Mason Delacroix
Alcohol is often a staple at weddings, but it can be a source of concern for some couples, especially if they have guests with a history of alcohol abuse. In such cases, couples may opt for a dry wedding or implement measures to prevent guests from overindulging. While it is impossible to control everyone, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of alcohol-related incidents and ensure the safety of your guests. From setting clear expectations with bartenders to serving food and offering non-alcoholic alternatives, this paragraph will explore strategies for managing alcohol consumption at your wedding when alcoholics are in attendance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventing Alcoholics from Drinking | Ask servers not to serve them |
| Don't have an open bar | |
| Buy a limited amount of alcohol | |
| Have a dry wedding | |
| Preventing Alcoholics from Acting Out | Send them home |
| Lean on the staff (security and on-site wedding staff) | |
| Alert the bartender to cut them off | |
| Notify your planner so they can monitor the situation | |
| Give them a glass of water | |
| Put them in a cab | |
| Shut down bar service during dinner | |
| Only serve wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks during cocktail hour | |
| Serve mocktails |
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What You'll Learn
No open bar
If you're worried about wedding guests with a history of alcohol abuse, you might consider not having an open bar. This could mean having a dry wedding, or limiting the amount of alcohol available.
One option is to only serve wine and beer, which have a lower alcohol content than spirits. You could also choose to only serve alcohol at certain points during the day, such as during cocktail hour and with dinner. It's common to shut down bar service during dinner, for example. You could also choose to not serve shots or double drinks.
If you decide to go ahead with an open bar, you can still take steps to prevent guests from drinking too much. Make sure your bartender knows your expectations around moderate drinking, so they can keep an eye out for anyone who has had too much. You could also offer a range of mocktails, as well as food to help soak up the alcohol, such as late-night snacks.
If you're concerned about a specific guest, it's worth noting that it can be hard to control their drinking. You could ask servers not to serve them, but this may not be effective. If they do end up drinking too much, it's usually the responsibility of security and on-site staff to handle the situation, rather than the happy couple.
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Limit alcohol options
If you're concerned about alcoholics attending your wedding, one option is to limit the alcohol options available. This can be a good way to discourage excessive drinking and prevent guests from getting too intoxicated.
Firstly, you could avoid serving liquor. Spirits like vodka, tequila, and gin have a high alcohol content and are more likely to lead to intoxication. Instead, opt for drinks with a lower alcohol content, such as wine, beer, or cider. These drinks are generally safer options and can be enjoyed responsibly by your guests.
Another strategy is to avoid offering shots. Shots are often consumed quickly and can lead to rapid intoxication. By eliminating shots from the menu, you encourage guests to sip their drinks slowly and take breaks, helping them to pace themselves throughout the event.
In addition, consider shutting down the bar during dinner. This is a common practice and allows guests to focus on enjoying their meal and socializing without the distraction of an open bar. Guests can still enjoy wine served at the tables, but the absence of a full bar during this time can help to naturally curb alcohol consumption.
You might also want to include some non-alcoholic options, such as mocktails. This gives guests the opportunity to take a break from drinking without feeling left out. It also provides an alternative for those who choose not to consume alcohol at all.
If you're concerned about a specific guest with a history of alcohol abuse, it may be best to speak privately with the bartending staff. While it may be challenging to monitor this individual's consumption, bartenders can be discreetly informed to avoid serving them alcohol or to limit the number of drinks they provide.
Remember, it's your wedding, and it's important to make decisions that align with your values and comfort level. Limiting alcohol options is just one strategy to manage alcohol consumption, and you can also consider other measures such as providing nourishing meals, late-night snacks, and encouraging safe transportation options for your guests.
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Provide food and water
If you are concerned about alcoholics attending your wedding, one way to mitigate the risks is to provide food and water.
Firstly, ensure there is plenty of food available throughout the day and evening. This will help to slow down the absorption of alcohol and prevent guests from getting too drunk too quickly. Aim to provide a well-balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and fats. You could also offer late-night snacks, such as pizza or sliders, to help soak up the alcohol before guests depart.
Secondly, make sure there is always water available. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of alcohol, so encourage guests to drink water throughout the day and evening. You could also provide non-alcoholic drinks as an alternative to alcohol, such as mocktails or soft drinks.
If you are concerned about a specific guest, you could try speaking to them privately before the wedding. Express your concerns and ask them to drink responsibly. You could also suggest that they bring a plus-one who can support them and help ensure they don't drink too much.
Finally, consider the type of alcohol you will be serving. Liquors such as vodka, tequila, and gin have a high alcohol content, so it may be best to avoid these. Instead, opt for drinks with a lower alcohol content, such as wine, beer, or cider. You could also choose not to serve shots or double drinks.
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Have non-alcoholic drinks
If you are concerned about alcoholics attending your wedding, one option is to not serve alcohol at all. You can choose to have a dry wedding, and some guests may even opt to stay sober. However, this may not be enough to stop an alcoholic from drinking, as they may bring their own alcohol or drink beforehand. If you are serving alcohol, it is important to reiterate the importance of moderate drinking to your bartender, so they can serve your guests responsibly and keep an eye out for anyone who has had too much.
In addition to mixed drinks, wine, and beer, you can add some mocktails to the menu. This gives guests the option to choose a non-alcoholic drink and also helps anyone who wants to slow down their drinking or alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also choose to only serve drinks with a lower alcohol content, such as wine, beer, or cider, and avoid liquors like vodka, tequila, and gin, which have a higher concentration of alcohol.
If you are concerned about a specific guest, you could also ask them to be a designated driver, which would mean they would be less likely to drink to excess. You could also ask other guests to keep an eye on this person and help distract or remove them from situations where they might be tempted to drink.
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Prepare a transport plan
If you are concerned about alcoholics attending your wedding, it is important to prepare a transport plan to ensure they, and other guests, get home safely.
Firstly, decide whether you will be providing transport for your guests. If you are, you could arrange a shuttle bus to transfer the group back to a central location, such as a hotel. Alternatively, you could provide a list of recommended taxi companies or ride-sharing services for guests to use. If you are unable to provide transport, ensure that guests are aware they need to arrange their own.
When it comes to intoxicated guests, it is important to have a plan in place to handle the situation. Firstly, reiterate to the bartender the importance of moderate drinking and ask them to keep an eye on guests' alcohol consumption. If a guest appears to be intoxicated, alert the bartender to ensure they are cut off. You could also notify your wedding planner or a member of the wedding party so they can monitor the situation. If the guest is with a partner, it may be best to ask their plus-one to take them home. If they are alone, you may need to order them a taxi and ensure they get into it safely.
It is also a good idea to provide guests with late-night snacks and water to help soak up the alcohol and rehydrate them before they depart.
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Frequently asked questions
It is completely valid if you don't feel safe around an alcoholic family member and don't want to invite them to your wedding. You can choose not to invite them, especially if they have made you uncomfortable with their behaviour in the past.
It is important to communicate your concerns to your partner and come to a joint decision. If you decide to invite the family member, you can put measures in place to ensure your wedding is a safe space for all guests.
You can choose to have a dry wedding or limit the amount of alcohol available. If you do serve alcohol, communicate your expectations to the bartender and ask them to monitor guests' alcohol consumption. You can also provide nourishing food and non-alcoholic alternatives to slow down the absorption of alcohol.
