Fun ideas for sober receptions

View Quoted Comment If you and your partner don’t drink but your friends and family do (and you’re not opposed to alcohol), it’s nice to have a little bit of booze available, even if it’s just beer and wine. If you feel strongly about not having any alcohol available at all, you can definitely skip it. But don’t let guests go thirsty! Talk to your caterer about creating a bar of non-alcoholic beverages, such as specialty sodas, flavored waters, or exotic juice blends. If you love tea, coffee, or hot cocoa, a bar with different varieties, syrups, milks, and toppings is an interactive and fun alternative. Most of your guests already know the two of you don’t drink and will therefore be prepared if they arrive at your reception and don’t see a bottle of wine in sight.
Quoted from Brides.com
Not sure of your source for "rules of etiquette". Much like this what the CGs actually say. But maybe you should check your sources.

View Quoted Comment Hahahaha oh Brides.com, yup yup. There's the gold standard of wedding etiquette🙄. Maybe try any book anywhere on actual etiquette of hosting.

If you want a suggestion i have plenty but I'm not sure you are looking for the actual rules of a well-hosted event.

View Quoted Comment Quote 1....That says alcohol is a MUST of a "well hosted" event. I'll wait......

I wouldn't do a lot of games if your budget is limited. I would also let guests know to dress appropriately-no heels, wedges instead, no gowns, simple dresses instead (I always wear floor length gowns to weddings unless told otherwise).
Selfie stations, photo booth would be all I would do. I am not sure about adult coloring thing as suggested above-it's a wedding still, and not a child's birthday party.

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Can someone please answer this question?! I have thought the same thing many times. I'm sure that I've read the community guidelines (unless they've changed) and cannot find where it says you can't tell people how to post.

I actually think it's fine to be specific in the feedback you're looking for like the OP did.

I definitely think mocktails would be very fun and I love the soda bar photo that someone posted!! I've been to weddings with bag toss, madlibs, jenga and a board game at each table. The cost might add up though! I honestly think a good DJ is the most important part of keeping a party going!

I love the ideas of the "food bars." You can do so much so I definitely recommend looking at Pinterest!

So many great ideas here! I’d respond to them all personally but this thread ended up getting way more comments than I’d expected. Thank you guys, and a special thank you to everyone who made me feel like having a sober reception is okay.

It’s easy to feel really guilty trying to plan a sober wedding - It’s stressful, and when you’re trying to stay positive but all you’re seeing again and again is how “tacky” it is to have a sober party when alcohol has been a huge cause of emotional stress for you and other guests it is quite frankly heartbreaking. I’ve been so anxious, and so the supportive and positive messages really mean a lot to me.

Thought so! Lol!

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Your wedding will be beautiful and fun! Try not to let others stress you out! (Especially those on WW). I hope you got some useful ideas from those that did respond with actual ideas!

View Quoted Comment I mean if you want to wait until I'm home from work I can tag you in some stuff or post it directly to your wall since OP literally said she doesn't want to hear it and you are using her post to personally attack me.

View Quoted Comment This comment is wildly judgmental.

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As an addiction treatment provider, one of my favorite things is when people pretend to know what makes someone an addict. Sneaking alcohol into a dry reception, while maybe a poor decision, is not a symptom in the DSM and I doubt any insurance company would pay for this person's treatment.

View Quoted Comment Hmmm. Seems like I'm still here so idk what to tell you. I comment on a whole bunch of forum posts. Sorry you can't find all of the nice stuff I post.

View Quoted Comment Agreed!!!!

View Quoted Comment Oh and if you think I'm not an asset to WW feel free to email the mods about it at community@weddingwire.com

I hate the sentiment that if you don’t want alcohol at your wedding or you can’t afford it, don’t have a wedding. Agreeing to disagree is different than straight up attacking someone for their decisions, whether they choose to have alcohol or no alcohol at their wedding. Not having food at a long or late reception is rude because people need to eat. People don’t “need” alcohol.

I think lawn lawn games (cornhole, Giant Jenna, etc.) are super fun. I also like the idea of having card games at every table (because I come from a family that loves playing cards haha). Music and dancing is always fun! Advice tables, questionnaires about the bride and groom, the shoe game - I really think the possibilities are endless and you should do what makes you and your fiancé happy! 💞

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The problem is that most people seem to equate "judgemental" with "anything that I don't agree with". I hate the idea on this site that disagreeing with someone and thinking their idea is bad is the same as being "rude" "mean" or "judgemental". If you want a validation echo chamber, ask your questions into a mirror.

View Quoted Comment I personally love all the advice MrsBdeG gives! I’ve learned a lot about etiquette from her, I’m so glad she’s still on WW!

View Quoted Comment Thanks b11! ❤️