What Is A Dry Wedding?

While it’s not considered traditional, more and more couples are choosing to throw dry weddings. There are a number of issues that could nudge you toward going dry, such as religion, affordability, your own and others’ sobriety, and more.

dry wedding

Simply put, a dry wedding is one where there is no alcohol served. If you and your betrothed are thinking about having a dry wedding, you’ve most likely got a good reason. While it’s not considered traditional, more and more couples are choosing to throw dry weddings. There are a number of issues that could nudge you toward going dry, such as religion, affordability, your own and others’ sobriety, and more. So how can you keep your guests feeling the spirit without the spirits? Here’s some more information on how to host a successful, festive alcohol-free celebration.

Instead of greeting guests with a boring old glass of champagne, set the tone with an alcohol-free spritzer.

Dry Weddings: The Pros And Cons

Choosing to go dry can be a complicated decision, but it’s (obviously) 100% yours to make. However, the decision to have a dry wedding often leads to questions from family and friends, particularly since drinking is such an ingrained part of our culture when it comes to celebrations, including weddings. Here are a few pros and cons to consider when planning a dry wedding reception:

Pros:

  • You get to choose unique refreshments.

For example, instead of greeting guests with a boring old glass of champagne, set the tone with an alcohol-free spritzer. Creating a signature mocktail especially for your wedding (particularly if it boasts a clever name) is a great way to get your guests excited for what’s to come.

  • You have more flexibility when it comes to the scheduling of your ceremony.

The time of day you decide to wed can affect the overall vibe of the reception. Guests often associate afternoon and evening weddings with an open bar, so couples choosing a dry reception might want to consider earlier festivities. Having a brunch or lunch wedding can help the decision feel more natural. Plus, it may give you additional options when it comes to selecting a venue. 

  • You’ll save big money.

Aside from renting a venue at a less traditional time, cutting out alcohol can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, even with a limited number of guests. The average price per person for a full open bar is $40. Do the math: just 25 guests can cost you a cool $1000. Custom mocktails cost a fraction of what you’d pay for an open bar. 

Cons:

  • Some of your guests will be disappointed by the lack of booze.

Many people automatically expect alcohol. After all, it’s an occasion that’s prime time for letting loose and feeling good. But again, it’s your wedding. Don’t let other people’s feelings affect your decision-making.

  • Your celebration may lack the traditional “wedding/party” vibe.

Yup, it’s true. It is a scientifically proven fact that alcohol makes one more likely to take part in the Chicken Dance. But a low-key celebration doesn’t mean your event will be fun-free. Interactive entertainment can get your guests up and moving, so consider going big to give your wedding the wow it deserves.

But a low-key celebration doesn’t mean your event will be fun-free. Interactive entertainment can get your guests up and moving, so consider going big to give your wedding the wow it deserves.

Dry Weddings: Wine Not?

More and more couples are choosing to tie the knot with an alcohol-free reception. If you’re one of them, know that you can offer your guests more than custom mocktails. Non-alcoholic wine, craft beer, and even premixed mocktail options abound. If you’re curious about stocking the bar for your dry reception, lo2no.com is the place to start.