dry wedding?

That is entirely your decision.  I am happy to make any request to you guests that you like.

Your wedding- your choice. In my experience most people wait till the reception before imbibing.

Simple . . . do both.  You don't want your guests sloshed before the ceremony, or during it.

If anyone objects, tell them that the occasion is a WEDDINg not an excuse for getting drunk.. If they don't like that, tell them they don't have to attend, or retract their invitation! You decide how you wnat things done.

Remember . . . it's YOUR wedding, and your guests should be coming to congratulate the two of you and wish you well! 

It is NOT an occasion where the wedding is a small adjoinder to what we might call "the pisss-up" both before and after.

Have a happy wedding exactly as you want it.  

See below for suggestions as to how you might word a preliminary note to your guests.

Absolutely! It's completely reasonable to have a dry ceremony. Many couples want their ceremony to be meaningful and focused, so this is a very normal request. Your guests will understand, and those who don't respect the boundary probably need it most! Also, you can ask your venue coordinator to not serve drinks until after the ceremony.

Dry Weddings are actually more common than you might think for couples to choose a dry ceremony or set clear boundaries around alcohol before the formalities. You’re well within your rights to do this, and most guests will respect it when it’s communicated in the right way.

Here are a few options you could consider:

• No alcohol is served until after the ceremony.
• This keeps the mood respectful and ensures guests are fully present.
• Once the ceremony is finished, drinks can start flowing at cocktail hour or reception.

How to word it politely:

“We kindly ask that you join us alcohol-free for the ceremony so we can all be fully present in the moment. Drinks will be served at the reception to celebrate together!”

• No alcohol served at all during the event.
• This is less common, but if it’s what you want, it’s 100% valid.
• You could replace alcohol with fun alternatives (mocktails, soda bar, coffee cart).

How to word it:

“Our wedding will be an alcohol-free celebration — we’re excited to enjoy the day with you in a fun and relaxed way.”

• Make it clear that guests shouldn’t arrive already drinking.
• You can ask your MC, venue staff, or even your celebrant (that could be me!) to gently remind people on the day.

How to phrase it on invitations or a website:

“Please note: no BYO drinks. Let’s save the champagne for the reception!”

? Bonus tip: If you’re especially concerned about certain friends, it might help to give them a quiet heads-upbeforehand. Most people will actually appreciate the clarity.

You and your partner are inviting (and paying) for the guests to attend, so you can choose to have whatever type of ceremony and receiption you prefer.  Most weddings couples don't offer 'pre ceremony drinks' as an option and feel it goes without saying that any food and beverage service would be offered and start after the ceremony.  It has been mentioned here that the celebrant has a legal requirement to ensure both parties are of a sober state of mind and I think extending that to the wider guests, upon arrival, is more done as a show of respect for ther wedding ceremony and the couple.  Hope you have a great wedding!

My motto is.....'It's your day so let's do it your way', so absolutely if you would like your ceremony to be a dry event, then have a dry event.

I would however suggest that your guests are well informed that this is your intention so that there is no confusion. Consider including the details with your provided wedding information or even include the details on your invitations.

I hope thus helps.

Jane ?? 

Yes, absolutely have a dry wedding if that’s what feels right for you.

It is your celebration, and it should reflect your comfort and values. You don’t need to explain your reasons to your guests, but I do recommend mentioning it on your invitations so everyone knows what to expect before the day.

If you have the time and means, consider creating a signature mocktail to serve on arrival at the reception. It’s a wonderful way to set the tone, add a sense of occasion, and leave a lasting impression, all with class, fun, and none of the alcohol.

I think a dry ceremony is a great idea. It shows great respect from your guests to wait until the Ceremony is finished and then celebrate your marriage with a drink. Of course, it all depends on the type of ceremony you wish to have. There is no rule to say you can't have drinks before the ceremony but it is definatly something to look forward to if the guests wait until the marriage ceremony has finished.  Cheers, Greg