How To Plan A Dry Wedding: Tips for Celebrating Sober & Alcohol-Free

Weddings often serve as a reflection of a couple’s values, lifestyle, and preferences, including their decisions surrounding alcohol. As an increasing number of couples embrace a sober or sober-curious lifestyle, the share of dry weddings has risen in recent years. But what exactly is a dry wedding? And how do you plan a sober wedding?

Simply stated, a sober or “dry” wedding is one where alcoholic beverages are not served. There are many reasons why couples plan an alcohol-free wedding day – whether they’ve never indulged in alcohol or are taking a break. And whether it’s due to religious or spiritual beliefs, health and wellness choices, a commitment to recovery, budget considerations, family dynamics, personal preference, or any other reason.

Regardless of a couple’s motivations, choosing to have a dry wedding is always a valid and meaningful decision. Every couple deserves to have their choices respected and supported, especially choices that are so intertwined with their personal wellness. And, with the rise of the sober-curious movement and resulting surge in the non-alcoholic beverage industry, it’s never been easier to create an unforgettable wedding experience without a drop of booze.

So, let’s dive into some tips and ideas for planning and hosting a memorable sober wedding celebration.

How to Plan and Host A Dry Wedding 

Keep Your Wedding Invite List Small and Supportive

Choosing an intimate wedding day with guests who will understand your choice to host a sober wedding can greatly enhance your experience. When considering how to tell guests about a dry wedding, remember that your nearest and dearest should fully support you and your partner in your decision. You shouldn’t have to feel nervous about sharing your plans with your loved ones; after all, they’re there to celebrate you and your partner embarking on this exciting new chapter in your lives. 

In order to ensure a positive, supportive, and stress-free atmosphere on your special day, avoid inviting guests who might question or challenge your decision. Instead, choose to invite your nearest and dearest who will attend your celebration for the right reasons. Remember, it’s your day, and you get to make the rules. You don’t need to devote any energy to justifying your decision.

Replace Cocktail Hour with Once-in-a-Lifetime Activities

Instead of planning an alcohol-centric ‘cocktail hour’, use this time to incorporate unforgettable experiences into your dry wedding day. Consider fun activities such as lawn games with your guests, a romantic sunset hike with your partner, horseback riding, or even a scenic trip up the slopes on a ski lift or gondola. You could also go for a relaxing boat ride or canoe trip, or elevate the experience with a thrilling helicopter tour. Get creative and consider activities like cooking together, watching the sunset, or enjoying a breathtaking flight on a hot air balloon.

In the evening, continue the fun with more intimate activities such as a romantic swim or hot tub soak, gathering around a cozy bonfire, or enjoying a guided stargazing session. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to planning unique and memorable experiences for your wedding day. And rest assured, with so many amazing activities to choose from, you and your guests will be swept up in the experience without the need for alcohol as a distraction.

And to anyone wondering, ‘Is a dry wedding boring?’ – the answer is a resounding no! These fun and creative dry wedding reception ideas ensure that your celebration is anything but boring. By focusing on once-in-a-lifetime activities, you create an atmosphere filled with joy, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

Plan a Daytime Dry Wedding

Hosting a daytime celebration offers a refreshing change from the traditional evening wedding. With less expectation for alcohol during the day, guests can fully immerse themselves in the festivities. Additionally, daytime events often leave guests less inclined to indulge in alcohol, lest they spoil their plans for the remainder of the day.

Rather than planning a conventional dinner-time wedding, consider alternative options such as a sophisticated high tea or a lighthearted brunch. These choices not only add a unique flair to your celebration but also provide a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy. After all, who can resist a delightful brunch spread?

Incorporate Equally Fun Non-Alcoholic (NA) Options

Don’t overlook the appeal of exciting non-alcoholic beverages for your wedding! Recently, while hosting a party, I stocked a cooler with a variety of super fun NA bevvies alongside wine and beer. My spread included fancy root beer, cream sodas, seltzers, kombuchas, and sparkling tonics. To my surprise, with so many unique options, the NA cooler emptied far faster than the alcoholic beverages, and I had to refill it multiple times throughout the evening. This is highly consistent with purchasing trends in recent years as younger generations choose NA options at much higher rates than prior generations.

You can consider adding a signature mocktail to your wedding day menu for a touch of creativity and sophistication. Make sure to check out websites like Raising the Bar. They offer plenty of inspiration for crafting delicious mocktails that everyone will love. And definitely don’t skip elevating your mocktail experience with the finest touches such as dried fruit garnishes or herb-filled ice cubes.

When planning a dry wedding, you might be wondering, “What drinks are good for a dry wedding?” There are plenty of choices to explore! Stock your bar with NA wine, NA beer, mocktails, or a diverse selection of quality sodas, seltzers, kombuchas, and sparkling tonics. The possibilities are endless. Regardless of your choice, ensure that there are plenty of options available for you and your guests, especially if you’re planning a toast during your reception. Including non-alcoholic beverages not only caters to diverse preferences but also adds a unique and inclusive aspect to your celebration.

Find a Middle Ground

While there are many reasons you might consider a middle ground between a completely sober wedding and one with alcohol, the decision ultimately depends on your preferences and those of your partner. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love and making choices that reflect your vision and values.

If it aligns with your desires, you can choose to have a limited bar setup, offering a few select options such as one red wine, one white wine, and one beer. Alternatively, you might consider implementing a drink limit, ensuring that each guest is limited to a predetermined amount of alcohol.

However, it’s crucial to emphasize that there’s no pressure to incorporate alcohol into your wedding day plans if it doesn’t resonate with your vision. Your wedding should be a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable and respected–especially you and your partner. Choose a middle ground only if it genuinely suits your preferences and aligns with the atmosphere you want to create for your celebration.

Keep Decision-Making Easy

If you decide to include alcohol at your wedding, streamline the decision-making process for your guests. Avoid displaying alcohol openly on tables or offering poured wine during dinner. Instead, keep alcohol behind the bar or in a cooler placed discreetly out of the way. 

By centralizing the distribution of alcohol, you make it easier for guests to abstain without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. This ensures an inclusive experience that allows everyone to enjoy your celebration according to their preferences and comfort levels.

How do You Say There is No Alcohol at a Wedding

Nearly 10% of couples choose not to serve any alcohol at their wedding. While communicating your expectations with your guests can be a kind gesture, there’s no need to fret or make a big fuss over it.

If you’re planning an intimate affair, you can inform your guests that you are having a dry wedding by word of mouth. If you want to skip the conversations or are having a larger wedding, consider including a small insert card with your wedding invite simply stating that “non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.” Alternatively, you may choose to share your decision with a simple statement on your wedding website, such as: “We are so looking forward to celebrating with you! Please note that our reception will be an alcohol-free event.“

No matter what you choose to say or how you say it, be firm in your decision, as you and your partner know what the best decision is for your wedding day.

Let’s Plan a Wedding That Reflects Your Values

All in all, planning a sober or dry wedding is a meaningful decision that reflects your priorities and values as a couple. Whether you opt for a completely alcohol-free wedding celebration or choose a middle ground with limited options, the most important thing is that your wedding day authentically honors your love and commitment.

By following these tips and suggestions on how to plan a dry wedding, you can create a memorable and meaningful sober celebration that you and your guests will cherish for years to come. From keeping your guest list small and supportive to incorporating once-in-a-lifetime activities and offering exciting non-alcoholic options, there are endless possibilities for crafting a unique and unforgettable experience.

If you’re ready to plan a wedding that honestly reflects who you are as a couple, all you have to do is take the first step. Click the button below to start planning your dream wedding. Remember, it’s your day, and you deserve to celebrate it in a way that feels authentic, safe, and intentional.