Wedding Reception Forum

Dancing + No Alcohol???

I have a long history of alocholics in my family, and neither FH or I drink... Because we're planning to do both the ceremony and reception at our church because it's more inexpensive and easier, alcohol would most likely not be allowed (though I haven't asked and don't really want to). His family, I believe, and most of our friends would be fine with this. We don't need alcohol to have fun. As for my side of the family, though, they love to drink... and my mom doesn't think that anyone will dance if the reception is dry, and she "doesn't want to see me embarassed". Just wondering what your opinions are on this issue...? Thanks so much...Tongue Out

Re: Dancing + No Alcohol???

  • I tend to think a dry wedding may not last as long, and you are right that some people who are only comfortable dancing when the liquor is flowing probably won't dance at all. But it's perfectly fine to have a dry wedding if that is what you want.

    The one dry wedding we've been to, we did leave earlier. We did dance some because we enjoy dancing, but a lot of the younger people were not (don't know if it was lack of alcohol or if they just didn't like dancing). But it isn't poor etiquette to do a dry wedding; just be aware of the possible cons ahead of time so you aren't disappointed.


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  • I personally need liquid courage to get one the dance floor.  As long as you're ok with few people dancing and the reception possibly being over early there is nothing wrong with a dry reception.
     
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  • Dry weddings are not embarrassing. Crazy-drunk weddings can be embarrassing. Do what works for you. Don't be pressured in the decision.
  • We had a dry wedding with a dance floor.  Some of our biggest drinkers were the ones spending the most time on the dance floor.  Our dance floor was full the whole night.  I think a lot of it has to do with the atmosphere set by the B&G though.  H and I were having a blast, and I think that helped our guests let loose.
  • I think as long as you have a good DJ/play good music, people will dance! My cousin had a dry wedding and while it was shorter than most of the other receptions I've been too, we had a lot of fun on the dance floor. :)
  • I'm not serving alcohol at my wedding. I think people will dance if the music is good. I'd rather not have sloppy drunks at my wedding!
  • I don’t agree that no alcohol = no dancing. Like others have said, if there is good music, then the ones who want to dance will, regardless of alcohol. I went to a dry wedding last year and the dance floor was packed all night. They had a really awesome band so you really didn’t miss the alcohol. Then again, I love to dance. I don’t mind being one of the first ones up there before everyone else. Yes, there may be a few less (the ones who need the alcohol push), but I really don’t think it’ll be that big of a deal. 
  • aragx6aragx6 member
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    I've been to only one dry wedding and there was essentially no dancing. I've been to rowdier funerals actually, but I don't know that that has all that much to do with the lack of drinks -- rather more the general feel of that particular event.

    I will say that I'm not a big dancer, but would only do it if I had some drinks in me, so I'd definitely be on the sidelines at your event. It's pretty likely some of your guests might be the same. As long as that won't disappoint you, you should have a dry wedding if you want one.
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  • I would not be surprised attending a dry wedding if the reception was held at the church.  (Unless it's a Catholic wedding, cause we like to drink and gamble at church functions)
    So, if you have good music and food, it should be good.  You could also have your dad or whoever will deliver a welcome speech to mention how much you and your groom want people on the dance floor.
  • I know I would be slightly disappointed to arrive at a wedding and realize there was no alcohol, and I DEFINITELY need some liquid courage to get on the dance floor, but I'd get over my disappointment pretty quickly. Drinking is the main reason I go out to a bar - it's not the main reason for me to go to a wedding. Just make sure you have awesome guests and good food (especially dessert!), and most guests should be happy!
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  • We're having our wedding and reception at FI's church for the sake of ease/cost, but we knew all of our sorority/fraternity friends were going to want to drink. We decided to have a daytime wedding (11am) and everything just sort of worked itself out. There WILL be a DJ though, so whoever feels like dancing can dance. Any chance you could have your wedding during a time when people don't typically do much drinking?
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  • I was a a dry wedding reception earlier this year.  I did notice many half full glasses going outside with guets and coming back in a minute later full.   Be prepared that guests may bring their own alcohol with them and spend time going outside for re-fills.  I would guess-timate that half of the wedding guests were outside at any given time either smoking or drinking.

    The dance floor was pretty busy - YMMV.
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