who said that you might consider an afternoon reception if you truly decide not to offer alcohol.

None of the reasons you provided are legitimate reasons really. If you cannot afford to provide alcohol, maybe cutting the guest list or saving in other areas can make it happen.

You should provide alcohol for those who do drink. Most people don't drink a lot anyways.

You don't HAVE to provide it, but you should know what to expect if you don't.

Thank you all for your thoughts. I had NO idea that it was so important. If it really is mandatory, then I guess we will find a way. We cannot bring outside alcohol to our venue. Is it acceptable to just offer beer & wine? Or is that considered "rude & cheap" also? Thanks again!!

Beer and wine is perfectly acceptable. If you can afford it, maybe think about adding a signature drink or two!