Dry Wedding

Here we go. I would save yourself @Jonna and just deleted this thread now.

I hope people aren't rude to you for this because I understand where you are coming from that you would like to do one but it's a way to send money. But honestly, no one really wants to go to a dry wedding. On average, people leave earlier. I think alcohol at a wedding is kind of expected. Maybe try to cut down your budget in other areas and make room for an open bar or at least wine and beer.

ETA: More to say

No dry wedding.

Wine and beer

And maybe a signature drink if you're feeling feisty

I have never been to a dry wedding, but the only way I would be ok with one is if the bride and groom's religion didn't allow alcohol (e.g. Muslim, Mormon) or if one or both of the couple was in AA. For those on a budget, a limited selection of beer and wine (3 beers, 2 reds and a white for instance) would be totally fine by me.

Edited: words.

Never been to one.

Never want to go to one.

Don't do it.

Just

Don't

Do

It

Also, budget. Cut corners on decor, your dress, anything besides your guests comfort and hosting (catering, proper bathrooms, etc)

This just seems like pot stirring to me.

.

You are choosing to have a wedding reception which is essentially a party. You are throwing a party to entertain your guests. Without alcohol, this party will probably end early. Limited bar at least. Ive been to 1 wedding without alcohol and it was a nice, sweet lunch with no dancing or music either. It was over very quickly though. I didn't think anything bad about it though. It was a beautiful ceremony and sweet reception but it was only a quick lunch. To each their own.

Im a little confused as how you could be a three star and not know how this is gonna play out. But I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and say do not, I repeat, DO NOT have a dry wedding because you can't afford to properly host your guests. The reception is there to thank your guests for coming to celebrate and witness your wedding. If you can't afford an open bar/liquor, then please at least look in to the cost of wine and beer for your guests. If you need to cut your guests list, that's a great place to start to save money.

That's what I heard, someone told me that it's been done before. But, I haven't ever been to one without so I wanted to hear a different point of view.

@Cathy, that is pretty sad that people would say "can't believe Bride and Groom A had a dry wedding"- 10 years after the fact.

Its sad that people can't have a good time without alcohol.

However, if you do want a dry wedding it should be at a time of day like Brunch when people won't really want a drink.

@Beutivant in fairness, I think all you have to do is introduce yourself these days and you get 3 stars.

@jewles, with all due respect...

Jewles, people talk about it because it's cheap. You're cheaping out on your guests and they know it. Seriously 9 times out of 10 people are having a dry wedding to cut costs and not because of religious or ethical reasons.

What do you want to come from this thread?

My sister had a dry wedding and it was enjoyed by me and the other guests. Be sure to have a great DJ or other entertainment if you opt for the dry wedding.

A venue that allows you to provide your won alcohol and doesn't require you to use their bartending services will save you tons. If you decide to have a bar, a limited options is the way to go: 2-3 beer options, and 2 red and 2 white wines maybe a signature cocktail. Or you could always go the cash bar route. My sister had a FAQ section on her wedding website to let people know it was a dry wedding so there were no surprises.

I wouldn't be too pleased. I'm not even a drinker, but I'd like to have at least a drink at a wedding. Doesn't have to be full bar service. Just wine and beer is fine. I'm not saying what you should or shouldn't do, but if you really want a dry wedding (or close to), what about hosting a brunch rather than dinner reception and you could just serve mimosas with brunch or something. If I were attending a brunch, I wouldn't mind not drinking because I don't like drinking so early in the day. Otherwise, I think some drink options are expected (With the exceptions such as a strong religious influence).

I've attended a few dry weddings. The religion I grew up in doesn't look fondly on alcohol, so it is never served at events. I had a fun time because I was there celebrating them, doesn't matter to me personally as long as you are hosting enough food and drinks for your guests. The atmosphere off the reception was different than a wedding with alcohol in that the tone was more...somber. Quiet conversations, little to no dancing; in general a more passive event. It also was a much shorter event: eat dinner, toasts, cake, send off. Wham Bam.

I've been to one, but I don't drink much so it didn't bother me at all. I care more about food than the alcohol.

@Finally Mrs. F hit it right on the nose. That's exactly like all of the dry weddings I've been to (and I've been to a TON). My wedding is dry. And, my wedding will be much shorter. So, there's that.

Do not listen to @Genice. The only thing ruder than a dry wedding is a cash bar.