What is a Dry Wedding?
A dry wedding is a wedding where no alcohol is served or consumed during the celebration. While alcohol is a common feature at many weddings, some couples choose to skip it for personal, religious, or practical reasons. A dry wedding doesn’t mean a dull celebration, it simply means finding creative and fun alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages! If you’re considering a dry wedding or are attending one, here’s everything you need to know.
Dry Weddings: A Modern Take on Celebrating Love
A "dry wedding" is a wedding ceremony and reception where alcohol is not served. This trend is gaining popularity among couples for various reasons, including personal beliefs, health concerns, and a desire for a more relaxed and family-friendly celebration. Here are some reasons for choosing a dry wedding.
Religious or Personal Beliefs: Some couples and their families may have religious or personal beliefs that prohibit the consumption of alcohol.
Health and Wellness: Many couples are prioritizing health and wellness and want to create a sober and healthy environment for their guests.
Family-Friendly Focus: Dry weddings can be particularly appealing to couples with young children or who want to create a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
Budgetary Considerations: Eliminating alcohol from the wedding budget can lead to significant cost savings.
Some guests may expect alcohol, so it’s best to set the right expectations beforehand.
Include a Note on the Invitation: “Join us for a night of love, laughter, and delicious mocktails as we celebrate our big day!”
Mention It on the Wedding Website: “Our wedding will be alcohol-free, but we’re serving delicious handcrafted drinks and amazing food!”
Tell Close Family & Friends in Advance: They can help spread the word and set the tone for the event.
Some guests may be surprised, but most will respect your decision, especially if the event is well-planned and engaging. With great entertainment, delicious food, and creative drinks, a dry wedding can be just as lively and enjoyable as any other wedding.
How to Make a Dry Wedding Fun & Memorable
Offering a well-thought-out mocktail menu with handcrafted, alcohol-free beverages makes the drink selection feel special. Consider serving signature mocktails, such as virgin mojitos, blackberry basil spritzers, or lavender lemonade, in elegant glassware to maintain a sophisticated vibe. For a more interactive touch, set up a DIY drink station where guests can mix their own mocktails with fresh fruit, flavored syrups, and herbs. Another crowd-pleaser is a coffee and tea bar, complete with gourmet options like cold brew, chai lattes, and herbal infusions. If you’re hosting a summer wedding, a fresh juice or smoothie bar adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to the celebration.
Also consider elevating your menu by incorporating gourmet dishes, interactive food stations, and late-night snacks. Instead of a traditional sit-down meal, you could set up a variety of food stations, such as a build-your-own taco bar, a sushi-rolling station, or a decadent charcuterie display. A dessert bar with a variety of treats like donuts, cupcakes, s’mores, or an interactive chocolate fountain will give guests something to look forward to, and a late-night snack station with mini sliders, truffle fries, or gourmet popcorn can keep the energy up as the party continues.
Hiring a great DJ or live band ensures the dance floor stays packed. You can also introduce fun dance floor games, such as dance-offs, group choreography, or a surprise flash mob, to get guests involved. If dancing isn’t your style, consider unique entertainment options like a magician, fire dancers, or even a comedy act to keep the mood light and fun. For a more interactive experience, setting up lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or bocce ball can provide fun for guests of all ages. A photo booth with themed props is another fantastic way to encourage socializing and capture fun memories.
At the end of the day, a wedding is about celebrating love, commitment, and joy and none of that requires a single drop of alcohol. By setting the right tone and planning engaging experiences, you can ensure your dry wedding is just as vibrant and unforgettable as any other celebration! We’d love to help you plan your wedding day at Historic Acres of Hershey. Our beautiful property boasts multiple beautiful spaces. Give us a call at 717-298-6340 to learn more or contact us.