Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Discussion closed

Suzie
Dedicated May 2020

Fun ideas for sober receptions

Suzie, on April 11, 2018 at 11:38 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 104
Saved

FH and I are hosting a sober wedding for personal reasons. Many of our guests are sober as well - and we'll make sure our guests know the situation ahead of time. I'm looking for ways to make the reception more social and interesting without alcohol. Anyone have ideas for games/icebreakers/activities on a limited budget?

Note: I know what a lot of people on this forum think about sober receptions, but please refrain from posting if you're just going to bash on the idea. Just looking for creative, positive ideas - not judgement. Thank you! Smiley heart

104 Comments

Latest activity by Anna, on April 12, 2018 at 4:11 PM
  • Mrsbdg
    Champion August 2017
    Mrsbdg ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    1. You can't tell people how to post

    2. Have a non-meal time reception and shorten it. Perhaps have unique entertainment like a caricature artist or a really really good DJ.

  • Adrianna
    Expert June 2018
    Adrianna ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    We are having a dry wedding. For our crowd, good music and food are what people expect at the party, and they are there to celebrate our marriage. They'll mingle like they always do at receptions and will enjoy everyone's company.
    There are many game and activity ideas on Pinterest!
  • Adrianna
    Expert June 2018
    Adrianna ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Asking posters to refrain from being judgmental isn't too much to ask 🙄
  • Stacie
    Devoted March 2019
    Stacie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Good music is always the best start to a party! A photobooth is always fun for everyone- make sure to get crazy props Smiley smile There's also the shoe question game that people enjoy watching. You can play a photo slideshow, have people write down date ideas or marriage advice, provide paper and crayons for kids, etc. Is it outdoors? You could have yard games like bean bag toss or a horse shoe. Don't have too many different things or it will just feel like a carnival haha.

  • S
    Dedicated November 2019
    sarah ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Lawn games? an interactive photo booth or magic mirror? A bar of some sort - nacho, mashed potatoes, taco, etc again interactive.

    that is going to be the key.
    also put it on your wedding website that it will be a dry reception so it isnt a shock. also be prepared for people to bring their own...
  • mjfortwedding
    Expert April 2018
    mjfortwedding ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Games like giant jenga or cornhole.
    Unique favor like PP said caricature artist.
    Trivia?
  • Mrsbdg
    Champion August 2017
    Mrsbdg ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Agreed so much on the wedding website. I dig through couple's sites to find relevant information and I think a dry wedding is very important to indicate. Also be prepared for flasks, purse wine, and nips.
  • I
    Dedicated July 2018
    Iris ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    I am wondering the same, we are having cash bar but we have a lot of sober friends as well as ourselves. So far we have a photo booth coloring for kids music and I was planning on having board games as well.
  • B
    Dedicated September 2018
    BETHANY ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    My family can just sit and talk all day and not hav problem. So is having a dry wedding g isn't going to be a big deal. But I'd say as long as u hav good food and music it should be fine.
  • Suzie
    Dedicated May 2020
    Suzie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    Thank you Smiley heart

    And thanks for the suggestions as well! Definitely going to start a Pinterest board for game ideas Smiley smile

  • S
    Dedicated November 2019
    sarah ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Maybe look into having Singo or something,.

    Singo - musical bingo played at lots of breweries local to me, super fun, on of the places local has a $400 fee totally worth it, we are strongly considering doing an unoffical game during the cocktail hour

    really anything that is interactive will be good.
  • Mrsbdg
    Champion August 2017
    Mrsbdg ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment
    Reading the CGs isn't too much to ask either
  • Suzie
    Dedicated May 2020
    Suzie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    Thanks so much for all the ideas! And also for the suggestion to not get carried away, haha, I do tend to get unfocussed and go overboard... Smiley tongue

  • Mrsbdg
    Champion August 2017
    Mrsbdg ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Omg thanks I am!! 💁🏽
  • magnolia5
    VIP June 2019
    magnolia5 ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    This is the second time you've dissed WW users tonight. Read the CGs. Users have a right to communicate their ideas that may differ in a respectful way. She was respectful.
  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    What about a brunch? Would cost less and be delicious. Lawn games would be so fun. Maybe a craft station for the young ones. I liked the characture idea too. A table for writing “advice/love notes” for the couple.
  • S
    Dedicated June 2021
    Susan ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Music Video creator. It's a green screen, Karoke but you have props and stuff guests get a DVD to take home and then there video can be saved or crest video messages to bride and groom.
  • Suzie
    Dedicated May 2020
    Suzie ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    View Quoted Comment

    I'd never heard of a magic mirror before, what a cool concept!

    I'll definitely put a note on my website and also spread the word myself so that no one is shocked. Smiley smile

  • magnolia5
    VIP June 2019
    magnolia5 ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Photobooth is a great idea!
  • fallinthegarden
    Master October 2017
    fallinthegarden ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    If most of your guests are sober as well, what do they typically include at their weddings? That's what I'd think about. If none of them had weddings with karaoke and activity tables, you probably don't need that stuff either.

Related articles

WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

WeddingWire article topics