Fun ideas for sober receptions

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That's a really interesting idea! I'll have to look into it, thanks!

View Quoted Comment I don't think her intent was to tell people how to post, but instead to let it be known that she is not going to budge on the day not having alcohol so she's kindly asking that people don't throw out that suggestion because they disagree with dry weddings. Some people have recovering alcoholics in the family, or even the bride or groom themselves, so it's understandable and better to state upfront that you don't want anyone trying to sway your mind when that's not what your post is about. We're having a dry wedding as well for that exact reason, and I would hate to ask for opinions on what activities to do, only to be told that it isn't okay to have a dry wedding, or it won't be as fun, etc.

With that being said, people don't need alcohol to eat. Having it at a meal time is perfectly fine. It's YOUR wedding and whatever makes you and your fiancé happy is what you should do. If you want a laid back feel, you could try lawn games such as giant jenga, cornhole, a photobooth (ours is only $315 for 3 hours!), or you could even do a smores bar which is super interactive mocktails would be cute too!

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We're the first of most of our friends to get married, and many of the older guests had church weddings/receptions, so we're kind of making it up as we go along, haha. I will ask some of the older guests what they did for fun at their receptions though, that's a good suggestion.

View Quoted Comment They don't need alcohol to eat but since alcohol is an expectation during well-hosted events, moving the reception to a non-meal time would lessen that expectation.

A great DJ, and photo booth with props are a great idea. Really good deserts and maybe some "signature non alcoholic drinks" or "make your own" interactive drinks/food ( make your own iced lemonades with fruit and toppings or something like a sundae bar were you can make your own custom sundae )

I think if you have a lot of friends that will dance and have fun with out alcohol then a lot more people will join in.

I would ask the guest to respect whatever personal wishes and I assume because they are your loved ones that they will respectfully not bring alcohol within the premises.

Alcohol is not a necessity of a well hosted wedding.

cream soda bar

ice cream bar

I've been surprised at some of the comments on here. I can't imagine sneaking alcohol into a wedding of someone who didn't have it because they were sober (or because they were severely allergic or it was against their religion or against their venue's policy). If I attended a wedding, it would be because I cared about the couple and would not want to do anything that would make them uncomfortable or risk their health.

Note: I'm not blaming anyone who commented that people might sneak alcohol. It's good to be aware that that could happen. I just think it's weird that people would do that when your guests are supposed to be your nearest and dearest.

View Quoted Comment Alcohol is not always an expectation at every event.

View Quoted Comment I really like your ideas! Especially having signature nonalcoholic drinks. I also agree if people love and respect the hosts they will show up to support the couple and refrain from bringing in alcohol.

I am pretty sure the OG just worded what she was trying to say the wrong way.

many people on ww just see "sober wedding" and start going off topic about it

Alcohol doesn't need to be provided for a well-hosted event. I'm sober, my friends are sober and we have weddings, birthday bashes, retirement parties, Halloween parties, Christmas parties all without booze. We hold them during dinner hour (gasp!) and talk and laugh, drink mocktails and soda, and eat a lot of good food and dance our a$$es off. We are not a glum lot.

OP you probably don't need a lot of "activities" unless you really want. Are you doing dinner and music after? People will enjoy seeing each other and chatting and mingling and celebrating you two.

View Quoted Comment Exactly what I was thinking. I actually personally found their comments would have rude. There's nothing wrong with requesting a bit of kindness, and making it clear that you already understand that standpoint is out there, but it's not what you're asking to hear advice on.
The world is full of people who love to push their opinion though...

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• Stay positive and respectful, even when you disagree. Debates about ideas are fine; critiquing other people is not.
• Any posts which contribute towards a negative community spirit may be removed and may result in the revoking of posting privileges.
  
  I have read the CG, and I think a note asking for positive ideas instead of negative or critical feedback is exactly what is stated in the guidelines.
  
  I think it is fair to say that this forum is intended to provide useful answers and sometimes opinions if it is solicited. I do not think it is fair to say that users can not ask for people to refrain from providing negative opinions that is not pertinent to the solution she is looking or asking for. The question is why would someone feel the need "to bash on the idea" in the first place, instead of why she can't tell people to do that. I personally have received a couple comments that I feel were less than positive and respectful when I asked for activity ideas that does not involve alcohol, and so I understand why Suzie posted that note. I think that everyone needs to be positive to each other on this site, planning a wedding is stressful enough already.

We will have also a dry wedding as well, although I’m gonna do the toast with apple cider maritnellis, it’s like 2.50 the bottle so it’s not that expensive. I really think you don’t need alcohol to have fun, if you offer other non alcohol drinks people won’t even feel the need of alcohol. I’m doing piña colada and conga without alcohol too for the after ceremony. You can find the mixes in Costco they are cheap!

A band and a photobooth are always a good bet, but they can be expensive. I know people who have used polaroids or a selfie station instead. The more affordable activities we are doing are lawn games and an estate tour (free), but I am having a whole weekend celebration instead of one night. I have come across anything from a flower crown and hat station for an outdoor wedding, a polaroid guest book, sparklers, etc.

https://www.weddingideasmag.com/110-wedding-entertainment-ideas/

View Quoted Comment You can flag comment you think are mean about alcohol in your own posts.

The CGs still say you can't tell people how to post so,regardless of if she was reiterating the CGs or not you still can't tell people they can't disagree with you.

View Quoted Comment If it’s for religious or allergy reasons people probably won’t sneak alcohol in. The reception is to thank your guests for attending the ceremony and they expect to be thanked and hosted properly. If the couple just didn’t feel like paying for alcohol at the reception, I would absolutely sneak alcohol in, and we’ve done that before. If I’m celebrating a couple I care about, I want to drink!

View Quoted Comment What does their allergy have to do with me? My consumption doesn’t affect others.

My boss claims to have some sort of allergy and she still hosted top shelf bar for 300 guests, allergies just don’t stand up as that person should refrain from drinking and other can party on.

A true sober wedding is wedding is best at a non meal time as previous posters have suggested. 2p-5pm and then everyone heads to the bar or home!

View Quoted Comment There was a bride on here previously that couldn’t be near it for allergy reasons. Not sure the details, but if it would threaten her health, people should respect that. If she can be near it, but just doesn’t serve it, you bet I’m sneaking it in.

View Quoted Comment I think I’m more of the ‘leave after dinner crowd’, I’m not going to stick around for too long. And I certainly wouldn’t travel so far that I need a hotel room. I really would count my pennies more if it wasn’t well hosted (no booze). I wouldn’t travel for a non meal time reception either, but I’m good for a lovely gift for both!