5 Tips for hosting a Dry Wedding Reception
Yes, you can still have a really fun reception without the boozy beverages!
Alcoholic beverages are seen flowing aimlessly at most wedding receptions, but some couples prefer to have a dry wedding instead. Whether it be for religious, financial, or personal reasons, or just to not be around drunk people...luckily you and your guests don’t need adult drinks to have a darn good time ;)
Here are 5 tips to have a memorable and lively wedding reception booze-less:
Inform Guests Beforehand
Since you see alcohol and weddings together alot, guests will likely expect adult beverages to be on standby. As a courtesy to all your guests, give them a heads up about your alcohol-free policy before the wedding. You can send this note along with the invites or perhaps through email or social media. Letting your guests know this in advance will keep them from being surprised when they arrive.
2. Plan for Entertaining Activities
Weddings can make some people up-tight, and therefore the alcohol comes in handy to relieve stress or give them courage to get out on the dancefloor and breakout their moves!
But in a dry wedding reception, you should definitely make sure you hire a DJ who is lively and can make people dance and create a festive party atmosphere!
Also consider other forms of entertainment, such as photo props / photo booths, trivia games, lawn games, etc.
3. Throw a Themed Wedding Reception
Keep the wedding normal, but announce before the wedding, the reception will be themed...according to whatever you wish. (Pool Party, Costume Party, 80’s dance party)
This way people can dress accordingly for that and they probably won’t miss the alcohol if they are being social and cooking s’mores or having a barbecue!
4. Offer Non-Alcoholic Mocktails
To spice things up for your guests and keeping them sober, offer them something that closely resembles the real deal! Talk with your caterer or bartender to create signature “mocktails” or something special you think people would like besides soda and water.
PLUS - it’s a treat for ALL wedding guests including children and non-drinkers!
5. Plan the Timing
Some people may react negatively to a dry reception, so if you’re worried about that, consider having the wedding in the late morning or early afternoon when most people aren’t thinking about alcoholic beverages. They can be served an amazing delicious brunch, served with juice, smoothies, and lemonade instead of adult beverages!