Alcohol issue at the reception...?

Question

At my reception I want to serve tea, soda, and lemonade w/ a cheese ball and then after dinner there will be an open bar. People act like this is a major letdown like they can handle not having alcohol! My parents do own a liquor store and I understand the expectation but still. I don't feel that people should be getting drunk before I even get there....opinions please!?!

by the way...it is my dad that wants the alcohol available. So that is my major problem because we keep arguing about it.

Answer 1

My best friend had a similar problem at her wedding. However, they decided not to have alcohol there at all. Her entire family was upset about it (bunch of drunks), but in the end they all showed up. Luckily, there was a bar just down the street from the reception hall and people could slip out for a drink once and a while during the dance. Your family should respect your wishes, and in the end I'm sure they'll realize that they would rather attend your wedding than skip out just because there won't be booze until later on. After all, it's YOUR wedding, you have the right to decide these things.

It's too bad people can't see the bigger picture and focus on the happiness of the couple and the future they have ahead of them. Arguing about something like this is so trite and ridiculous. Good luck and congratulations!

Answer 2

I have been to many weddings that didn't serve alcohol until dinner or after. People do tend to act like it's the worst thing in the world to have to wait an hour to drink, but it's your wedding so do what you want. For some reason, people just can't get past the free drinks at wedding receptions! It is perfectly acceptable to wait a while before serving though. Do what you want regardless. By the end of the night, they'll have forgotten they were upset about it anyway :)

Answer 3

My brother only had champane for thier toast at their reception. Then, they had an after reception party at the bar he and his wife met at--no host. Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses by far at any wedding reception. If you can cut it, do.

And I agree with you, people should NOT be getting drunk before you even walk in the room. If people can't handle an hour or two without their drinks, then they've got serious problems!

Answer 4

I am personally a drinker and I HATE not having alcoholic. I would be cringing too at your wedding and I am not a heavy drinker but I like to have wine. I don't get drunk at wedding either but I HATE when I can't get a glass of wine. Also I don't drink soda- it bothers my stomach and I am allergic to powder drinks so I stay away from Lemonade, ice tea and anything I don't know.
I honestly have never been at a wedding where people were drunk before the bride go there... I think that you don't need to screen or baby your guest. They are old enough to drink and act maturely. If your are really afraid people would get that drunk- I won't invite them! Get rid of the people not the booze :)

Answer 5

Rememeber...you are hosting a PARTY. Parties are supposed to be fun... and you don't want a boring wedding.

People expect to be fed, entretained and for liquor to be ofeerre during a party. You can afford it, your dad is more than happy to provide the alcohol...so why are you concerned?

If you are concerned about people getting drunk, then you may dosify the liquor and pace it accordingly. You can have a one hour open bar prior the reception during the cocktail-social hour, then offer just wine for dinner, and the a champgane toast. That is more than enough alcohol.
Good luck

Answer 6

While I understand you're father's "expectations", this is YOUR wedding & reception.
Those that feel they have to have a drink to enjoy themselves can do so on the way home from your reception. Those who truly care about you & sharing this wonderful day with you will do so because they want to, not because of the drinks or the food or anything else.
Surely your father understands the liquor laws & HIS & YOUR responsibility of what could happen if one of your guests gets drunk & drives home; causing an accident?
Is losing his business worth it to him?

Answer 7

well that's a toughy. is it really worth getting uspest about? no offense ment. but i if your dad really wants it and he is willing to pay. let him. at weddings most people start the heavy drinking after diner anyways. by the time you get there people will have one maybe 2 drinks anyways and thats not bad. wait till the speaches roll around and your crazy marine brother has had 9! oh wait thats my wedding. it's your day true, so why let this be an issue. if money is the case maybe settle for cash bar before dinner and open bar after. that might solve it too. couse most people if they know the bar will be open in an hour will hold off. people tend to be cheap about that. and those that feel it is that important can have their way too. hope you figure it out and don't fight about it, it will spoil the experiance for you. Good luck

Answer 8

oftentimes speaking Conservative Baptists do no longer approve of the two eating or dancing. If a marriage even officiated by utilising a pastor of a Conservative Baptist Church, in spite of the place ceremony is performed or the reception is held that officiant makes it clean that no dancing or alcohol could be in touch in any different case they do no longer look to be unfastened to accomplish the rites. So, in case you have a non-Baptist officiant in a non-Baptist church or different area there must be no non secular regulations from that stand factor. As on your moms and dads' compunctions you need to make your preparations devoid of their expertise in case you do no longer desire to handle their objections. in simple terms be arranged for a mass exodus out of your reception in case you invite lots of those with the comparable ideals. people will depart as quickly by way of fact the song starts or on the 1st sign of alcohol. you will possibly no longer truly innovations that. i'm in simple terms asserting don't be shocked. i've got self assurance for you. I had the comparable concern with my wedding ceremony and because I had the two the marriage and the reception on the church i truly had no determination. I had even taken dancing classes before i found out we could no longer even have song. It truly bugged me later while my SIL had a definite church blessing for her husband's 50th birthday and then a large party at their domicile. The pastor confirmed up and had numerous Margaritas. particularly that is all in simple terms communicate. Have the party you desire and handle despite occurs.

Answer 9

I have a gf who doesn't drink at all and neither does her hubby. But her dad said that if he was paying for the wedding, he was going to have a bar available. She figured, she didn't care, she'd just be glad to marry her sweetie.

Really, it IS up to you and what you're comfortable with. I opted not to have any alcohol available at my wedding because I didn't want anyone getting sloppy or doing anything that would cause any embarrassing pictures.

Remember, above all, this wedding is about YOU and your FIANCE. Noone else. They don't have to like it.

Answer 10

FYI, the period of time when your guests are waiting for you to arrive is called the "cockail hour." It is a generally accepted idea that cocktails (alcohol) will be served during this time. It is a letdown for many people, especially because most guests prefer to drink early and switch to nonalcoholic drinks later, so that they will be able to drive home. Your method would be increasing the number of people who are drunk at the end of the night.