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Suppose you’ve decided not to include alcohol in your wedding celebration for religious, personal, or even economic reasons. In that case, there are some considerations to consider when planning a dry wedding. Of course, you’ll have to exercise some creativity, but you should not worry about omitting alcohol from your day with these helpful tips.
Factors When Planning a Dry Wedding:
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Setting the wedding time earlier in the day can save you money with the venue and lessen the expectation that alcohol will be served.
Consider having your reception at a venue that doubles as entertainment, such as an art gallery, theme park, or sports arena. This way, people will be too busy participating and exploring the venue to miss the alcohol.
You’ll have to choose alternatives for the cocktail hour and bar after the ceremony. For example, serving hot cider or hot chocolate in winter or slushies or ice cream floats in the summertime can be fun replacements for cocktails during the “cocktail hour.” At the “bar,” make sure to have plenty of varieties to please your guests, including soft drinks, juices, water, coffee, teas, and energy drinks.
Many catering services offer a selection of “mocktails,” such as Margaritas, Pina Coladas, and cosmopolitans, that look and taste like the real thing without the alcohol content. In addition, several brands of non-alcoholic beer and wine can satisfy your ale-loving and wine-enthusiast guests.
Having extra hors d’oeuvres, desserts, or a special treat like fondue, cotton candy, or popcorn on hand will remove the focus that alcohol is not being served and instead allow guests to indulge in other ways.
Some will argue that a wedding isn’t complete without a champagne toast, but sparkling cider, sparkling water, or ginger ale can be a perfect alternative. This way, the children at your wedding can also be involved in this unique tradition. Or, you can consider replacing this tradition with a heartfelt alternative, such as lighting a unity candle by the two families or special reading.
Some find it hard to get out on the dance floor without a bit of “liquid courage,” so make sure you have a lively DJ or band that can create a fun atmosphere, even in its absence. Consider including games or choreographed dances that will get everyone up and moving. A hired emcee to keep everyone engaged in the music and activities could be a good investment instead of the alcohol tab.
To prevent guests from leaving early, have a “grand finale” for the evening, such as a slide show, fireworks, or the release of doves or paper lanterns. Give alcohol-drinking guests an after-party alternative by directing them to a local bar, club, or restaurant where they can keep the party going after your reception. If you decide to go this route, be sure to hand out the number of a local taxi company.
The other benefits of a non-alcoholic celebration include reduced costs, not worrying about guests drinking and driving, and reducing the temptation for teens or recovering alcoholics from sneaking a drink. It also encourages healthy living, lessens insurance liabilities, prevents a next-morning hangover, and keeps anyone from doing something they may not without alcoholic reinforcement. The dry reception or not, these ideas can be incorporated into any wedding for an individual and creative touch.
Don’t be pressured by those who disagree with your non-alcoholic stance. If a guest is still nagging you, you can blame cost, religion, or a recovering relative. Keep a firm stance–you may have party crashers who will try to sneak in alcohol or show up already intoxicated. If you think they will cause a scene, ask a friend or family member to escort them out. Don’t feel obligated to alert guests beforehand that the reception will be dry. If they are genuinely there for you, it will not matter. Remember that this is your and your fiancé’s day and that you can celebrate whichever way you choose. Guests are not entitled to anything but a good time when attending your wedding, and you can give them just that–even without the inclusion of alcohol.
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DJ/MC/VJ Terry Tunks and his talented team of entertainers have entertained thousands of events. Evansville, Indiana. Newburgh, Indiana. Owensboro, K, and Southern Indiana and Kentucky. In towns like JASPER, NEW HARMONY, FERDINAND, FRENCH LICK, WEST BADEN, HUNTINGBURG, AND SANTA CLAUS, In. They were based at one time in Louisville, KY, due to the sponsorship of Coca-Cola. However, SPECTRUM SOUND is just as comfortable entertaining small groups at a casual affair to 18,000 at the THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE DERBY CELEBRATION.
Spectrum Sound Serving as a DJ/MC/VJ, Lighting and Sound Technician, and Event Planner Coordinator. Your Facilitator to Ensure your Special Event is an Enormous Success!
