Theo Nash
Planning a wedding can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding whether or not to serve alcohol. While some couples choose not to serve alcohol for religious, medical, or personal reasons, others may be concerned about the expense or the potential for alcohol-fuelled drama. Whatever the reason for opting for a dry wedding, there are plenty of ways to ensure your guests have fun without alcohol. From creative mocktails and non-alcoholic drink options to lawn games, photo booths, and unique venues, a bit of creativity and planning can ensure your wedding is a memorable celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dancing | Hire a good band or DJ to keep people on the dance floor. |
| Disco lights will help people feel less self-conscious about dancing. | |
| Lead by example and get on the dance floor. | |
| Drinks | Serve fun non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, tea and coffee, kombuchas, sparkling tonics, sodas, root beer, and cream sodas. |
| Create a signature mocktail with your caterers. | |
| Set up a cigar bar. | |
| Food | Serve "after hours" snacks like mini sliders, tacos, gourmet popcorn, and flatbreads. |
| Serve floats, malts, and milkshakes to satisfy your guests' sweet tooths. | |
| Activities | Set up a photo booth with props. |
| Organise large group games or hire wedding entertainers who do things like play games between each table, tell jokes, and get the bride and groom to do silly games. | |
| Plan a romantic sunset hike, horseback riding, or a scenic trip up the slopes on a ski lift or gondola. | |
| Organise lawn games. | |
| Set up a bonfire or host a guided stargazing session. |
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What You'll Learn
Offer fun non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, sodas, and floats
If you're looking to host a fun wedding without alcohol, offering fun non-alcoholic drinks is a great way to go about it. You can get creative and make your celebration memorable with unique drink options that will delight your guests.
One way to do this is by creating signature mocktails for your wedding. Work with your caterers to craft a special drink that reflects your taste and style. For instance, a light and refreshing basil blackberry spritz for a summer garden soiree or a spiced apple cider for a fall fête. You can even create a mocktail version of a classic cocktail like a Moscow mule or a mojito. To make it more festive, serve your signature mocktail in pretty glassware with fun garnishes, and your guests will be raving about it.
If you want to offer a variety of options, set up a self-serve station with different types of drinks. You can have a tea and coffee bar with artisanal coffee options and unique tea blends. You can also provide ingredients for guests to mix and match their own mocktails, such as aqua frescas, shrubs, kombuchas, and fresh fruit syrups served in nice jars and decanters. Don't forget to include some fun and colourful options like a rose and rhubarb soda, a pineapple mocktail, or a tangerine rosemary mocktail. For a tropical twist, try a pineapple coconut water with fresh ginger juice and coconut water.
For something extra special, consider setting up a cigar bar with comfortable lounge chairs, mood lighting, and candles. You can even have a professional on-site offering cigar rolling services. This will give your guests a unique and elegant experience to enjoy alongside their non-alcoholic drinks.
With these fun and creative drink options, your guests will be toasting to a wonderful wedding celebration, and you'll have peace of mind knowing that everyone is having a great time, alcohol-free!
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Set up a photobooth with props and games
If you're looking for ways to make your wedding fun without alcohol, setting up a photobooth with props and games is a great idea! Not only will it encourage your guests to interact and boost the social atmosphere, but it will also give your friends and family a break from the dance floor. It can even function as an alternative activity for those who feel uncomfortable dancing.
You can choose to rent a photo booth or create your own photo station. If you're opting for the latter, you'll need a well-lit backdrop with a decorative display that matches your wedding aesthetic. You can then have your guests use their phone cameras, or you can supply disposable or Polaroid cameras. Alternatively, you could have a professional photographer document the mini-shoots.
When it comes to props, you can get creative and use all sorts of items, such as:
- Big sunglasses, feather boas, and jokey sign sticks
- Colourful ombre wigs
- Custom signs in different languages
- Neon signs with play-on words
- Funky hats or custom signs
- Black, gold, and silver beaded necklaces
- Ring lights
- Headbands with unicorn horns, dragon wings, Minecraft swords, and Mario & Luigi hats
With a photobooth, your guests will have some extra fun and tangible memories to take home with them.
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Hire a band or DJ to encourage dancing
If you want to encourage your guests to dance at your wedding without alcohol, hiring a band or DJ is a great idea. A DJ can create a party atmosphere and keep the energy high throughout the reception. They can accommodate requests, seamlessly transition between genres, and read the crowd to ensure everyone enjoys the music. If you're worried about your guests feeling self-conscious about dancing, a skilled DJ can ensure there is less lighting on the dance floor and create a party atmosphere with disco lights.
A live band can also bring a lot of energy to your wedding reception. They can perform a variety of songs and create a unique and memorable experience for your guests. If you want a more intimate or romantic vibe, you could hire a singer-guitarist or a string quartet. These options are more sophisticated and can create a specific ambiance with their music.
When selecting a DJ or live band, it is important to consider the logistics and your budget. A DJ typically requires minimal setup and has great control over volume, making them a good choice for both indoor and outdoor venues. They can also offer a broader genre selection and accommodate requests. However, live music fosters a different kind of connection with the guests and can create a more intimate atmosphere. Live musicians may be a better choice for venues with difficult physical logistics or noise restrictions. They can adjust the volume and tempo of their performances to match the mood of the moment.
Whether you choose a DJ or a live band, make sure they are experienced and professional. You can also consider combining the two by hiring a DJ and a live musician to perform at different times during your wedding. This can create a versatile and dynamic musical experience for your guests.
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Plan activities like lawn games, a cigar bar, or a guided stargazing session
If you're looking for ways to make your wedding fun without alcohol, planning activities is a great way to keep your guests entertained. Here are some ideas for lawn games, a cigar bar, and a guided stargazing session:
Lawn Games
Lawn games are a fantastic way to get your guests involved, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Sack races, for example, are a budget-friendly option that is easy to set up and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. You could also try lawn games like cornhole, totem tennis, or a supersized version of Jenga. If you want to add a personalized touch, consider customizing the Jenga pieces with questions about the couple. For a more active game, set up a limbo contest or a game of mini golf. These games will get your guests moving and create a lively atmosphere.
Cigar Bar
Adding a cigar bar to your wedding can be a unique and memorable experience for your guests. First, check with your venue to ensure that cigar bars are allowed and to determine the best location for it. When it comes to finding a vendor, look for one that has a physical store or office where you can sample their products. The cost of a cigar bar should typically be around 1-3% of your total wedding budget. Consider stocking your cigar bar with a slightly larger ratio of cigars to guests, and opening it after dinner or once the dance floor opens up, so guests can relax and enjoy at their leisure.
Guided Stargazing Session
Incorporating stargazing into your wedding can add a touch of romance and create a sense of wonder. While you can't control the weather or the moon phases, you can plan your wedding around favorable seasons and times of the month for the best stargazing conditions. Pick a location that offers a clear view of the night sky, and consider including activities like setting intentions for your relationship or simply reflecting on the momentous day. Stargazing can be the centerpiece of your wedding or a fun addition to your existing plans.
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Choose a scenic venue that prohibits alcohol, like a national park
If you're looking for a scenic venue that prohibits alcohol, consider a national park. National parks offer a range of natural landscapes, from mountains and waterfalls to forests, deserts, and beaches. Some popular choices include:
- Olympic National Park, which offers snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, temperate forests, roaring waterfalls, and rocky beaches. It's also one of the few national parks that is snow-free and open year-round.
- Redwood National Park, known for its giant redwood trees, also boasts incredible black sand beaches and coastal overlooks. It's another park that is open year-round and is relatively dog-friendly.
- North Cascades National Park, often referred to as "The Swiss Alps of America," offers stunning mountain views, alpine lakes, and endless hiking trails.
- Zion National Park, with its massive sandstone cliffs in rich hues of cream, pink, and red, set against turquoise skies.
- Glacier National Park, which offers a variety of locations for small and large ceremonies.
When choosing a national park, keep in mind that most have restrictions on decor and other amenities. Typically, you won't be able to bring chairs, tables, arbors, speakers, or non-native bouquets. Some parks also have specific days and times when weddings are allowed, so be sure to check the permit requirements for your chosen park. Additionally, national parks tend to be busy during peak season, so consider planning your wedding during the off-season or on a weekday to ensure more privacy.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to make your wedding fun without serving alcohol. You could set up a photobooth with props, hire wedding entertainers, or provide games for each table. You could also have a cigar bar, create a signature mocktail, or serve a variety of fun non-alcoholic drinks.
You could serve a signature mocktail, or choose from a range of non-alcoholic options such as fancy root beer, cream soda, seltzers, kombuchas, sparkling tonics, or non-alcoholic beers and wines.
You could have a romantic swim or hot tub soak, gather around a bonfire, go stargazing, or play lawn games. You could also set up a photo booth with props, or hire wedding entertainers who play games and tell jokes.
You could hire a good band or DJ to keep people on the dance floor. You could also make sure there are disco lights so that people don't feel self-conscious about dancing.
You may want to set realistic expectations, as some guests may leave earlier than they would if alcohol was served. You could also choose a unique venue that doesn't allow alcohol, such as a national park or a beach, to remove the temptation of serving alcohol.
