"Dry" Reception

I don't think you HAVE to let people know. If you think it's something that will determine whether or not people come then maybe you want to pass it along via word of mouth. I don't think it's appropriate to put that on the invitation.

I dont know what the etiquette for having a non alcoholic wedding.

We are having a cash bar so I did put that on the inserts for the invitations so that people would know to bring money

If you're having a reception card with your invitation, I suggest putting it on there. You can also put it on your wedding website, if you're having one. But at the very least, via word of mouth. You should at least let your guests know what to expect.

I think it's good to tell people about a cash bar so they can bring money, but I don't see any reason why you would need to tell people there won't be booze. I think you can just say "Reception to follow".

Maybe you can put something on the reception card that says "no host bar"

Thanks! Yeah alot of people expect us to have alcohol (we both are social drinkers) but the church is helping with the wedding and my mother (and alot of family friends) are non drinkers so it's out of respect. I just do not want people to come and bring alcohol or get upset if there isnt any.

If you want to tell people and you have a reception card, I just wouldn't mention what isn't being served and focus on what is. Like.....

Reception

Place

Hors D'oeuvres begin at 5pm

Dinner, Dancing & Dessert to follow

Soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, water & coffee will be hosted throughout the evening

......or something like that.

Kris, I'm thinking

Buffet style meal will be provided, along with cake and non alcoholic beverages

We aren't drinkers either. They will have a cash bar though. I will be informing them via rsvp.

I think it's best to not bring it up at all and here's why - if you really do not want any alcohol at your wedding by putting it on the invite people WILL bring flasks or stop at a bar between the wedding & reception.

Oh that is so true, Marie S.

Were doing what Yolanda is doing, im going to have a sign that says Cash Bar but were not going to put on the invites-- so they will know when they go up to get there drinks

@ Marie-- you are correct-- they will get hammered before getting there and you dont want that

@Toni-Marie~is there anywhere you can let people know ahead of time that it's a cash bar? I know I'm really bad about carrying cash. I usually only have my debit card. I probably should bring cash with me to events in case it's needed but I somehow always forget to stop by the ATM.

And completely agree with kris's wording. I wouldn't even say "non alcoholic".

I wouldn't put it on there all at all. We have had a few discussions on here before about "dry receptions" and someone always has a story about people who snuck in their own alcohol. Putting this on your invitation would most definitely have people doing this at your reception. I would talk to the venue about posting a sign outside the venue stating "no outside beverages allowed."

Im a fairly decently heavy drinker but I wouldnt mid at all if there was no alchol at a wedding

Lala - I've seen "Cash Bar" notifications on the couple's Wedding Website and word of mouth. Also check with your vendor, more often than not they have either an ATM machine or the bar takes Debit Cards.

If you want to put it on your invitation then exactly how Kris worded it - Soft Drinks, Coffee & Tea will be provided or some nice variation of that. :-)

Marie~I've seen that, too. Toni-Marie was just saying that she wasn't going to put it on the invitation but just have a sign up at the wedding. That would be too late for me! lol

I also think you should emphasize what you are having. In all honesty, if I know I am going to a dry wedding, I stop on the way and keep a little something in the car. Of course, that little something wouldn't be enough to get myself shytefaced. Out of respect, no, I would not bring my flask into the reception.

On your reception card...

Please join us for an evening of dinner, dancing and soft drinks.