A wedding is a joyous celebration of two people joining in holy matrimony. If you’ve ever been to a wedding, you may agree that these are special days for both the couple and their guests.
In addition to the wedding gown, tux, music, and food, alcohol is another common aspect of a wedding. Especially if you’ve received help from a substance abuse program, it can be difficult to avoid drinking at a wedding that serves alcohol. Whether you’re in addiction recovery, don’t like alcohol, or simply want to cut down on costs, our Texas recovery center is sharing some affordable and beautiful alcohol-free wedding ideas you can use on your big day.
Simple Alcohol-Free Wedding Reception Ideas
At Banyan Treatment Centers Texas, we know there are several reasons for having a dry wedding. It’s cheaper, it can help you avoid any reckless or drunken behavior at your reception, and it can take the temptation away from someone who may be in addiction recovery themselves. Regardless of your reasons for having an alcohol-free wedding, here are some sober wedding reception ideas you can incorporate.
Choose a venue that doesn’t allow alcohol.
One of the easiest ways to avoid having alcohol at a wedding is to reserve a venue that doesn’t permit alcohol. You can enjoy your wedding at a park, nature preserve, public square, lakeside, church, or beach without worrying about your guests running up a large tab or having too much fun.
Serve non-alcoholic drinks.
A good way to keep the drinks interesting without involving alcohol is by serving fun, non-alcoholic drinks at your wedding. You can choose whatever drinks you think your guests might enjoy, including smoothies, milkshakes, flavored sparkling water, soda, tea, coffee, and non-alcoholic beer. You can even create a special menu of mocktails, which are non-alcoholic versions of popular drinks like mimosas and “cuddles on the beach,” or you can have a kombucha open bar.
Make it a kid-friendly wedding.
With kids present, the desire to drink may be mollified, especially for guests who are bringing their own children. Kids can also inspire your guests to have fun without drinking. When children are being silly, laughing, and having a good time, it can put a smile on your face and make you want to join them in all the fun without needing to drink.
Play good music.
A big part of the wedding reception is the music. What better way to get your guests moving and having fun than to have an amazing music playlist? Part of the reason people drink alcohol at wedding receptions is to “loosen up” and have fun. You can do this without alcohol by having a playlist featuring the most popular hits or a DJ that keeps the party alive. Some songs for wedding receptions include “Marry You,” “24K Magic,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Shut Up and Dance,” and “Crazy in Love.”
Plan an early reception.
Guests are more likely to want to drink alcohol in the evening and on weekends. Another easy way to have a fun, no-alcohol wedding is to host an early ceremony that takes place during the day or on a Sunday. Guests are less likely to want to drink early on in the day or when they have to work the next day.
Splurge on good food.
Having a sober wedding leaves more room in your budget to spend on other things, like food. In addition to an alcohol-free venue and good music, you can spoil your guests with delicious food that’ll take their minds off of alcohol.
Let everyone know your wedding is alcohol-free.
We recommend that you mention your wedding is alcohol-free on your invitations, so guests know what to expect. It can be frustrating for guests if they’re looking around the reception trying to find the alcohol if there’s none being served to begin with. This can also set them up to enjoy a sober evening.
If you’re unsure how to have a sober wedding, the most important thing to remember is that this day is for you and your partner. While you may want to make it as fun as possible for your guests who do drink, your wedding is about celebrating your union with the person you love.
Got a Drinking Problem?
Alcohol is a common aspect of many social settings and events, which can be difficult for someone in recovery to cope with. If you or a loved one is struggling with a drinking problem, we’re here to help. Call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our medically supervised detox and alcohol addiction treatment and how we can support you in your journey to sobriety.
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