Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

Is your entire guest list compiled of people 18 and younger? If so then Kiddie cocktails always got me excited when I was seven.

Having adults attend your wedding? Then have alcohol.

We had a few people in recovery at our wedding. If they are working their recovery program the way they should be, attending a function that serves alcohol should not be a problem.

I think the only way you can pull of a non alcoholic reception is to have it off typical meal hours and keep it super short. Cake, punch, coffee and that's it.

I thought about having a dry wedding too. I was thinking a smoothie bar could be cool. It's pricey though or specialty sodas like Jones and what not.

I had a nonalcoholic version of my signature drink, Moscato and raspberry sherbert. It was a big hit. The Sprite and raspberry sherbert was also.

In my defense, my family and friends know we aren't having anything other than champagne toast. Maybe 2 people were surprised and asked why? It just goes to show that the majority of our guests think you don't need booze to have a good time!!! You shouldn't have to spend a bunch of money because a few people can't go one evening without a beverage. We aren't just doing it for the cost. We also want to avoid having things get out of hand. Our reception venue is outside in a neighborhood. Don't want the police to show up on our wedding day.

Sure, Lori.

I agree with most of the other pp. You should have alcohol, people are adults and the bartender will do cut offs. I am in a wedding next month with no alcohol and I'm not happy about it so I will be bringing a flask.

Whatever Lori. You believe what you want.

If you think giving your friends wine on your wedding day is going to end with the police, then you need new friends.

Unfortunately there are no alternatives. I will never want to go to a wedding that doesn't have open bar.

Lori people do not get out of hand with a licensed bartender. People do get out of hand with the trunk booze in the parking lot. Your argument is invalid.

Just have beer and wine. I know my family and FH's family would have coolers packed full of drinks if our reception was dry because some aunts and my dad are alcoholics, well my dad was sober for 25 years and just started socially drinking again.... but regardless, just because they have issues doesn't mean I am going to punish my other guests. We have professional bartenders to stop it from "getting out of hand" and the venue has a "no shots policy"

People will find a way to drink - just hire a professional to stop them at the right time, if it comes down to it

ETA: word choice

I will just leave it... we can all agree to disagree.

Bartenders can only tell who is currently drunk- not who has a drinking problem. If this is a concern, just don't serve it. And don't look for approval from the WW crew on any type of controversial topic like this. To them this is clear cut, but they might not understand how someone's life has been affected by substance abuse.

So just serve water, soda, iced tea and nothing fancy. If someone asks why, tell them you just aren't comfortable around alcohol. Don't say you were afraid it'd be too hard on others.

'Our reception venue is outside in a neighborhood. Don't want the police to show up on our wedding day.'

So flipping what?! I'm sure the venue has had the majority of their bride and grooms serving alcohol without a problem before you guys. And I'm sorry but to suggest that serving alcohol=guests getting out of control and cops showing up, is so incredibly insulting to your guests.

Oh Robin, it seems like many, many people's lives here have been affected by substance abuse and many of them are open about talking about it.

It doesn't make it right to punish the rest of your group and treat those people like children.

@Lori H. I totally agree with you! Its YOUR wedding, if your FH doesn't want alcohol then don't as long as you and him both know the reason why that's all that matters.! Have fun!!!

It's YOUR wedding. If you don't want to serve alcohol then don't. I knew this post would start the bashing fest. This is your day! If guests have an issue with no alcohol, they don't need to come.

Hi vivian. i understand where your FH is coming from. several people in my family have issues with alcohol and it is generally stressful and unfun being at open bar events with them. they sneak drinks and it turns into a huge blow up fight when we get home.

that being said, you have to think about everyone else you are inviting to your wedding. i think guests should be hosted with wine and beer at least. if you don't want your wedding to be super alcohol-centered, consider alternatives like a brunch wedding or afternoon wedding when people are likely to drink less. or if you really don't want any alcohol, do a cake and punch reception.

@FB99 I didn't think I was being judgmental. I thought I was being open minded. I can't pretend to know everyone else's situation. So if not having alcohol would make them happier, I say ok!

I think you have greater chance of the cops being called when your guests find out you're having a dry wedding. That shit makes people more angry than alcohol ever could.