A few family members of mine suffer from alcoholism *some recovering alcoholics and some raging drunks* and i'd rather just help them avoid the temptation all together, and I don't want any drunken scenes at the wedding.. Some ppl have told me it's not normal to have a wedding w/o drinks. What do readers think? Thanks for the answers
2007-06-28 08:17:26 · 34 answers · asked by happily married ( : 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
No it's not wrong at all to have a dry reception. If you handle it the right way the missing alcohol won't be missed. People forget that you don't HAVE to have an open bar to have a good time. I havn't been able to drink for 4 years....I still have a blast at parties and I'm not puking with a hangover the next morning.
Just make sure you have a fun subsitute in place like "mocktails" or a smoothie bar, italian soda bar, or we are having a hot cocoa/coffee bar since ours is in winter.
2007-06-28 08:21:54 · answer #1 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 8⤊ 1⤋
First of all a lot of Blessings on your wedding day. It is your wedding and you decide on the drinks. Since some of your family members have had problems with alcohol, then don't have any at your wedding. Many persons go to weddings only for the drinks, but they must realize that it is your day to be happy and memorable. I have been to weddings where alcohol was out. Soda, juices, punches are well. Now, if you want to please your guests, then maybe a low alcohol wine if fine. If you can get to a liquor store that sells all types of drinks, here where I live there is a drink that has hardly no alcohol at all and if fizzy like champagne. It is called Cidra. Comes in green bottle with the cork. It is very good cold. You may find a bottle and try a bit for yourself and see. It is inexpensive. Here the bottle is a couple of dollars. But still, it is your wedding and your happieness if first it is your special day. So, keep the alcohol out. If no one at the wedding likes it, then they must think of you not of their filling up on drinks. They must realize that it is a time for family to be together and enjoy the special occassion. Hope you have a wonderful wedding and Bless you and your new husband and family.
2007-06-28 09:28:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having an "open bar" can be your worst enemy. Even people who do not drink liquor on a regular basis will have a drink or two or three because "someone else is paying for it."
Wedding guests love FREE drinks!
If you feel that serving alcoholic drinks (or beer or wine) is going to be a threat to the "well being" of your wedding reception than DON'T cave in to other people's pressure by making it available. Serving liquor at a wedding reception is the Bride and Groom's decision NOT your guests' decision.
And yes, there are many other Brides and Grooms, of all age groups, that do NOT serve liquor at their reception.
Here is a suggestion . . have sparkling cider or sparkling wine or champagne for the toast and that's it! No more!
I also want to caution you about people trying to bring in their own beer or wine into the banquet hall or drinking it out in the parking lot. Yes, some people will try anything!
I applaud your effort, there should be more "the bar is closed" receptions in this world!
Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant
2007-06-28 08:56:12 · answer #3 · answered by Avis B 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you decide to have alcohol, have only wine and beer available not an open bar- that's when it could get crazy or out of hand. Don't buy too much cause if you run out then they have to stop drinking or leave. I'm sure the recovering alcoholics can still have a good time and be happy for you even if other people are drinking. Do what you want, don't feel guilty if you can have a few drinks and others can't. Relax and enjoy yourself that day.
2007-06-28 08:33:50 · answer #4 · answered by missy 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Heck, no! There is NOTHING wrong with not serving alcohol. "Some ppl" are nuts, and are probably just looking for a chance to get free booze. In fact, having alcohol at a wedding where you KNOW that there will be alcoholics is a one-way ticket to having your wedding being discussed by Dr. Phil or Dear Abby. It would be irresponsible, even if you didn't end up with some wedding stories you wish you didn't have.
I got married in a church, and had the reception there, too. No alcohol. The result? No one got drunk, no one puked, no one ruined my reception, and everyone still had a great time. There is nothing wrong with serving alcohol if you want, but it is plain ludicrous that anyone would suggest that you must. The best suggestion anyone can give you regarding your wedding is this: it is YOUR wedding. Make it the wedding of YOUR dreams, not the wedding of someone else's dreams.
Good luck and congratulations!
2007-06-28 08:28:33 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
I think its a good idea but I would be prepared to see drunks anyway. Once people find out what your going to do they will bring there own drinks. It happened to my cousin a few years ago. So don't be shocked when this happens and I hope your family will be better then mine was. The cops were called out to the reception cause a few people got into a big fight and the place we were at called the cops. Not the best way to start out a marriage. So if you have a place picked out I would make sure that you can handle what comes out at you even if its the police being called on your big day.
2007-06-28 08:29:33 · answer #6 · answered by Arizona Chick 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've had two weddings/receptions & nothing alcoholic was served. Everybody had a blast & a great time, I promise.
I have alcoholics in the family as well & understand your concern. Why tempt them?
Go with what you know. Disregard what anybody else says about the alcohol, okay? There is NO rule that says you have to serve alcohol at all - anywhere. Anyone who doesn't like it can leave as soon as they find out there won't be any liquor at your party. Good luck & congratulations!!!
2007-06-28 08:38:55 · answer #7 · answered by pumpkin 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
My fiance is a recovering acoholic and has been sober for almost a year. at first we werent going to have alcohol, then we changed our minds. were gonna have a cash bar that way it hopefully doesnt get out of hand. but it is totally normal to not have alcohol at the wedding. just make sure there is plenty of other refreshments for your guests.
2007-06-28 17:44:34 · answer #8 · answered by tinkstales 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's perfectly acceptable and nothing you need to make excuses for. If you are actually asked by someone rude enough to do so, just explain it was your preference and leave it at that.
There are a number of ways to still 'celebrate and toast'. Have bottles of sparkling grape juice or cider for your toast. Instead of putting the money in to an open bar, have an ice sculpture made that you can have a punch siphoned through it. Instead of a 'wine tasting' have a "punch tasting". At your shower have the women bring their favorite punch recipes and makde 5-6 of them and have voting boxes. Have a special prize for the winner (announce the winner before or after throwing your bouquet).
2007-06-28 08:37:58 · answer #9 · answered by Cory C 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It actually happens all the time. Sometimes because the bride & groom are of a faith that doesn't allow drinking. Sometimes because the bride & groom are recovering alcoholics. Sometimes because the family is scary when put in close contact with alcohol.
Provide some iced tea or punch, as well as water...they'll be fine. They can have a drink when they get home, if they want!
2007-06-28 08:22:41 · answer #10 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋