Organizing a dry wedding requires careful consideration and planning. Not only do you have to determine what kind of alcohol-free beverages will be served, but you also need to ensure that your guests understand and respect the expectations regarding alcohol.
Windows on the Water can help you figure out any etiquette considerations for hosting a dry wedding. That way, you can make sure your guests enjoy themselves without having to worry about any potential missteps or misunderstandings.
Expectations for a Dry Wedding
There are multiple things to keep in mind if you’re hosting a dry wedding, including:
Let Everyone Know in Advance
The most important thing is to make sure your guests know ahead of time that your wedding will be dry. You can do this by including the information on the invitation, on a separate card, or even through a text message if you prefer.
It’s also a good idea to include it in any pre-wedding materials, such as save-the-dates and wedding websites, so that guests have plenty of time to adjust their expectations and make any necessary changes.
Inform Your Vendors
It’s also important to inform your vendors that the wedding will be dry. They should understand which types of beverages will be served, where they need to set up, and how long they’ll need to stay.
Having this information will also help them plan ahead and make sure they bring enough supplies to accommodate all of your guests with beverages that don’t include alcohol.
Set Expectations for Guests
Another integral part of hosting a dry wedding is setting expectations for guests. Be clear about which types of beverages are allowed and which aren’t.
It’s also important to remind guests not to bring their own alcohol or attempt to bring it in from outside sources. If you’re worried that someone might try to do this, you can have security at the entrance to check bags and confiscate any alcohol that is found. Finally, it’s good to kindly remind guests to respect the wishes of the couple and not pressure them into drinking or offering drinks to others.
You Don’t Need a Reason
On that note, you never have to give a reason for your decision to have a dry wedding. It’s completely up to you and your partner, and if someone is worried about why there will be no alcohol served, it’s okay to simply tell them that it’s your preference and to leave it at that.
Your reason for having a dry wedding might be very personal to you and not something you want to share with others, which is absolutely your right. Don’t feel like you have to explain yourself or justify your decision.
A dry wedding can be a great way to celebrate and have fun without the worry of alcohol being involved. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to ensure that everyone understands and respects your wishes for an alcohol-free event.
Plan Your Special and Dry Wedding with Windows on the Water
Windows on the Water is your premier wedding venue in New Jersey. We offer stunning views, delicious menus, and experienced staff to help make your dream day come true. We can also work with you in order to figure out all the etiquette surrounding a dry wedding. From helping you select the perfect menu to making sure that all of your guests feel comfortable and respected, our team will work with you to create an unforgettable experience.
Give us a call today at (609) 208-9475 or fill out our contact form to start planning your special day!