Is a dry wedding really that bad? Lol

I dont think it will be a huge issue but be prepared for people sneaking alcohol either on their person or in the parking lot.

View Quoted Comment Hahaha omg, I mean it’s just a few hours! But I get it thanks!!

It’s not the end of the world. If people decline for this reason only, they’re not the kind of people you want at your wedding anyway.

Honestly that plan sounds nice! if people want to party with alcohol they can surely do it after

Hey love!! I think this is a great idea! It’s about you and your fh! People will always have something to say even if it’s not a dry wedding! As a guest I don’t really care to drink ! good food and dessert and soda tea coffee your good to go! You can offer like those sparkling grape Welch drinks for toast or the apple one they taste so good!

I think it really depends on your crowd. In my circle, dry weddings tend to be remembered because of the fact that it they are dry (I’ve literally had people ask me, ‘please tell me you’re having alcohol, I can’t do a repeat of X’s wedding). If your crowd aren’t big drinkers or are otherwise ok with it then it’s no issue.

There is no reason or need to announce you are having a dry wedding.. As with any other wedding they will find out what is going on when they get there. If someone can't go a few hours (like they do on countless occasions such as work, etc) without alcohol and can't enjoy themselves, then they have bigger issues to deal with on their own time.

Many people enjoy themselves without alcohol. It will not be an issue. What you are planning sounds great.

I’ve been to plenty of dry weddings. If you want to make it more party - you could have afternoon reception and go out aftet?

I wouldn't decline a dry wedding invite and I wouldn't do this, but I suspect as the other posters said, many people might either sneak out into the parking lot or leave early.

The main issue with dry weddings to my mind is if they are super long and have a lot of speeches they are honestly extremely boring, especially if most of the guests don't know each other or the speakers - alcohol does tend to be social lubricant after all.

Having a shorter reception and then going out for an afterparty sounds like a great alternative!

I think this is a “know your crowd” sort of thing. As well as a matter of how formal your wedding is. We are having our wedding at a more formal venue, so a top shelf open bar is an expected part of proper hosting. If the wedding is in a place of worship (as yours is), guests should expect that there will be no alcohol. Whether that will be looked upon unfavorably really depends on your crowd. I have only been to one dry wedding and, as other people have mentioned, many guests brought in alcohol and others had bottles in their vehicles, which led people to begin congregating in the parking lot, instead of in the reception. I would hope since your reception will be held in a place of worship guests would refrain from bringing in alcoholic beverages. But, this is where the “know your crowd” thing comes into play.

I would not announce you're having a dry wedding. No need, and people are bound to sneak it in

To answer your question: No, a dry wedding is not bad. The venue prohibits alcohol and that’s that.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this. No need to make it known. Dry weddings are perfectly fine.

I like your ideas. Personally, I think it works out best when dry weddings are in the daytime. Alcohol is less expected and less missed. Maybe have a morning wedding. Then hit the bars that night for the after party.

Thank you all so much, this makes me feel a lot better. I will be having an early ceremony start time, so it really shouldn’t be a problem! Thanks

View Quoted Comment I definitely think my friends Can hold out for a few hours until we get to the bar. Thanks

For me I think it’s just a vibe thing. It’s not gonna kill me to go to a wedding without booze....but I’m also DEFINITELY not gonna be on the dance floor at a wedding without a glass or two or something — so, just prepare for that, but with the thought of a shorter reception then bar hang, it seems like you already have!

I think a dry wedding is absolutely fine if it's held during the daytime at a religious venue such as a church. As a guest, I would much rather attend a dry wedding than be faced with a tacky cash bar and asked to open up my wallet. I would say to go for it if you can hold your wedding + reception during the daytime/early afternoon.

View Quoted Comment

Agree with this.

Many dry weddings don't have a dance floor, only mingling, so that isn't an issue.

I was an under-21 bride with an entirely-under-21 bridal party. I was not interested in paying for my in-laws to drink.

We had a formal evening reception, not in a house of worship, with a dance floor that people danced the entire reception, and it was dry.

Like you, we chose to replace the bar with something else - we had a fresh smoothie bar. Everyone loved it, and if anyone "missed" alcohol, they never said anything.

Dry weddings are fine. You are correct, your friends can wait until you guys hit the bars afterward.