Tuesday, December 8, 2009

This One's On Me!

What's Your Question Wednesday
Got a wedding question? Need some expert advice? Drop me a line!

Question
We do not drink, nor do our families.
Just about every wedding I have been to has served alcohol.
I would prefer not to serve alcohol,
but am thinkng we have to. Do we?

Answer
If you ask most people, a glass of wine or a signature cocktail
goes hand in hand with a wedding reception...and a jovial good time.
Of course, many venues also "encourage" a bar option,
as it adds to their bottom line. That said, no where is it written
that alcohol must be served at a wedding. It is merely your job
to provide the guests with food and beverage.

Whether that beverage is alcoholic is entirely up to you.
Of course, realize if you do not serve alcohol,
you may "hear about it" from some guests
-yes, it would be tacky for them to say anything,
but people never surprise me! -
and, let's be honest, the alcohol (usually) plays a part
in getting the dancing and party started. So as long as you realize
the minor implications of not serving alcohol,
and you are comfortable with your decision, go for it!

You may want to choose a sparkling wine,
or "memorable" beverage for the toast.
(a sparkling soda that matches the wedding colors, perhaps!)
The toast should always be special!

As a side note, if you choose to not serve alcohol,
keep it at that. I have been asked by brides if it is
OK to not offer hosted alcoholic beverages, but to offer
the guests a no-host (cash) bar if they want alcohol.
Don't do it. Respect and adhere to your decision.

Oh...before I go...if there is no alcohol,
offer the guests something special, such as a gourmet coffee bar,
a smoothie bar, signature lemonades (rosemary, strawberry, etc.),
specialty fruit juices, or sparkling Italian sodas...
there is no reason you cannot make it fun and interesting!

Happy Planning!
Holly

Keep an eye out...and tell your engaged friends -
I will be giving away one of my books very soon!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Mmmm - gourmet coffee sounds good, so does sparkling italian sodas. Great advice. Its a massive waste of money to pay extra $$ per head on alcohol if hardly anyone drinks! I would still have champagne though for toasts!!
Cheers :-)

Holly Lefevre said...

You caught me..I hit Post on accident and am going to add that!

Unknown said...

This is really good advice for those not wanting any alcohol.

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Very interesting to read! I love these little tips even though I've never been to a wedding with no alcohol but I can understand why some wouldn't for their own reasons. Great answer!

http://candyflosspersie.blogspot.com/

Mommyof2girlz/StephD said...

Fantastic blog! My sister is getting married next year and I am defiantly passing on your site to her. Thanks for stopping by today it is great to meet you. Have a wonderful holiday season :)

Holly Lefevre said...

I have to tell ya I have never planned a wedding without alcohol either, but I get asked this question a lot when I do planning seminars.

Unknown said...

great advice! however i do like a drink at a wedding xxxx

Dejana • shopsterium.com said...

I'll agree with the last comment - I need my drink :)

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