Dry Wedding

It seems like you still have a bit of time before nailing down a location. If you're already receiving "grumbles" about this venue, maybe tour a few more before deciding? Of course, the decision is ultimately up to you and your FH because it's your wedding, but you also want to be good hosts to your 200 guests. I know that I'm personally not a big drinker, but I would be disappointed to walk into a dry wedding. I've been to three in my life and they were all far less fun than the ones I've been to that allowed alcohol.

ETA: It all depends on the type of reception you're having, though. A luncheon makes more sense for dry events, in my opinion.

If you both drink and create your own alcohol, this location doesn't make a lot of sense.

Tour a few more. This isn't the one.

Do you have a caterer? Could you ask them to provide wait staff who will serve non alcoholic drinks in glasses? Be warned that some people may bring flasks. I have heard of that happening. My youngest sister chose to have a dry wedding due to drinking issues in her DH's family. They worded their invitations something to the effect of "the bride and groom respectfully request that guests honor their wish for an alcohol free event." No one brought alcohol that I noticed. There was also no dancing and the reception was over by 9pm. I know I have seen other brides on here who are in a similar dry venue situation. Hopefully they can share how they are handling it as well.

I would reconsider this location. you mentioned in the beginning how no one in his family drinks, then then are already hearing grumbles. Making root beer? The last thing you want to do is make 800 gallons of soda/pop for guests.

FH and I found a gorgeous venue for the perfect price when we first started looking. Then we found out they are a dry venue. We're adults and we COULD do a dry wedding, but thinking about our guests and how we would properly host a party (or even a BBQ) without providing some sort of alcoholic beverage... It just was not an option. Beer and wine at least is usually expected at any gathering. Unless you're going to an AA meeting.

We would consider another location, but it is highly significant for him. He is really set on having it there.

We are planning on an after party for the 40 or 50 of our guests who actually do drink after the reception.

Is there any way to have your ceremony there and reception somewhere else? I know you want to have it all at one location but I'm assuming the look of this place would suit the special ceremony and then if you could find a nearby venue for the reception that would allow alcohol it might make everyone happy.

One of the dry weddings I attended hosted an after party for guests who wanted to drink and that was tons of fun, so I won't argue that idea. However, I still think this venue doesn't make a lot of sense for what you want for your guests. Could you share why it's so significant to your FH? Maybe then we'd understand your attachment to this particular venue.

He spent a lot of time there as a child especially because his parents divorce was rough on him. It usually hosts summer camps for children and it is a beautiful location. He is really close with the owners and has done a lot of work for them over the years. And we both have so many amazing memories of us together there.

Since he knows them personally, can you all make an arrangement to have licenced and insured bartenders to serve alcohol? That way you don't have to worry about anyone being overserved or potential lawsuits.

We asked and they said no. They said they don't want to make exceptions even though they know us well because it is a "slippery slope." We are the first couple to have a wedding at this location since it was opened

Mostly I am wondering what to serve in lieu of alcohol and how to serve it.

We have a dry reception. It will be ending at 7pm and then we will probably be going out to party with anyone who wants to come.

I remember somebody had a Italian soda bar, with those syrups and suggestions on what you could mix. This could be something for you.

If you both drink I would personally consider a different location or maybe split it up and just have the reception elsewhere if that's possible. I feel like to me anyhow I would care more about having a fun day and getting to do it my way. But if you do really want to do it there I would consider doing punches in either punch bowls or dispensers. Kind of like non alcoholic sangria.

I went to a dry wedding and they served soda, water, lemonade a etc. They so had non alcoholic drinks like virgin strawberry daiquiris and sangrias as well as Shirley Temples. They used bartenders to serve the drinks and used regular bar and glassware. You could also look at setting up a bunch of dispensers on a table or having a fountain for drinks.

He needs to think about being more flexible. You have a year and a half.

If he's really close to the owners and they've done no weddings yet, they're being unreasonable, and they will find that this decision will cost them business. You can't have a slippery slope if you have no clients.

We refer three camps and they all allow alcohol for their special events.

I am doing flavored lemonade made with the torani syrup. You can do that in the Cambro containers(they make covers for them)also a punch would be nice and even water and coffee. Honestly I think your guests would understand the dry wedding and after party and if not they need to reevaluate a few things.

I'm having my ceremony and reception at church, so my wedding will be dry. I, did this choice on purpose, and I have had the complaints; however I can be the mean person in the family/friends area and tell the complainers that my wedding was about me and my FH, so the could go somewhere and throw their own after party. I don't mind drinking, but I also know that some of my family and friends don't know when to stop; especially on a holiday. And I want a wedding that ends well for everyone.

I don't get what the big deal is if it's dry. It honestly makes me angry when people complain about dry weddings. The alcohol isn't why you're coming. If it is then you are attending for the wrong reason. Even my best friend who drinks had a dry wedding and nobody minded. She didn't want the extra expense and she thinks cash bars are tacky.

Most churches don't allow alcohol. I did get a couple grumbles from some people but I told them if they're gonna wine about it then don't come. Alcohol is not important... I don't understand why people get so mad about dry weddings.

Hannah F....if you absolutely LOVE this venue then I encourage you to go for it. Don't let some family member's grumbles dictate where your reception is. It's YOUR wedding. Don't allow people to step on your toes, which is what it sounds like since you're considering changing locations. Don't sacrifice your dream venue!!!

Grow a backbone and tell those people if they are gonna wine about a dry wedding then remind them that not the reason to attend a wedding.

Vanessa G. you took the words right out of my mouth! I'm having both at church. My friends and family are fine with it. My fiance isn't from the same town as me and the wedding will be in my hometown. Needless to say his GM's (except my brother) aren't from here so i took the liberty of giving them the names and locations of some of my favorite bars if they want to after the reception.