Sober weddings?

View Quoted Comment If it's a triggering event, I'd ditch the cash bar idea and even consider hiring security to make sure people don't sneak alcohol in

View Quoted Comment But then if you are open to a cash bar, that sends mixed messages. If you can be around alcohol, provide drinks. If you can't, have a dry wedding. Otherwise it seems inconsiderate to have a bar that you're not hosting.

View Quoted Comment I was wondering that too, I was confused a bit..

View Quoted Comment I don't feel like it is necessary to always be away from it but I know how my family drinks, it a mess. I know some people who really would feel unsafe being around that kind of thing.

View Quoted Comment I am not just thinking about my sober guests who lead sober lives and would probably dislike extremely drunk people.

View Quoted Comment Most people dislike extremely drunk people... What see you thinking about if not them? I lead a sober life, neither FH nor I drink. However our family and friends do enjoy a glsss of wine, or beer. Again, most licensed and trained bartenders aren’t going to allow guests to become exceedingly drunk. It’s a liability for the venue and the bartender, thus they wouldn’t allow it...

View Quoted Comment

Bull. It absolutely has not.

I can't be bothered with responding to someone who lies.

Our wedding is going to be dry
The first venue we looked at would have allowed alcohol the 2nd venue wont. The first one we wanted was booked so now we cant have alcohol
My parents are funding the wedding and never drink they are really happy with the no alcohol wedding
So there is going to be a dry reveption but afterwards some of us are going to his parents for bonfire and there will be drinking

View Quoted Comment That sounds like a good balance!

Hi Lee! I am sober too (Yay us) and all I can say is I am having an open bar. It will be a lunch, not a woo hoo party, but it will be a consumption open bar. I am not triggered by anything, but that us me. We have liquor in our home. It sounds like your options are a dry wedding and risk people bringing their own or.....an open bar with beer and wine. It sounds like your family will leave early.....but oh well.

View Quoted Comment Oh beer and wine only would be a start. I guess we can have staff cut people off. I am one of 10 cousins many of them are still finding bottom. It's terrifying. I don't know how they would bring their own if they down know it is not going to be a big booze bash.

View Quoted Comment Wow do people really do that?

View Quoted Comment People may leave, buy alcohol, and come back once they realize.

View Quoted Comment That seems a little desperate.

View Quoted Comment Yes, but that doesn't mean people won't do it.

View Quoted Comment I saw it on an episode of Bridezilla last night. The groomsmen snuck alcohol in, and the wedding was nearly kicked out due to it.

View Quoted Comment I am not an alcoholic and I do drink. I am just speaking in general since I do have family and friends that are sober and trying to remain so.

View Quoted Comment I have seen people on other forums say that alcohol is so important to serve that if you can't afford it that you should cut your guest list so that you can afford it. I was referring to that. Some people acting like that is the top priority. Having important people there is more important than alcohol to me.

This post everyone has actually been very supportive of the op. I should have done more in my post to make it clear that is what I meant.

There are a few things to take in consideration when hosting a dry reception. First off, don't expect a long night. If you surprise your guests with a dry wedding, people tend to be offput. Weddings are stressful and expensive....even for the guests. In most situations it is putting 100+ people awkward in a room together that may or may not know each other and expecting them to bond over love and support of the newlyweds. It generally doesn't work that way.
Realistically without a little liquid courage to settle the nerves, people will just leave after dinner.

The second consideration...guests bring their own booze. Liability wise, this is the worst. Venues can and will fine you if outside alchohol is brought in. So if you do decide to let your guests know it will be a dry reception, make sure you are completely clear on the rules and fines set by your venue. People will sneak booze in, even people that rarely drink. I think it's a knee jerk reaction when being told you can't have or do something.

Whatever your decision, just keep these things in mind and remember to consider things from a guests perspective. If you know what to anticipate, you will be less hurt or surprised by the outcome of your choice.

View Quoted Comment Very interesting. I would have never thought of these points.