Five top tips for pulling off a sober wedding

Organising a wedding can be a difficult task. There’s so much to think about, so much to budget and while it will undoubtedly be the happiest day of your life, the stress building up to it can be intense.

That can be furthered by doing something against the grain of a more traditional wedding, whether it be travelling abroad or doing something like having a sober wedding.

In the case of the latter, it can be a tricky task to navigate, but one that ultimately may prove right for you, or members of your wedding party. There are many reasons for this, whether it be that as a couple you’ve never really been drinkers, or you’re one of the growing number of people who has had problems with booze and gone through alcohol rehab to get your life back on track. The last thing you want to do is relapse on your wedding day!

However, there are ways to make any sober wedding a great one, so if you’re looking to pull it off, here are five top tips…

Make Sure Guests are Aware

The key to a successful sober wedding is to ensure guests feel comfortable and included. Clearly, this means communicating that your wedding will be alcohol-free well in advance.

There are many ways in which you can do this, from adding it to your invitations, your save the date invites and on your wedding website, if you are planning on building one. This will give them a heads up and they’ll have the right set of expectations when arriving at the event.

Offer a Variety of Delicious Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Of course, if you aren’t serving alcohol, then you do need to address the drink options. Offer up an interesting array of non-alcoholic alternatives that can even surpass a bog-standard bar.

Have a range of mocktails, non-alcoholic beers and wines and guests will still feel like they’re getting a good time, just without the hangovers.

To really elevate your wedding, have a signature mocktail with some of your favourite flavours.

Focus on Entertainment

Without alcohol, entertainment becomes even more critical in keeping guests engaged and having fun. Plan a range of activities and interactive elements to ensure everyone has a good time. Hire a live band or a DJ to get the dance floor moving, and consider incorporating fun, group-oriented games or activities, such as a photo booth, lawn games, or even a dance-off competition.

You could also provide entertainment that reflects your personalities and interests. For instance, if you both love board games, set up a games corner where guests can join in. Or, if you’re into arts and crafts, have a DIY station where guests can create their own wedding mementoes. The key is to keep the energy high and provide plenty of opportunities for guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.

Curate a Memorable Menu

Good food is a highlight of any wedding, and a sober celebration is no different. Focus on creating a memorable menu that offers a variety of delectable options to suit all tastes.

Work with your caterer to design a menu that features fresh, high-quality ingredients and caters to any dietary restrictions your guests might have.

Consider serving a variety of small plates or a tapas-style menu, which encourages guests to sample different dishes and promotes socialising. Incorporate a mix of savoury and sweet options, and don’t forget a spectacular dessert table to round off the meal. The more thought and effort you put into the food, the more satisfied and happy your guests will be. It’ll become the talking point and guests will completely forget about not having alcohol.

Celebrate with Personal Touches

Finally, a wedding is a celebration of your love story. If that doesn’t involve alcohol, that’s fine. Incorporate personal touches throughout the day and give guests the reason to celebrate you and your partner.

This can really add to the day and by focusing on the more personal, guests will find it a much more meaningful and unforgettable experience, rather than a messy night out, where the night gets a little hazy.