For some couples, the idea of an alcohol-free wedding is a simple fact of life. They abstain from alcohol as part of their self-care or because of religious beliefs. For other couples, it can be a more complicated discussion. It could be that friends can get out of hand and you want to keep a drama-free wedding. It might be out of respect for friends or family who are in recovery and trying to abstain. Or, it might be because of your wedding budget. Whatever the reason may be, here are a few simple suggestions to make your dry wedding day go more smoothly.

Be Prepared

No matter the reason for selecting a dry wedding, you will surely have someone who thinks it's impossible to have a wedding without liquor. Be ready for a few snide remarks, whispers, and eye-roll emojis. Ignore it. Haters gonna hate. Those people will always find something to talk about even if it’s not a dry wedding.

Select A Unique Wedding Venue

There are fantastic wedding venues that range from recreational parks, beaches, and community-owned facilities that do not allow for the consumption of alcohol. Selecting one of these locations can give you an easy out. And, they might be a cost-effective option as well. Building your wedding vibe around the facilities, location, and feel of these venues will make everything flow together.

Mocktails

Start with impressive refreshments as guests arrive for the wedding ceremony. From berry-infused water to lavender lemonade, putting thought into unique additions is key to engaging your wedding guests. Create non-alcoholic signature mocktails that reflect you as a couple. These can include fresh seasonal flavors or even a way to showcase your upcoming honeymoon destination. Design bright, eye-catching displays for your mocktails and make them easy for your wedding guests to access.

Invite The Family

A family-friendly wedding reception refocuses the type of wedding reception you are hosting. These can often include fun, interactive activities to keep wedding guests and children involved.

Focus On The Menu

A dry wedding can become a little tense if you are considering a multicourse plated reception. There may be some time between courses and the focus that is typically on the table and food can unfortunately turn to the lack of alcohol. Having interactive food stations helps the time for dinner pass more quickly, while allowing guests to mingle and move about the space.

Have Plenty of Options

Consider sparkling waters to soft drinks or even a juice bar to build your favorite juice blend. A great way to end the night is with a gourmet coffee bar or hot cocoa with lots of fixings. The variety will engage wedding guests who might otherwise be looking for a cocktail and bring a smile to the faces of guests who don’t imbibe.

Hey DJ!

You'll want to pay extra special attention to your selection of a DJ and MC. A wedding serving alcohol tends to give some people a little liquid courage to get up and dance. So, do not be alarmed if the dance floor has a slow start. Finding a fantastic DJ who can read the crowd and captivate them will do the trick to fill the dance floor.

Brunch Might Be The Answer

A daytime or brunch wedding might be the answer to your dry wedding. There is typically less expectation for a bar at a daytime wedding. Fresh juices, coffee, and soft drinks are more the norm. There is also less of an expectation of a big dance party. The focus of the reception is generally more about the food and interaction.

Whatever the reason is for wanting a dry wedding, offering a variety of non- alcoholic drink options, keeping guests engaged, and choosing the right venue and menu will help make sure you and your guests have the time of your lives.

Hero Photo Courtesy Samuel Lippke Studios