Dry Wedding

Don't change your venue. It's not only going to cost more money for you to have to pay for a rental, but also having to add alcohol to your menu. Economically having a dry wedding will save you money, even though it's not your priority for wanting to consider the alcohol issue.

I don't think people should expect to be able to drink in a religious facility unless it's part of a tradition (such as having wine in a Catholic church).

Not all weddings have alcohol. Saying thank you to your guests in the form of providing them dinner after the ceremony is sufficient.

I don't think you need to notify people. It would be common sense I would think. No-one would expect alcohol in the church of the Mormon faith. Personally, I would expect the party be different than one where alcohol was being served.

You don't need to let guests know. Most people know that an LDS reception will be dry.

Do you want to place signs outside your venue because you are worried people who drink will bring their own alcoholic beverages to your reception? I would not expect alcohol at a Mormon reception nor would I bring alcohol to a Mormon reception.

Personally, I have been to two dry weddings. Both are at the bottom of my favorite weddings list, but they were both beautiful. I attended with a smile on my face and stayed an appropriate amount of time.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I think we are going to stick with our church hall and use word of mouth to let people know.

I think what you're doing is fine. There's no need to change your reception to make others "comfortable." Seriously, if they can't handle a few hours without drinking to celebrate your marriage according to your religion, they shouldn't be on the guest list. They are there for you, not free booze.

I'm LDS too! We aren't putting dry wedding on our invites because everyone we're inviting knows we're Mormon and most of our guests are as well. Plus if there were any doubts, our invites mention that we're getting married at the temple and that the invite is to come celebrate that at the LDS church. There's no need to stress about it! And then take advantage of the night to show people just how much of a fun party you can have without alcohol by having good food and good music to get down to!

When I was LDS, I never realized that dry weddings were taboo. Most of them were punch and cake and they were perfectly acceptable.

It wasn't until I became ex-mo that I realized receptions outside of ours typically had alcohol.

I think you'll be okay if it's kept in the cultural hall. If you move to another venue, I'd definitely provide.

You don't need to put it on the invite. No signs it will be obvious when people don't see a bar.

You may put Dry Wedding on your wedding website or spread it word of mouth. But If all your guests are Mormon then why are you telling them what to expect when they know. If any 1 of your guest is non- Mormon or drinks then you should accommodate by providing alcohol (beer, wine-something). But being that your religious Hall wont permit it then it is what it is or you find a new venue.

You definitely do not need to put it on your invitations. As far as signs, I think people know not to smoke inside a church...

Also, I would not find another reception location, I think what you are doing is fine. No need to spend money on a reception location if you can get it free along with tables and chairs. You don't need alcohol to have a good time!

I would find a way to let people know, either word of mouth or putting it on the wedding websight. I just went to a dry wedding, which was fine, but I didn't know and wish that I had. So just make sure your guest are aware.

Stick with your plan. I don't think you need to put anything in signs or on the invitations. The fact that you are Mormon and the wedding is in a church hall imply that it will be a dry wedding. Even if some people don't realize that in advance, so what? They can adapt and enjoy the reception without alcohol.

No need for signs. Only a total ding dog would attend a LDS wedding at the church and think there would be booze or smoking.

I've been to a couple of LDS weddings at the church. I knew there wouldn't be alcohol there without them having to tell me. I'm sure your guests are already expecting a dry wedding.

Thanks guys, I started texting few friends and family stating that it is a dry wedding and they all actually figured it was and are completely fine with it. So I feel good with my choice.

I'm having a dry wedding as well. Don't sweat it. You won't have the drunk crazies at your wedding. Half of my family is LDS so that won't be a problem. For everyone else it might...But they can just deal with it or don't go. Lol

Can I just say thank you to everyone that gave advice for being nice. I found another dry wedding thread and many criticized the bride for not serving alcohol. So a big thank you for being kind.

I think its unfair for people to be unable to have the option of having a drink at a wedding. Guests have put aside their time, purchased a gift, possibly taken off of work, dressed up, probably have made child/pet care arrangements, possibly have paid for a hotel yet can't kick back and have a beer at the wedding. I would be irritated because it seems unthoughtful. People usually will find a way to drink, so you would have to be ok with the thought that some might leave to go have a beer somewhere.

I'm not mormon though and if this is normal for mormon weddings then it sounds like it will be perfect! Good luck and I am sure it will be great. Especially because your guests will be expecting this type of celebration. I wouldn't post signs anywhere though as they would probably be unnecessary.

@Katie any guests that are coming from out of town are LDS and do not drink, there are only 10 very close friends and family who do drink and I have spoken to them after posting this and they assumed that it was a dry wedding and still wanted to come before I even sent the invite out. These same friends have come to other parties of mine that I did not provide alcohol and stayed very late past midnight and did not look for drinks somewhere else. I don't understand how no alcohol looks cheap. Cheap is not budgeting for the number of guests invited i.e to many guests not enough tables or food, that looks cheap and offends.

OP there is a huge difference between a dry wedding because you are cheap or because you don't want to be around alcohol and what you are doing which is having a dry wedding because of a religious belief. That is why most dry weddings are rude, but why yours is not. Particularly since it is at the LDS church most people will assume it is a dry wedding and respect your beliefs.