The sober wedding day is becoming more and more popular across the world. Where for many across the UK it was a chance to let loose and do your absolute best to drink the bar dry, times are changing, driven by education around the dangers of alcohol, as well as more of us being conscious of living a healthy lifestyle.
Sober wedding days can still be challenging though, but so important, particularly if one of the happy couple, friends or family have been through alcohol rehab as a result of addiction. After all, you want it to be a celebration and for everyone to be happy.
And happy everyone can be with a sober wedding, providing you get it right, to the point where drinkers won’t even notice alcohol is missing! But how do you do that? Well, here are five top tips to help you plan your sober wedding…
Create a Thoughtful and Inclusive Drinks Menu
The first port of call is to think about what you’re going to replace alcoholic drinks with. Just because you’re removing booze from your menu, it doesn’t mean that menu has to be boring. You should consider a well thought out selection of mocktails and non alcoholic drinks to bring a real touch of sophistication to proceedings.
You may even want to opt for sparkling non alcoholic wines and champagnes for that bit of fizz, especially when it comes to toasts.
Mocktails can be a good option, as they’re not only tasty but add that air of entertainment, particularly if you hire a mixologist to craft them as you order too.
Focus on Engaging Entertainment
Good entertainment can really steal the show at a wedding, so putting a little extra thought into this area can ensure everyone is entertained throughout the day and into the evening. There are so many options for this. You could opt for the likes of live music, lawn games, fairground rides, the list goes on. There will always be something fun available to fit in with your budget.
Ultimately, by keeping everyone entertained, you’ll ensure alcohol isn’t missed and they can fully concentrate on enjoying themselves at your celebration.
Set the Tone with Communication
Prior to the wedding itself, you might want to communicate with guests that it is a sober wedding. This will ensure nobody is surprised when they arrive and you can set expectations clearly.
Try to frame the decision in a positive light, focusing on the values and experiences you wish to highlight. For example, discuss how you want to form meaningful connections with people without alcohol. Most people will understand and throw themselves into the event fully.
Plan a Delicious and Memorable Menu
Like entertainment, you can really remove the need for alcohol by creating standouts elsewhere. Food also has the ability to do this and a well-curated many can really leave a lasting impression.
Design a menu with your caterer that’s both visually stunning and equally delicious. Of course, remember people need to be fed throughout the day, so also think about things such as gourmet coffee bars and late night snacks to keep people going into the night, as well as something to look forward to.
Celebrate Your Way
Of course, the most important tip for organising a sober wedding is to stay true to yourselves as a couple. This is your day, and it should reflect your values, preferences, and love story. Don’t feel pressured to conform to traditional wedding norms if they don’t align with your vision.
Celebrate in a way that feels authentic to you, whether that means focusing on spirituality, incorporating cultural traditions, or simply having a relaxed, intimate gathering with close friends and family. Your guests are there to celebrate your love, and they’ll appreciate and respect the effort you’ve put into creating a day that’s meaningful to you.