The beauty of planning a wedding is that each one is different. While there will likely be the usual traditions and some dancing during the reception, you don’t have to follow the same exact mold as everyone else. The same goes for the beverages that are often served at weddings. You don’t need to serve alcoholic drinks. Instead, you can have a dry wedding where you serve safe beverages, and your guests will have just as much fun.

There are many reasons why a couple might consider a dry wedding. Let’s talk about the potential reasoning and how you can still make your special day a blast. For some, a dry wedding might align with personal values, religious beliefs, or a commitment to creating an inclusive atmosphere for all guests. Others might make the choice to save on costs or avoid the complications that can sometimes arise with alcohol. Regardless of the reason, thoughtful planning, fun activities, and tips for choosing wedding dates that work well for your loved ones can ensure a day that feels vibrant, celebratory, and memorable for everyone.

Why A Dry Wedding May Be A Good Idea

As mentioned, there can be countless reasons why someone might choose to host a dry wedding, and whatever that may be for you, don’t feel bad. This is your day, and it can be set up however you want it. Your reason may simply be that you are on a budget and that you need to track your spending, and the cost of an open bar or even a drink maximum is too much for your pocketbook. If the choice is between paying thousands of dollars for drinks or the chance to have a dream honeymoon, then you need to make that choice.

Some other couples may decide to have a dry wedding because they are joining what many call the sober curious movement. Essentially, this movement includes people who want to have a healthier relationship with alcohol. Maybe that means that they have had trouble in the past, or they just want to be cautious overall. Whatever the reason, it is perfectly fine to have these feelings, and if you feel that you or your guests may go overboard with drinking, then a dry wedding may be the answer.

The other problem is that just as smoking is dangerous, so can drinking if it gets out of hand. While many people choose to only drink socially, others have a very real alcohol addiction, and seeing everyone else drinking at a wedding may be enough to push them into dangerous territory. You may know that a guest has a problem with drinking or maybe you are concerned about yourself. If you find that you crave alcohol or you drink noticeably more than you used to, then it may be a wise idea to go dry.

You may begin to wonder if you should allow guests to bring their own alcoholic drinks. The decision you come to will depend on your reasons. If you know someone will be uncomfortable, then consider saying no. However, if it is just a budget issue, then you may consider doing BYOB.

Consider Alternative Drink Ideas

While you may initially fear how your guests will react to a dry wedding, there are ways that you can still add that special flair to your big day. Even if you don’t want alcohol, you should still offer beverages of some sort. After all, people are known to dance the night away at receptions, and all that activity makes people thirsty, and you don’t want anyone to get dehydrated.

Instead, plan on offering a fun non-alcoholic menu. For instance, you can have a mocktail menu that includes colorful beverages like the Spicy Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca or Citrus Fizz, which looks just like champagne. For the kids, you can have kiddie cocktails, like a flashy tropical fruit punch or an exotic banana slush. The sky’s the limit, so look online for recipes.

Another fun idea is to offer a “make your own beverage” station where you have a variety of sodas and fruit drinks. Next to those, provide different toppings, syrups, flavors, and even fresh fruits so your guests can make their ideal drink. If you are really tight on your budget, then feel free to simply offer the usuals: water and bottled soda.

Skip The Traditional Reception

A great way to take alcohol completely out of the equation or to avoid the potential awkwardness of informing your guests that you will be having a dry wedding is to skip the traditional reception and instead consider an activity wedding. For instance, after you have the nuptials and kiss the bride, you can host an expansive treasure hunt where you supply everyone with a map, and the first group to find the items gets a special treat at dinner.

Many people drink when they are bored, so if you have a dry wedding, try to keep your guests engaged and out of their seats during the reception. Doing so might involve having a professional come and give a group dance lesson or have games outside, such as ring toss, corn hole, and outdoor Jenga.

You can also take your guests completely out of the traditional reception hall by having a destination wedding at a park or the beach. Depending on the weather, a beach can offer a ton of fun as guests can do just about everything, from soaking in the sun to having a sand castle competition. Plus, the traditional reception activities of throwing the bouquet, having the father-daughter dance, and cutting the cake can all be done at either destination. Just keep in mind that outdoor weddings can require extra planning to account for weather conditions and logistics, but the unique memories you’ll create will be well worth it. If you happen to be pregnant while planning your wedding, consider opting for comfortable seating, shaded areas, and refreshments to ensure you’re able to fully enjoy your special day. With a little preparation, your destination wedding can be as relaxing and magical as you’ve always envisioned.

As you can see, it is entirely realistic to have a dry wedding that is still a blast for you and your guests. Consider these tips and live happily ever after.