Reasons to have a dry reception? What to do if somebody brings alcohol?

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Strange perception you have of this situation. Not having alcohol is a punishment to you? That might be a flag of some issues in your life. This might come as a surprise to you but some people don't drink and certainly enjoy their choice and do not feel they are "punishing" themselves.

View Quoted Comment Super odd to bring up a comment that’s over 2 years old, but okay, I’ll entertain it. As adults we have privileges, like voting, drinking, renting hotel rooms, etc. Taking away privileges because of bad behavior is a punishment, just like with children. It’s not typically “okay” to take away privileges of an entire group because of a few bad apples. And no worries or issues over here, thanks so much for your concern! 😘

Alcohol is never required and people have dry weddings all the time with zero issues.


Per etiquette, you really cannot say anything about whether it is being served or not. Those closest to you will already be aware of your stance. Beyond that, these are adults and unless they are doing something illegal or breaking rules the venue has in place, hence security on the premises, there is not much if anything you can do to police them.

View Quoted Comment I don't think it's "punishing" the guests, but know your crowd. Most of my family and friends don't drink at all. Those that do, might have 1 or 2, but are fine without. My daughter is having a dry wedding. Anyone who misses the alcohol will be the minority. If they feel they are being "punished," that's on them. If a bride and groom don't drink, they shouldn't be expected to provide alcohol.

View Quoted Comment Agree with this. There’s countless reasons why couples choose not to have alcohol and that needs to be respected even if others may not agree with why it’s done. If a guest values alcohol over a friendship with the couple, and they truly cannot attend and celebrate without drinking, then that speaks volumes in a bad way about the guest, including that the guest needs help beyond what anyone else can offer. They are not real friends if they don’t want to respect the couple’s wishes and are better off just declining the invitation. The couple who chooses for whatever reason to not serve alcohol is not in the wrong, even if the popular opinion believes they are. Also it is against etiquette to make any mention of alcohol being served or not served on the invitation, as well as making any mention of it via word of mouth before the wedding that affects people’s attendance based on what is provided vs not. In the end, some people don’t care who they hurt in the process when they get offended by someone else’s decisions/ethics and you don’t need those people in your life, because it won’t stop at just the wedding.