Dry Reception/Afterparty

Not sure about the etiquette, but I've been to a lot of dry weddings and they just suck. Sorry. People always leave early if there isn't booze. I would def do some sort of after party thing. That's what I'm doing. My mom isn't a fan of having liquor, so we're just doing beer and wine. Cutting off reception at 9, then will go to a nearby bar with whatever guests want to come. (DW is a month prior to our reception).

"Wet wedding" made me think of guests peeing their pants-- I must have little children!

Its the norm where you are from and really, that's fine. I think if you truly want an after party than you should do so. I'm a drinker but I understand that not everyone is and just bc its my norm does not make it yours. Good luck and have a blast on your day!

My FH and I attended a middle of the day wedding that was a cash bar that was sparsely attended. It was a large group back to our house after the event for real food and something rum-based to shake off the dank venue. We don't hold it against them, our impoverished groom and his bride.

Why would you want to have you wedding there if you drink and are not Mormon yourselves? I understand your families are but its the two of you getting married

I don't understand the reasoning behind getting married at an LDS venue if you're not apart of the church.

Okay. I'll bite. You haven't answered my original question, but I'll give some more.

I've been to a ton of weddings exactly like this. (Non-LDS, but LDS family). Because I'm LDS, I'm never bothered by the dry wedding. BUT, why not have the wedding you want? Don't feel forced into this just so your parents will be happy!

I am LDS and will be having a dry wedding. I think you're on the right track with having an after party with those of your guests who want to join you. End your reception at the ward house with a great exit and head on over to the after party. No problem.

I think noting it on or with the invite or on your wedding website is great. If any of your guests are offended that's there problem. Party it up girl!!

The venue is a park that belongs to a local congregation. It's across the street from the meeting house, which we will be borrowing for restrooms and kitchen facilities. The park itself is spectacular and has a lot of personal history for me, and I'm very grateful that they're willing to lend it to a non-member. A lot of the other venues we love have the same restrictions, though, so finding a new venue is unlikely to solve the problem. It has never even crossed my mind that I was being "improperly hosted" at a wedding that doesn't serve alcohol and I think that idea is just laughable. I am, however, liking everyone's suggestions of a lunchtime or mid-afternoon reception and I think that might be our solution.

Beautiful venue. After you explained it more, I see why you chose to get married there. I would put the after party on the invites and on your wedding website, so people are aware.

I didn't think Mormon churches allowed non members to be married in their church... Or was that just the temple?

ETA:

Read the last few comments ok that makes sense, you could do a after party later at a different place.

Having no alcohol in a wedding, I wouldn't go. I went to one and it was dull/bleak and no fun at all. It's like I want to party but I just want to sit around and be an introvert.

If you're planning to use their kitchen - are you planning to do the cooking/have friends/family do the cooking on your wedding day?

"It has never even crossed my mind that I was being "improperly hosted" at a wedding that doesn't serve alcohol and I think that idea is just laughable."

FishingBride, "dull bleak boring"... Well, that's a little much.

For clarification, LDS temples are for properly qualified members only, but the neighborhood churches (and associated parks) don't have the same restriction.

@Linds G, we probably will have our friends cook. We will only be having about 50 guests.

I dont believe properly hosting includes alcohol. Not serving alcohol changes the occasion. Your reception will most likely last about 2 hours after dinner is over. And you dont need to hire a D.J. because most people dont dance. I have been to many alcohol free weddings (including ones where 90% of the guest dont drink) and it is always a short reception. Not necessarily a bad thing, just dont expect your guest to party all night or stay till the after party

It does include not making you guest pay for drinks though.

Kristina......?????

I'm sixty and most of my friends are 60 and above, and we could probably drink you under the sweetheart table. ;-)

This a dry, self catered wedding and the facilities are technically not on site?

Yikes yikes yikes.

You can have no alcohol due to religious reasons, but please do not self cater. This is a huge no no! Especially since it sounds like no one has any catering experience. Are you planning on having your friends clean up also? In that case you can kiss your after party goodbye because that'll take a ton of time.