Ask The Experts: Why You Shouldn’t be Afraid to Have a Dry Wedding

Many weddings and social gatherings offer alcohol as a courtesy. It is a party after all so why not drink to celebrate? Contrary to popular belief,  it isn’t necessary for alcohol to be involved to have a good time or celebrate a momentous occasion. Additionally, alcohol is expensive. Dry weddings can help limit your spending and relieve the pressure on sober and sober curious guests. Let’s explore some reasons you shouldn’t be afraid to have a dry wedding.

Reasons To Have a Dry Wedding

photo by  Emma Stoner – full wedding here

There are many reasons to have a dry wedding like worrying less about your guests so you can focus on your big day. You don’t need anyone’s permission to choose not to serve alcohol at your wedding. Here are some reasons you shouldn’t be afraid to do what’s best for you on your wedding day.

Less Worrying

You’re going to worry about everything on your wedding day. From the flowers to the cake and every detail in between, the day of the nuptials is hectic — you’re going to worry. You don’t need to add extra worries to your plate.

If alcohol calms you and you want it served at your wedding, go for it by all means. But, if it isn’t your cup of tea, it’s OK to say no, especially if kids are present. Imagine a day with less risk of injury, people acting appropriately in front of children and not having to worry about who is driving who home from the event.

photo by  Lauren McCormick Photography. – full wedding here

More Saving

Weddings are expensive regardless of how much you cut corners and try to save. You can DIY all the décor and still be out a pretty penny once everything is said and done. A wedding with 100 guests costs around $30,000, including the reception.

Removing alcohol from your budget can save you significantly, especially if you’re eliminating an open bar. A cash bar where guests are responsible for their drinks can still add to your expense list. As a bonus, you’ll ensure everyone remembers your special day’s details.

photo by Brady Lewis Photography- full wedding here 

You Want To 

Wedding planning is stressful — trying to consider everyone’s wants and needs while planning your big day. Let go of everyone’s expectations and consider what you want on your wedding day. Do you want to serve alcohol at your wedding? If not, then don’t. If you or your spouse are sober or sober curious, which is where you’re exploring life without alcohol either wholly or intermittently, a dry wedding would be the perfect choice for you.

There are other ways to keep everyone happy and celebrating than alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re having a dry wedding due to religious or cultural reasons or you simply don’t want alcohol involved on your big day, it’s ultimately your and your spouse-to-be’s decision.

photo by Stori H. Photography – full wedding here 

How To Have a Dry Wedding

Regardless of the reason, it’s your wedding day and your guests will either get on board or jump ship. You can choose to get married in the morning or early afternoon to dissuade guests from drinking or bringing alcohol. Changing the timeline is a good way to ensure no one misses the booze being served. Here are some other ways to successfully have a dry wedding.

Inform Guests

You’ll want to ensure that your guests aren’t surprised to learn there isn’t alcohol at your wedding. Be upfront and include details about your dry wedding on the invitations.
You want to ensure your guests know it’s a dry wedding before they RSVP, so you can get an accurate headcount. You can make a sign to put at the entrance of your wedding welcoming guests, stating that it’s alcohol-free or listing it on your wedding website.

photo by James & Kerrie wedding Photography  – full wedding here

Serve Mocktails

Just because you aren’t serving alcohol at your wedding doesn’t mean you can’t have fun drinks! Did you know that around 8% of weddings are sans-alcohol? There are so many mocktail recipes you can incorporate into your big day.
You can create a fun twist on classic cocktails like the old-fashioned by substituting bourbon tea blend for actual bourbon. You can get as creative as you wish with mocktail ingredients — create a non-alcoholic sangria or lavender lemonade without booze.

photos by Ellie Frances Photography – full shoot here

Provide Entertainment

As crucial as entertainment is with an open bar, it’s even more so at a dry wedding. Hire a DJ that knows what they’re doing since drinks won’t be flowing. The right music and encouragement can get anyone dancing without liquid courage.
Consider hiring a comedian to get everyone laughing and provide games for people to play for downtime during the ceremony. Include icebreakers at the tables to encourage guests to get to know each other.

photo by Shelbi Ann Imagery – full shoot here

It’s your wedding day and you should do what feels right for you and your future spouse. If you want to have a dry wedding, go for it. There are going to be people who disagree or disapprove of every decision you make. Your big day is all about you and your union and if your guests don’t like how you’re planning your nuptials, they don’t have to join the fun — it’s their loss, really.

THis is a collaborative post