5 Dry Reception Must-Haves

In recent years people have begun to designate January as a dry month. This basically means that some who have indulged a little too much during the holidays are using this month to detox. We all know that there are tons of physical benefits associated with removing alcohol from the diet.  

But, did you know that couples are increasingly holding dry wedding receptions? 

There are a multitude of reasons for this rise ranging from religious restrictions to budgetary benefits. And, if this is an option that you are pondering, here are five (5) considerations that should be seriously evaluated to successfully curate your reception.

Know Your Guests

Whatever type of reception that you have, it is of paramount importance that you know your guests. Will an alcohol-free reception be such a distraction that it prevents your guests from enjoying your day along with you? On the other hand, will serving alcohol offend your guests? If you are unsure, hold a frank conversation with those most important to you so that you can make an informed decision.

Give a Heads Up

It is understandable that you will want your wedding day to be full of surprises. You will want your event to be unique and include little (and possibly big) touches that your guests will remember. However, you want their memories to be positive. The decision to hold a dry reception should not be something that your guests learn about when they arrive. Instead, ensure that invited guests are well aware before they submit their RSVP.

Beverage Alternatives

Alcohol-free doesn’t mean that the beverages served are boring or just the standard soft drink fare. Consider serving signature mocktails that are tasty and creative. Work with your “bartender” to formulate something that depicts your desired wedding experience. Think about a time or place that is special to you and reflect that in the beverage. Or, create a drink that matches your wedding colors. Even better, incorporate some unusual ingredients that give your mocktail a delightful kick.

Time of Day

Holding your wedding and reception early in the day allows the meal to be served at a time that is not associated with heavy drinking. This is much more conducive to a dry reception (and easier for your guests to accept).

Great Music

Nothing makes an event more positively memorable like great music. When your guests are on the dance floor and enjoying the music, they are having fun; and, that is ultimately what you want. A wonderful wedding reception isn’t about alcohol. It is about socializing with people near and dear to you who are celebrating your new beginning. So, make this your top focus!!!

No matter how you choose to celebrate your wedding, alcohol is not the single factor that will make or break the event.  Instead, it is an amalgamation of many elements that create a great wedding reception.

Still need help thinking through the pros and cons? Contact your favorite event planner. I am here to help!!!