There are many reasons why you might want to keep your wedding an alcohol-free zone,
whilst regardless of what those reasons are you have every right to make that your choice as you design your wedding day✨
But that can leave you wondering what to serve your guests that won’t seem a little plain.
An alcohol-free wedding isn’t for everyone, some of your guests may find it a little odd or might not fully understand your choice, but it certainly shouldn’t sway you if having a booze-free wedding is something you both want.
As we become more mindful, in general, of the amount of alcohol we consume it should come as no surprise that more and more couples are looking for alcohol-free alternatives to offer up to guests on their wedding day.
If you’re considering going alcohol-free for your wedding then you most certainly are not alone, roughly 10% of couples are currently planning alcohol-free weddings and even more have said they would like to go alcohol-free but worry about what guests would think.
Whatever the reason may be, here are a few simple suggestions to make your dry wedding go more smoothly.
For those reading this that know me- I know you’ll be thinking – Schuggie, Alcohol-free- WTF🤯
My couples (and their guests) will be familiar with my signature hipflask moments. But dinnae fash, you can still have this- alcohol-free 😍
It’s not just for weddings in January either BTW.
Mocktails🍹
Start with impressive refreshments as guests arrive for the wedding ceremony. From fruit-infused water to flavoured and styled lemonades, putting some extra thought into your guest experience is key to encouraging your wedding guests.
You could also create some non-alcoholic signature mocktails that reflect you as a couple and your guests. You could include seasonal flavours or even as a way to showcase past travels or your upcoming honeymoon. You could also include some of your guest’s favourite drinks as an alcohol-free version.
Invite the Whole Family🥂
Having an alcohol-free wedding lends itself to inviting the whole family and having a proper family affair. You can include fun games and options to keep everyone entertained along with drink options for the little people too!
Have a focus on your menu🍂
Ensure no one is missing the wine served with your meal by making your menu a spectacular affair. There are vast amounts of options available now for couples when it comes to choosing the catering that best reflects your wedding day vibe, from grazing boards to hog roasts or even interactive cooking stations.
HEY, HAVE WE MET?👋
Well, if we haven’t met- then Hi, I’m Schuggie, and I run the multi-award-winning Schuggies-Ceilidhs (it’s pronounced ShUUg- eee s – Kay-Laes btw🎉).
I’ve been hosting wedding ceilidhs since 2012, and that means I’ve experienced well over 150 in all sorts of themes and alternatives.
Hence all these tips. Picked up from chatting with couples and other Wedding Pros over the years. More than you would think without any sort of alcohol, Uisge Beath (water of life) or otherwise in sight. That’s where the fun is- in the detail and surprising yourselves (and your guests when the time comes).
If you need help with any of these as you read through them, then book a chat and I’d be happy to help, even if I’m not actually involved in your wedding.
You can book that chat here.
Some Extra Alcohol-Free Alternatives
Sparkling Water
Create a water station where guests can help themselves to different flavoured sparkling water. You could have this set up with mason jars rather than traditional glasses to put a different spin on it and create a beautiful area.
Mulled Apple Juice
In the winter serving warm drinks can be a big hit with your guests. You don’t just have to stick with coffee – think of alternatives to mulled wine that you can offer, including alcohol-free mulled wine.
Deluxe Hot Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a delicious hot chocolate station; especially if you can add extras like whipped cream, marshmallows, flavoured syrups, and more?
Alcohol-free beer/lager/wine
There are lots of varieties available these days, they taste great, and no one has to deal with a hangover the next day.
Barista-style coffees and teas
If your venue can’t already make a whole range of barista coffee then why not look at getting a supplier who can? Keep your guests buzzing on the dance floor after a double shot of espresso or help them to wind down with a nice herbal tea.
There are lots of alternatives available if you want to have an alcohol-free wedding and best of all you get to choose all of the things you want and you can have some fun with how you serve them to your guests too. Going alcohol-free, regardless of your reason, doesn’t mean that you are removing the fun from your wedding; it just means that you are adding it in in different ways.
Keeping your guests engaged and choosing the right venue and food will still ensure your guests have the time of their lives.
Are you looking for fun, unique entertainment at your wedding?
I’m the perfect solution! An award-winning Ceilidh-Caller based in the East Midlands. I specialise in providing high-quality authentic Scottish style (well I am from Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland) ceilidhs with a contemporary twist. I know how to make sure everyone has a great time.
I’ve borrowed this description of a ceilidh from Caroline Goosey Photography who captured a wedding Ceilidh I hosted down on a small barn in the Peak District in October 2022.
She sums up how much fun you can have at a ceilidh where I host and call all the dances. A ceilidh (pr. kay-lea) is probably the most inclusive dancefloor you could have😍
It doesn’t matter how many of them you’ve done before, or if you’ve done none at all.
The person calling the dances tells everyone what they need to do, and keeps it going.
Everyone dances with everyone, whether you know each other or not.
The more people the better! Everyone gets a go. No one has the chance to bust different moves, and because no one *really* knows what’s going on🤣 it’s very difficult to feel self-conscious.
Essentially, most people are just guessing what they’re supposed to be doing, and that makes it brilliant.
Want to do some more research, have a read of my blog How Much Does A Ceilidh Band Cost?
Then if you’re interested in learning more contact me today!
Click here to book a chat about your Ceilidh party🎵
My prices and packages are all up front here on my website. If there isn’t something on my website that fits your needs just let me know so we can customise a package for you today!
You can click here to check my availability and secure your date📅
