Reception beverages

I think it'd be nice if you had beer and wine for guests who want to drink. I know they would appreciate that!

I know it will suck for some people to not have alcohol but I agree with your FH. Your guests should still honor your decision in not having any. It's your day and they should want to be there to celebrate with you with or without alcohol. Plus alcohol can get pretty pricey so that's also something to think about. Good luck in your decision.

I don’t drink and my fiancé rarely drinks ( 2 beers tops) and we were planning on just doing beer and wine but got a good deal with a full bar for drinkers. Our wedding is small (50-60 guests) and there’s not a lot of drinkers. But depending on how many guests drinks you can do a cash bar and whoever chooses to drink pays for it. It’s all about what the bride and groom wants

I'm in the same exact boat. My honey doesn't want any alcohol either. But reading on here has changed my mind. Seems ppl hate dry weddings so I'm doing one keg of beer and like 30 bottles of wine l think. That's going to be about all l can afford

I mean I am sure guests will accept that there is no alcohol. As someone who does enjoy an occasional cocktail I would be happy as a guest that my hosts decided to offer wine and beers at their function but just because they didn't doesn't mean that I would not have a good time. But at the same time I feel like being a good host isn't just about serving the things you like, so if it's not a financial burden to serve some wine or beer then I guess I don't see what the big deal is unless your FI is morally opposed to drinking or is trying to maintain sobriety.

I don’t see a reason to have alcohol if neither of you want it. We aren’t having any and our guests will manage. If their only reasoning for going to a wedding is to get a free drink then they shouldn’t be there in the first place.

Me personally I would go to a dry wedding but would leave as soon as it is acceptable.

Some couples have shared that NOT having alcohol resulted in guests leaving the reception early, especially an evening one. Giving guests at least beer & wine would be nice hosting, encourage them to stay after dinner, and loosen up for dancing.

If you’re having a brunch wedding, just champagne/mimosas would be fine or none if you really don’t want it.

I'm with your fiance on this one.
And I'm a lush.
It seems like an unnecessary expense.

I have been to so SO many weddings without alcohol (partly because of religious choices and growing up in a place where people get married young-under 21 young) and they were all great! The people that are there to celebrate you won’t care if you have alcohol! I’ve been to both and both are nice! It’s about the relationships you have with people more than what you give them! If you enjoy having a glass of wine with friends then by all means have them, but if that is out of character for you then I wouldn’t have it!

People like the option to drink. Period. I understand if you and FH don't drink but others do. Yes people will still come to the wedding but if it's an evening affair they'll likely leave earlier and maybe not dance very much. You may not miss the presence of alcohol but be sure others will. Count on it.

View Quoted Comment Thank you jasmine! I know his best man just celebrated 1 year in alcohol recovery so that may be his hidden concern for not wanting alcohol. But on the flip side alcohol is expensive! Maybe if I have a mid day wedding and end earlier it will be more understandable for guests?

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much. I really appreciate your view! Maybe if I dont have a late reception that will help too?

Thank you ladies for all your comments! I really appreciate this feedback. I have a little while until a final decision is made. But this has really helped

In my opinion it's your day and the guest come to celebrate both of you. With that being said if you decide not to have alcohol at your wedding it is perfectly acceptable and guest should and will honor your decision.

My fiance dose not drink at all. For our wedding, we will be having an open bar. i understand where your fiance is coming from, but a lot about a wedding is really catered towards your guests. i think at minimum you should have beer and wine as an option. guests do spend a lot of money these days to attend weddings. it's sad but true. every aspect of weddings is very costly. between taking time from work, to travel, hotel if needed, and gift, your guests really will be putting in a lot.

my fiance, as i said, does not drink. he was the one who said open bar. he wants everyone to have a good time, and be able to get their drink. beer and wine is a suitable option. IF you choose to have no alcohol at the wedding, it does need to be on the invitation. unfortunately it has become fairly regular to have alcohol at weddings and it wouldn't be right to not inform your guests ahead of time.

I'd serve beer & wine. It's totally fine if you don't drink, but I think it's odd to restrict everyone else's drinking because of that. At least at a party like a reception? In my experience, people stay later/dance more when alcohol is offered.

My FH and I don't drink. We will be having alcohol at the wedding, but will not be having any type of an open bar. That way, guests can decide if they want to or not, but they are the ones paying for it if they do.

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That's actually not a bad idea. Then there could still be some time to maybe go to a bar or have some kind of after party. Even if it's a BYOB to still save money. I mean there's options and even the bar/after party isn't mandatory. If you have your reasons for not having alcohol, no one should be mad at your decision.

Like I understand people like the option to drink but if it's expensive and not in your budget or you choose not to have any, everyone should be ok with that. Don't let anyone sway your decision one way or another. That's definitely something between you and your FH.