formal wedding with no bar?

That's completely acceptable etiquette wise.

I wanted the same thing and was worried too. But then I booked a city venue and they don't allow alcohol on the site. Problem solved without me looking bad! But this is YOUR wedding. If you don't want alcohol then your guests should respect you enough to be happy with your decision. Good for you and enjoy not having drunk guests

I have heard people complain about this sort of thing at dry weddings but I think it is more tacky to complain than to not have alcohol. As a matter of fact I think an alcohol free wedding is classy! After all what is more tacky than drunk people?!

I agree that it is tackier to complain about what the wedding has or does not have; than it is to provide or not provide a particular item at the event.

Thanks everyone! i now feel more comfortable about my decision!

I was at a wedding a few years ago that was completely dry, they even had sparkling cider and cream soda as options instead of a champagne toast. Honestly? I didn't even notice nor did I miss the alcohol. I was happy to be there to support my FH (who was Best Man) and his best friend (whose wedding it was).

I'm having a dry wedding. People know we don't drink very much. I have actually NEVER been to a real bar - just Dave & Buster's, lol. I hate drinking in front of lots of people, because I tend to embarrass myself. If people know you, they won't expect alcohol!

I think having a cash bar option is what I'd recommend...because even if you and your FH don't drink...maybe a few people would like to have a couple glasses of wine?

@Rachel Y.: yeah, i've just always heard the cash bar option is a big no-no. but i must admit, i'm not up on all the "rules" of weddings!

My wedding is formalish and even though we actually party alot (but not too much) we are not having any alcohol at all... As a matter of a fact, the invitations even say that "this is an alcohol free event" the thing we are using for the toast is the welche's white grape juice that comes in those wine looking bottles! ^_^

I think the cash bar option is totally acceptable. Thing is, just like you, I don't drink alcohol so I totally understand. But, a lot of adults would probably want maybe two glasses of wine or maybe a beer and if they are responsible and mature they wont get drunk on your wedding day. But, I do think that if your not going to provide a bar, then cash bar is what I think would be a nice touch that way the people that would like a glass of wine to celebrate with you, would be able to Hope my advice helps Kathleen! Good luck!

You have to celebrate though, come on ladies! =) its just one night! have fun! =)

I see nothing wrong with a "dry" wedding. I probably wouldn't even notice as a guest.

Those who would dare complain about no alcohol dont deserve to be there anyways... Not every formal affair has to provide alcohol... Im only purchasing a few bottles with some mixers to go with it and champagne for the toast... The way i see it, if we run out and you want more theres a liquor store around the corner but if you get out of hand even in the slightest bit I have no problem asking you to leave...

I'm having a dry wedding as well. mine is in the afternoon, so i don't think it will be much of an issue. we do drink casually, but we've decided against it at our wedding. we'll provide punch or something for the toasts.

it may sound harsh, but i don't really care if people like to have a couple glasses of wine. they should be able to enjoy my reception without it.

Personally, if I attended a morning or afternoon wedding I wouldn't miss the alcohol at all. If I went to an evening wedding, I would be surprised (and disappointed) to find out there's no "adult beverages" available. Yes, the wedding is about the bride and groom but that also makes them the hosts of a celebration that the guests go through a lot of trouble to attend. I think at least having some alcohol available for purchase or one wine and one beer option is a very nice thing to do for your guests.

If not, I would do like Demi did and make sure to mention somewhere (invite, wedding website) that there will not be alcohol served.

I love my wine (and sometimes something stronger) as do most of my friends. But if I went to a dry wedding I wouldn't complain about it -- especially if I knew it before hand. If the couple doesn't drink, in my opinion, it doesn't make sense for them to foot the enormous bill for people who do! I also dislike the idea of a cash bar. If people want to drink, let them drink before or after. If you cannot have one evening without alcohol, you may have a bit of a problem... I'm just saying.