Christian Wedding Reception

There isn't a real distinction between a Christian reception and a regular reception. A dry wedding isn't super uncommon. And I've been to a few Baptist weddings where there also was no dancing. Play music in the background and have decorations. Those will both keep it more of a party and less of a conference feeling. Do a seating chart so you know people will have other people to talk to. You can provide games at the tables, even just madlibs or a photo scavenger hunt. You can play the shoe game. Really, all the same stuff at any other reception.

You could choose to have a cake and punch reception. Sometimes people have those in the church basement after a wedding. Typically during the day.

I agree with Mandi and Jennifer.

Christian wedding receptions and traditional wedding receptions, at least in my area, are practically the same thing.

But since drinking isn't a priority for you I'd consider having a cake and punch reception. It's cheaper, and it's what a lot of folks did before the wedding industry became what it is today.

Just make sure you inform your guests ahead of time of what to expect in terms of food and drink.

You just have a normal reception (dinner, cake, toasts, dancing, etc.) but minus alcohol

I’m pretty sure that Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding reception in the Bible so I don’t think not having alcohol makes it more of a Christian wedding. But, you are a Pastor so you probably know that. Most weddings in my family (we are all devout Christians) only included wine and beer. I am the very first one to actually provide 2 signature cocktails as well. I wanted to do a full open bar, but my mom thinks providing straight liquor means people will get drunk quicker and I want to respect her wishes. The reception is really more to thank your guests for coming and celebrating you and your marriage so I think you could provide champagne or just wine.

I am having a dry wedding, don't let anyone on these forums bully you about not having alcohol! I've seen some ugly threads about it.
I say have a signature drink, Arnold Palmer, maybe a raspberry lime Rickey.
Overall I think a reception is kind of the same across religions and cultures, food and dancing!
You could get scripture based decorations or favors if you wanted to emphasize that angle but overall don't stress out about it. Maybe a prayer before eating.

Lemonade and iced tea baby! I'm doing this and I love it! No crazyness that day!

What you are referring to is actually simply a dry wedding. We were married by our deacon (Catholic) who actually makes his own beer and wine and gifted us with a bottle 😊
just simply do not have alcohol if you are not a drinker. Or provide only beer and wine as a
courtesy to your guests that do.

Add club soda to a variety of beverages to make them into champagne like drinks. Sparkling lemonade, sparkling fruit punch, etc. Or you can just buy sparkling grape juice. Maybe O'douls (non-alcoholic beer) for those who want the beer taste. Good music and food.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Kelly. I have started looking into that. That is an awesome idea. I also just did a google search and found many different recipes for virgin drinks.

View Quoted Comment That is a good idea. Thank you.

View Quoted Comment Yes, I do not want the craziness on my special day.

View Quoted Comment Thank you. That is what we will do but with virgin drinks on top of the soda and iced tea.

View Quoted Comment Thank yo. We have started informing the guests since they have to RSVP.

View Quoted Comment I love the games idea. We will incorporate that with some other ideas like a raffle. I also love the scavenger hunt idea as well. Thank you for the great idea.

View Quoted Comment I actually thought about that. That is a good idea as well.

View Quoted Comment That is not a bad idea but neither of us drink and neither do most of our friends. Thanks for the idea.