Deciding whether or not having alcohol on your Wedding day is right for you and your wedding party.
Celebrating with a drink in hand has become a tradition for many, making alcohol a staple at countless weddings. When it comes to your wedding, the presence of alcohol may be a non-negotiable for some, while others might opt for a dry celebration. The challenge, then, is to strike a balance—creating a wedding that feels uniquely yours while ensuring your guests feel welcomed and accommodated. Whether you envision a cocktail reception or prefer a more sober affair, the decision to include alcohol is one that requires careful thought. In this post, we’ll explore both the pros and cons of serving alcohol at weddings and provide suggestions for alternative options that can keep your celebration lively without the booze.
Weighing the Pros and Cons!
Pros of Having Alcohol at Your Wedding:
Enhanced Celebration: For many, a wedding is the ultimate celebration. Having alcohol can elevate the mood, provide a relaxed atmosphere, and encourage guests to mingle and interact.
Customizable Drink Options: Whether it’s signature cocktails or wine pairings with dinner, we can suit the theme of the wedding. You can even create a unique drink menu that tells a story about you and your partner.
Guests’ Enjoyment: In certain social circles, alcohol is expected. If you know your guests enjoy a drink or two, offering alcohol will increase their enjoyment of the event.
Toasts and Traditions: The act of raising a glass to the bride and groom is a tradition at many weddings, symbolizing shared joy and good wishes. For many, it would feel incomplete without it.
Cons of Having Alcohol at Your Wedding:
Cost Considerations: Alcohol can be expensive, it may drive up the overall cost of your event. Whether you choose an open bar or limited drink offerings, the cost of purchasing, serving, and staffing can add up quickly. But don’t fear for the Lizton Lodge has affordable and fluid bar options for your wedding that can fit any size and budget!
Guest Behavior: While alcohol often leads to more relaxed and fun conversations, it can also lead to unruly behavior. Overindulgence can result in a loss of control, and the consequences could range from embarrassing moments to more serious disruptions.
Exclusion of Non-Drinkers: If you have guests who don’t drink for personal, religious, or health reasons, alcohol may create a sense of exclusion. Offering a diverse range of drinks that cater to everyone’s preferences is important to avoid isolating those who abstain.
Alternatives
Speaking of coffee there are alternatives to having alcohol at your wedding! A dry wedding doesn’t need to be dry with the ever increasing popularity of mocktails or even a coffee bar with our trained bartenders making fun drinks for you and your guests can really be a fun twist that your guests will remember every time they drink coffee! As the sole distributor of alcoholic beverages at our wedding venue we know that not everyone chooses to drink for whatever reason, so we offer alternatives like the ones above! From non-alcoholic options like the ones mentioned above to more simple and classic options like tea, lemonade and water present to keep your guests hydrated and happy! We also have great options for our brides who want alcohol during the getting ready process of the wedding day with our options of beer or mimosas for getting ready!
Know thy audience
This depends on your circle. If most or all of your guests choose to be sober, dislike drinking, or are recovering then it's fine and even necessary to have no alcohol. But if your guests are the type to view alcohol as a basic part of weddings and celebration, not having it will be seen as inhospitable. While the wedding day is all about you and your spouse, your guests are a part of that day also, and being hospitable to your guests wants can be the most important way to make your big day enjoyable and easy.
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