How to Host an Incredible Alcohol-Free Wedding Without Sacrificing the Fun

It might feel like celebrating your wedding has to go hand in hand with your guests getting drunk - after all, we've all been at a wedding where someone has had a bit too much to drink, whether they've hammered the table wine or tried to drink the open bar dry. However, as more and more people are starting to identify as sober-curious or even outright teetotal, we're starting to see the beginnings of a trend for alcohol-free weddings emerge. Whether you're planning a "dry" wedding celebration as a matter of personal choice or for religious reasons, alcohol-free definitely doesn't mean fun-free - we're here with some expert advice on how to plan an unforgettable, sober wedding!

What exactly is a dry wedding?

In layman's terms, a dry wedding is one without any alcoholic beverages at all. The idea of an alcohol-free wedding isn't exactly new - traditionally, Muslim and Hindu weddings are alcohol-free - but as more people start to be mindful of their mental health and well-being, the idea of an alcohol-free wedding reception is starting to appeal to non-religious folks, too.

There are many reasons you might choose to ditch the booze on your wedding day, whether it's down to your personal beliefs or a desire to have a calmer, more mindful celebration. Serving alcohol at your wedding can, of course, lead to a pretty lively atmosphere with everyone getting loose on the dance floor, but if you're looking to make lasting memories and eliminate the potential risks that might come with some of your more raucous guests getting drunk, switching to non-alcoholic drinks might be the way to go!

Is it OK to bring alcohol to a dry wedding?

There's always one, isn't there? The simple answer is no - if a couple has chosen to have an alcohol-free wedding for whatever reason, it would be just plain rude to bring your own booze unless they've specifically stated that they're ok with that! If you're planning a sober wedding, then it's worth making your stance on BYOB clear from the start to avoid any awkward situations with sneaky hip flasks!

Planning an alcohol-free wedding reception

So, how do you plan a wedding without alcohol? Well, the first thing you should be thinking about is letting your friends and family know. We'll be honest: some people can be a bit funny about others' choices around alcohol, so give your guests plenty of time to wrap their heads around the idea that you'll only be serving non-alcoholic drinks. Make it nice and clear on your wedding invitations, and repeat the information on your wedding website - you don't have to explain yourself if you don't want to, but some guests might find it easier to understand if you let them know why you're opting for a dry wedding.

Once you've set expectations for your guests and are onto the planning stage, the real fun can begin! It's time to show your guests that an alcohol-free wedding can be a super fun experience, and luckily, there are all sorts of creative ways to do this!

Create a mocktail bar

The days of mocktails being just a bunch of fruit juice mixed together are gone - with so many amazing alcohol-free spirits on the market these days; there are endless possibilities for creative mocktails that are just as delicious as their alcoholic counterparts. You could create a fancy signature mocktail for your celebration or even bring in a professional mixologist to make your mocktail bar extra special!

As well as a mocktail bar, make sure your regular bar is well stocked with lots of non-alcoholic beverages - and don't just think along the lines of sparkling water and non-alcoholic beers. It can be a good idea to provide hot drinks like tea, coffee and hot chocolate throughout the day too. Think of what your guests might like as an alternative to alcohol, as covering all bases can make all the difference in their experience.

Entertain your guests

Without the buffer of alcohol, some of your guests might feel a bit socially awkward - the key to giving them a good time on your big day is to make sure everyone is entertained! Consider making the drinks reception shorter than usual or offering interactive games and activities to break the ice and get everyone mingling.

There's no denying that booze helps people to drop their inhibitions, so without it, getting the music right for your celebration is doubly important. If you're having a live band or DJ, let them know you're planning a sober wedding and work with them to create a kick-ass setlist or playlist of great music guaranteed to get even the most socially awkward guests on their feet.

Focus on the food

A dry wedding is a great opportunity to shift the focus to good food - keep your guests plied with delicious canapés and hors d'oeuvres throughout the drinks reception, and treat them to an unforgettable feast when it's time to sit down for the meal. Without alcohol, energy levels can start to dip after dark, so don't overlook the evening food - bring in a food truck or serve delicious sweet treats like crepes or waffles to give everyone an energy boost that will see them through to the end!

An alcohol-free wedding might be seen as unusual by some older generations, but it's a trend that's here to stay. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just aren't a big drinker, you should feel confident and comfortable planning a wedding that fits your values - remember, if anyone doesn't like being asked not to drink, that's a them problem, not a you problem!

We hope you've found some helpful advice here to help you plan your sober wedding celebration and that you wake up the day after your wedding with all your memories delightfully intact!