It might be that you or your close family members or friends don't drink, either for religious, health or safety reasons. Maybe some of those close to you are recovering alcoholics or just plain teetotalers, allergic to alcohol or restricted from drinking it due to a medical condition. Or like many they just prefer living life sober.
It's also possible that the reception hall or hotel you've chosen may not permit alcohol to be served, for liability reasons or because they just don't have a liquor license. Consider too, alcohol can be an expensive proposition at a wedding reception, depending on the size of the party and the liquid appetite of the guests. Maybe you'd just prefer not to deal with the hassle and the expense.
Whatever the situation, you may have already weighed the benefits and made your own decision whether or not you want to serve alcohol at your wedding reception. Chances are, if your guests already know you well or are part of your social circle, they may already anticipate an alcohol-free event.
What time is it?
You may wish to have your reception at a time when people are less likely to drink alcohol, such as before noon. (This works for most people, although if the bachelor or bachelorette party were held the night before, you may get some requests for mimosas or bloody marys.) Having a beautiful sunrise wedding on the beach, or a crisp morning ceremony in a plush garden, with a bountiful breakfast, brunch or lunch served afterwards, can make for a wonderful wedding day. And with a reception following such an early wedding, guests will be a lot less likely to expect alcohol. Don't forget to consider that the hotter the weather is, the thirstier your guests will probably be.
Tea? Totally
An afternoon tea reception is another refreshing possibility. A nice tea reception in a garden or home, served with finger foods, sandwiches, croissants, cheese, scones, muffins and fresh fruit can also be an effective way to entertain a large number of people at a reasonable cost. Iced tea is nice, too, and feel free to include different varieties such as Thai iced tea, add flavors like raspberry, or enhance with garnishes such as mint leaves. Coffee fits right in here too; consider a cappuccino and espresso bar, mochas, lattes, and special blends including Columbian, Cuban, Puerto Rican, or any other exotic varieties of coffee you can find. Coffee is chic these days, and you are sure to find a large variety at your local retail outlet or coffeehouse. Ask your caterer about portable espresso carts, which can include coffee and espresso machines, and anything from grinders, brewers and blenders to grills, ovens, snacks and bakery items.
Getting Good Reception
These days sober receptions are becoming more common. Many establishments offer a variety of alternatives to alcohol. Ask your caterer or reception staff for ideas. We consulted the Catering Department of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. Here are some of their suggestions, and our own ideas, for keeping your reception refreshing:
- Water, whether bottled, plain, flavored, or mineral.
- Non-alcoholic beers and wines, such as the Sutter Home Fre line of non-alcoholic wines.
- A juice and smoothie bar, including all types of blended and non-blended fruit drinks and juices, such as apple cider, pink lemonade, smoothies, protein and ginseng drinks, and any other exotic juices available at your local grocer, health food store, or alternative market.
- Punch, made from fruits, juices, and other luscious liquids to create a variety of thirst-quenching concoctions.
- Sodas (a.k.a. "pop"), including the usual array of caffeinated and decaffeinated colas, root beers and "un-colas."
- Sports drinks, like the kind that quenches your thirst after a nice long hike or… wedding ceremony.
- Floats, malts and shakes, and any other blended or non-blended ice-cream drink you can dream up.
- Exotic, non-alcoholic drinks, including the selection of regular and blended bar drinks that can be served as "virgin" concoctions, without alcohol. Favorites include piña coladas and bloody marys. Ask the catering or bar manager ahead of time to prepare some daring but delicious drinks, to tease and titillate the taste buds of your guests. Or you can pick up an inexpensive bartender's manual and make some of your own suggestions. Don't forget to include Shirley Temples and Roy Rogers for kids of all ages, with lots of cherries and fruit slices on the side.
Any or all of these alternatives will help keep your guests in good spirits, without the need for spirits. If dancing is planned, no doubt there will be a serious need for some liberal libations. At a minimum, make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives such as juices, sodas and water available.
Toasted
For the toasts there are a variety of sparkling juices on the market, such as sparkling cider and grape juice. Martinelli's makes special champagne alternatives, including:
- Sparkling Cider
- Sparkling Apple-Grape
- Sparkling Apple-Cranberry
- Martinelli's Mimosas
- Ginger Cider Fizz -- a blend of cider, apricot nectar, club soda and ginger
- Sparkling Apple-Grape Punch -- a mix of sparkling apple-grape, nectar and chunks of fruit
- Acapulco Sunset
- Pine-Apple Colada
Bar Some
One alternative that allows you to serve alcohol but may limit the amount of consumption is to have a bar that serves a limited variety of drinks, such as beer and wine only, or that is open for a limited time, such as a cocktail hour before the reception begins. Instead of a bar, waiters can serve the drinks, or they can be stationed by the doors to offer specific choices from trays as guests walk in.
Save Yourself
If you decide not to serve alcohol out of respect to your family or particular guests, but are not averse to imbibing yourself, you can always have a bottle of wine or champagne stashed in your hotel room to enjoy later. Or you can save it for an after-party, where the guest list may be more limited and those present may also be more likely to spend the night at the location.
Drive Safely Into The Sunset
Even if some of your guests really want to drink, if they are worthy of being invited to your wedding they will understand and respect your decision. Alcohol can be fun, but it isn't required for your guests to have a great time. When you are exhilarated with your love for each other, the companionship of your family and friends, and your hope for the future, you certainly won't need alcohol to help you on your way.
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