Dry-January is upon us and whilst a good percentage of us (the team at Pure HQ included!) have seen our alcohol consumption increase during the last couple of years (global pandemic anyone??) there has also been a rise in people abstaining from alcohol for reasons other than health and addiction. A 2020 report found that 23% of 18-24 years old are now teetotal, and another study that 56% of millennials see themselves as ‘mindful drinkers’.
This shift in behaviour has, in turn, led to a new trend in alcohol-free weddings, where couples ban booze and instead serve alternatives and it is being tipped as one of the big wedding trends for 2022.
There are lots of benefits to having an alcohol-free wedding, not least the benefit on the budget. The money saved on providing expensive alcohol for your guests can be put towards your dream venue or fabulous entertainment. There is also the very real risk of too much alcohol creating unwanted drama and hysterics, somewhat ruining your big day. From guests vomiting to starting fights, alcohol has the potential to put a serious dampener on the enjoyment of the wedding reception or end it early.
So, could a sober wedding be the right thing for you? Maybe you’re keen to omit the booze completely or are just interested in encouraging mindful drinking at your reception, if so here’s our top tips to help you achieve your vision.
Top tips to help make your wedding alcohol free (or alcohol reduced)
Inform guests in advance
If you’re having a sober (or even a sober-curious) wedding telling your guests in advance is the right thing to do. Make a note of it on your invitations and let your guests adjust their expectations. You may find some guests will RSVP no because of a lack of alcohol but that is their choice and it just allows you to invite other guests that respect your wishes.
Schedule your ceremony at a time when people are least inclined to drink
Morning and early afternoon are generally better times to put on an alcohol free (or reduced) do. Think sunrise wedding on your favourite beach where your guests will be wanting coffee as opposed to cocktails, or go for a mid-afternoon high tea vibe with guests being served delicious finger foods and gourmet teas, no pints of lager in sight.
Serve elegant mocktails instead
Non-alcoholic drinks do not have to be boring! If a pomegranate mojito or apple, elderflower and mint sparkle doesn’t strike your fancy, maybe a blood orange punch or tropical fizz will. A cute detail we’re seeing more and more of is a signature drink being offered to guests – a drink that is significant to the couple. Make this a mocktail and add some sentimentality to it for your guests to appreciate, and forget it isn’t laced with alcohol.
Use proper glassware
Following on from above nothing is less cool for teetotaling guests than holding a drink that looks as though it should belong to a child – make sure your non-alcoholic drinks are being served in proper glassware, and if possible fancy glassware!
Have a temperance bar
Having a dedicated ‘temperance bar’ which just serves non-alcoholic options is a great way to create a bit of buzz and excitement even though the options are all tee-total, and even guests who are drinking will want to try the alcohol-free alternatives to see how they compare.
If you’re planning on a dry reception or just want to cater to loved ones who don’t drink, including children, there are many more ways to incorporate a bit of alcohol abstinence into your wedding than the tips we have listed here. The internet has lots of helpful advice and guidance easily accessible to help you bring your vision to life, and you’ll be surprised at how popular alcohol-free weddings are now. Remember your loved ones want to be there to celebrate the day with you, Champagne or no Champagne. It is completely your decision whether to serve alcohol on the day, and your guests will respect and support that.
