A Dry Wedding: How To Inform Guests Gracefully

It is customary for weddings to include alcohol, and many guests expect it. However, there are many valid reasons for having a dry wedding, including budget constraints, religious beliefs, or personal preferences. If you're planning a dry wedding, it's essential to inform your guests ahead of time through your invitations, wedding website, or word of mouth. This allows them to make an informed decision about their attendance and prevents surprises on the day. You can include a fun and positive note on the invitation, such as We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you in an intimate and clear-headed way. Remember, it's your wedding, and you don't owe anyone a detailed explanation for your choice.

Let guests know ahead of time

Letting your guests know that your wedding will be alcohol-free in advance is a thoughtful and considerate thing to do. This way, your guests can weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision about their attendance. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to effectively communicate this information:

Through Invitations:

On your wedding invitations, after including the necessary details such as the date, time, and location, you can add a sentence at the bottom to explain the absence of alcohol. This can be done in a fun and positive tone. For example, you could write something like, "We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you in an intimate and clear-headed way." This sets the expectation without being too direct.

On Your Wedding Website:

If you have a wedding website, be sure to mention the dry wedding aspect on the FAQ page or the ""Info" tab. This helps guests plan their transportation and set their expectations. You could include a light-hearted note such as, "Just a heads up, our wedding will be a dry one, so we can all be fully present and create lasting memories together."

Word of Mouth:

In addition to the written communication, word of mouth can be an effective way to spread the message. Inform your close friends and family members about the dry wedding and ask them to pass on the information to other guests. This way, you can ensure that the message reaches everyone, especially those who may not frequently check their mail or email.

Be Creative:

If you want to be more subtle or creative, consider incorporating symbols or emojis on your invitations that hint at a dry wedding. For example, you could include a bunch of emojis that depict non-alcoholic drinks or a simple "No Alcohol" symbol. This way, guests will get the message without you having to explicitly state it.

Be Clear and Direct:

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can state something like, "We've decided to have a dry wedding, meaning alcohol won't be served or permitted. We appreciate your support in celebrating our special day." This leaves no room for confusion and sets a clear boundary.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you don't owe anyone an explanation for your decision to have a dry wedding. However, letting your guests know in advance is a courteous gesture that can help them plan accordingly and avoid any surprises on your big day.

No justification needed

It's your wedding, and you don't need to justify your decision to have a dry wedding to anyone. A simple note in the invitations or on your wedding website is enough to inform your guests. You don't owe anyone an explanation for your choice, just like you wouldn't explain why you chose a particular flower arrangement or colour scheme.

• "We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you in an intimate and clear-headed way."
• "We've made the decision to have a dry wedding, meaning that alcohol won't be served or permitted. Thank you for wishing to celebrate such a momentous occasion with us."
• "Join us for a sober celebration as we exchange our vows and begin our new life together."
• "We're excited to share this special day with you, and we kindly request that no alcohol be brought onto the premises."

Remember, it's essential to keep your guests informed if your wedding will be alcohol-free. This way, they can plan accordingly and set their expectations. However, you don't need to provide a detailed explanation for your choice.

Offer non-alcoholic variety

Offering a non-alcoholic variety at your wedding is a great way to ensure your guests have a unique and enjoyable experience without alcohol. Here are some tips to help you offer a delightful non-alcoholic experience:

Communicate Early and Clearly

Let your guests know about the non-alcoholic nature of your wedding through your invitations, wedding website, and welcome signs. A simple note on the invitations, such as "We've decided to have a dry wedding, and we kindly ask that no alcoholic beverages be brought to the event, " will set the right expectations. You can also add a fun twist, like "We can't wait to celebrate this special day with you in an intimate and clear-headed way!"

Offer Delicious Mocktails

Create a mocktail bar with a wide range of non-alcoholic options. From fresh juices to kombucha and curated sodas, there are endless possibilities. Get creative with mocktail recipes, like a Mango Mule, Elderflower Fizz, or Coconut Mint Cooler. You can even have a signature mocktail created just for your wedding!

Elevate the Mocktail Experience

Presentation is key! Use specialty glassware and handmade garnishes to make the non-alcoholic drinks feel special and exciting. Treat your guests to beautiful glassware, and don't skimp on the details, such as carved ice cubes or fancy umbrellas.

Hire Fun Beverage Cart Vendors

Get creative by hiring fun beverage cart vendors, such as an old-fashioned soda bar or a boba tea cart. These interactive elements will add a unique touch to your reception and keep your guests entertained.

Provide a Variety of Non-Alcoholic Beverages

In addition to mocktails, offer a range of other non-alcoholic options, such as booze-free beer, non-alcoholic wine, and craft beers with less than 0.5% ABV. You can also provide non-alcoholic cocktails in a can, like Partake Radler or Recess Zero-Proof Margarita.

Rethink Your Timeline

Dry weddings often end earlier, so plan engaging activities and offer a standout meal to keep your guests entertained. Consider hosting a morning or midday wedding, as guests are less likely to expect alcohol at these times.

Remember, it's your special day, and you can choose to celebrate it however you like. By offering a non-alcoholic variety, you're creating an inclusive and memorable experience for your guests, who will appreciate the thoughtfulness and creativity behind your choices.

Make non-alcoholic drinks special

If you're hosting a dry wedding, you might be wondering how to make non-alcoholic drinks feel a little more special. Here are some ideas to elevate your non-alcoholic beverage options and make them fun and memorable for your guests.

Offer a Variety of Drinks

Instead of a traditional bar, set up a mocktail bar with a wide range of non-alcoholic options. Offer your guests fresh juices, kombucha, curated sodas, non-alcoholic beers and wines, smoothies, and flavoured water. You could even create a make-your-own mocktail bar with a variety of bases, shots, and garnishes for your guests to experiment with.

Elevate the Experience

Focus on the presentation of your non-alcoholic drinks to make them feel exciting. Use specialty glassware, handmade garnishes, and beautiful vintage or ceramic bowls filled with garnishes such as dried blood orange, edible flowers, and house-made syrups.

Hire Fun Beverage Cart Vendors

Get creative by hiring fun beverage cart vendors such as an old-fashioned soda bar, a boba cart, or a make-your-own Italian soda station. Your guests will love the interactive experience and won't miss the alcohol.

Signature Mocktails

Create a signature mocktail (or two!) with names and flavours that play off the personality of you and your partner. Get creative with your mocktails—think Mango Mule, Elderflower Fizz, or Coconut Mint Cooler.

Coffee-Infused Cocktails

For a coffee-infused, cocktail-inspired beverage, try a recipe from Lunetta All Day's beverage director, Kristine Cocchino. This drink will help keep your guests energised throughout the celebration.

Wellness-Oriented Substitutes

Add a wellness twist to your bar menu by offering kombucha cocktails. Garnish with wild cherries, blueberries, raspberries, or a sprig of rosemary or lavender. You could also serve a non-alcoholic cider mixed with cranberry and blackberry juices in a tall glass with foam—a unique and tasty treat for your guests.

Pressed-Juice Station

A pressed-juice station is a great option, especially for a post-ceremony brunch event. It offers a colourful and refreshing alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks.

Custom Soda Station

Create a custom soda station where guests can make their own flavoured sodas with a variety of fruit-infused syrups and bitters. It's a fun and interactive way to involve your guests in creating their own unique drinks.

Garnish Bar

Set up a fresh garnish bar with selections such as basil, mint, rosemary, berries, melon, citrus, fresh ginger, chilies, cucumber, lychee, honey, lavender, and rose petals. It's a beautiful and interactive way to enhance your guests' drinks.

Plan alternative entertainment

If you're hosting a dry wedding, you might be concerned about keeping your guests entertained without the help of alcohol. But there are plenty of alternative entertainment options to choose from!

First, consider your wedding's theme. If you're celebrating a specific culture or multiple cultures, hire dancers to perform a traditional number. For example, a hula or Chinese dragon dance will add to the ambiance and teach your guests about your heritage. If music is a shared interest, think outside the box with a saxophonist, harpist, or mariachi band.

For a unique twist, take your cocktail hour to new heights by hiring trapeze artists to perform overhead. Or, if your venue has a pool, consider hiring synchronized swimmers for a memorable performance. After dinner, liven up the mood with fire performers or dazzle your guests with a fireworks display.

For interactive fun, set up a vintage carousel or a Ferris wheel. Yard games like bocce will keep your guests relaxed and entertained. Photo booths are always a hit, and you can work your theme into your prop selection. If your budget allows, a silhouette or caricature artist will provide both entertainment and a special keepsake for your guests.

For a unique dining experience, allocate your alcohol budget to a star-rated meal. Your guests might not remember how many drinks they had, but they'll definitely recall an exceptional dining experience. You can also set up food stations with interactive elements, such as tacos, mac & cheese, or pizza with various toppings and fixings.

If you're open to cannabis and it's legal in your area, a spliff bar could be a unique alternative to alcohol. You could also set up a cannabis-infused dessert bar, allowing guests to tailor their consumption.

Remember, the options are endless! Get creative and choose alternative entertainment that reflects your personality and wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions