No Alcohol Reception

I had a dry reception BUT my wedding was really small and it was basically just close family and a couple close friends. I talked to all of them about how they felt about the no alcohol and all agreed it was better not to have it because of alcoholics in the family and it turned out fine. If I had more people than I did or people who weren't in the family I would've had alcohol. Good luck with people not sneaking anything in. Only reason I knew that wouldn't happen was because I knew everyone personally.

So, me personally, I love fruity drinks and whatever so I like the idea of a lemonade stand type setup. I think kids would love it too. But most adults would side eye it and be looking for the vodka syrup pump, you know?

I'll bite.

Don't have a long reception, don't expect dancing, games, or anything like that.

Have food. Call it good.

Although really, for PROPER hosting, unless it's for religious reasons (and I'm talking actual religious reasons, not: we only drink occasionally), you need alcohol.

@Delany still doesn't understand that she can't tell us to keep scrolling. How many flags have to be thrown?

I'll bite. I'd never heard of a dry wedding before coming on here. Even the cake and punch weddings I've gone to have had alcohol. If you cannot afford to host even beer and wine, cut your guest list. Have 15 people, have 20 people. Have none. If you cannot afford to properly host people, don't have guest.

Cash bars = me taking the money I would have given you in your card and buying drinks for FH and I and leaving a lovely empty card.

Who has hurt feelings here? Us? Or?

ETA: There are men here as well, and they are usually quite helpful.

Delany coming in to save us all from our nasty selves....

@Delany - https://www.weddingwire.com/corp/legal/community-guidelines

Here's a wee primer for you. Maybe you should travel the world, see something outside of your window. You do know that etiquette is fairly universal. It's the idea of "don't be an arsehole" and "treat others well and welcoming".

@Leah - It's okay, Delany will say something completely inane and nonsensical and all will be right with the world.

I think $400 is significantly less expensive than LIABILITY. What is your plan when people sneak alcohol into your event? They put you at risk for getting kicked out and the liability is on you since it is your event. $400 is a lot less than what it could cost you in the end....

Wow haven't been flagged yet, surprising, thanks guys!

There is no necessity for pretty decor that no one will notice. Use the decor budget for alcohol.

My cousin had a cash bar. Everyone's first drink was on them and then after that it was on us and honestly it didn't bother me or anyone else one bit. We all still had a blast and all of us even pitched in to keep the DJ an extra couple hours because it was that fun. We were there from about 5 pm till after 11.

Why does everyone keep saying that people hosting dry weddings assume liability for people drinking in parking lots and then getting in car accidents? I spent 3 years at Stanford Law, and I feel pretty confident that these circumstances would not successfully back a lawsuit. Unless you guys have successfully litigated cases such as these and know something to the contrary, please stop propagating false information!

@Lillian - You obviously don't teach high school or you would have spotted that as a lie. Of course people will sneak it in. Or they will pre-game, or it'll be in their cars. Either that or they will leave immediately after the ceremony.

@Lillian provide a few more details. What time is your event starting? What are your plans for after the event. Were you just planning a ceremony and lunch after?

I do in fact @jessiejv. You don't know mu family or friends.

@IslandGirl - It depends on where you are. In our province, the venue, the host and the bartender are all liable for any alcohol served on premises during an event.

It was a doubly posted comment. I will unhide for you.

There's always a place to cut your budget. We are having no flowers for decor (only bouquets and boutonnières). Even with the flowers I told our florist I want the cheapest flowers available. I searched for the cheapest invitations I could find. I also cut our decor dramatically besides centerpieces. You can find a way to properly host your guests. Don't do these fancy juice tables that no one really wants. Serving beer and wine is budget friendly!