Planning a wedding in Nashville, Knoxville or Chattanooga involves countless decisions, from selecting the perfect venue to choosing the right decor. One choice you will face is how to handle alcohol at your wedding. Whether you prefer a completely dry wedding or would like to serve wine, beer, champagne, or mixed drinks, each option comes with its own set of considerations. In this guide, we'll explore each choice, giving you knowledge on making the right decision for you and your guests based on your preferences, values and budget.
What Is A Dry Wedding?
A dry wedding means that no alcoholic beverages will be served at the event. This includes yet not limited to signature cocktails, wine, beer, champagne or other alcoholic beverages. This option is often chosen for several reasons, including personal, cultural, budget or religious beliefs. Couples may also consider a dry wedding to create a more inclusive environment for guests who may not drink or prefer not to be in an atmosphere where alcohol is present. Having guests that are teenagers, young adults or children can also influence this decision.
While some may think that a dry wedding lacks excitement, this perception is changing. Many couples opt for creative and engaging non-alcoholic beverages that can elevate the experience for all guests. Mocktails, juices, flavored sparkling waters, and artisanal sodas can be delightful alternatives that still provide the festive feel of a celebration. At Homestead 32 Wedding Venue, we have experienced many celebrations which are dry and I must say, these were some of my favorite weddings. Guests felt relaxed, danced and enjoyed each part of the reception without including alcohol.
Benefits of a Dry Wedding
There are several benefits to hosting a dry wedding, including:
Inclusivity: Guests who do not drink or have prior commitments will feel more comfortable attending.
Budget-Friendly: Alcohol can significantly raise your wedding costs. Opting for a dry wedding can lead to substantial savings. Many venues will expect a day of insurance policy to cover any possible liability issues. In addition, Homestead 32 Venue charges an extra cost and hires security at all events that includes hard liquor.
Safety and Responsibility: With no alcohol involved, you eliminate the risk of guests getting too intoxicated and ensure a safer environment.
Clear Focus on Celebration: A dry wedding can shift focus from drinking to enjoying the company of loved ones, savoring food, and celebrating the creation of a new family.
Creative Beverage Ideas for a Dry Wedding
If you decide on a dry wedding, consider these creative beverage options:
Mocktail Bar: Create a diverse menu of mocktails that reflect your wedding theme. Include options like a virgin mojito, a fruity punch, or a spicy ginger beer cocktail. Utilizing a bartender or mobile bar to create these drinks creates a special experience. Create signature mocktails for the bride and groom to experience by the guests.
Craft Sodas: Offer a selection of artisanal sodas with unique flavors, such as lavender lemonade or blood orange fizz. Planning ahead for this option is important as the selection of craft sodas in the chosen venue area might be limited.
Flavored Sparkling Water: Provide infused sparkling water with fruits and herbs for a refreshing, elegant drink option. Purchase or utilize large drink dispensers and create your own creative water to share with others.
Gourmet Coffee and Tea Station: Add a touch of sophistication by offering gourmet coffee and specialty teas to be paired with your dessert options.
No matter the option you choose, build in time during the reception for each person to fill their glass for the toasts or speeches. Use beautiful glass or plastic stemware and cups to continue to feeling of an upscale celebration.
Guideline to not needing a permit to serve any type of alcohol in the State of Tennessee:
The event is private and only for invited guests
The hosts and guests provide all the alcohol
The alcohol is served free of charge
There is no admission fee
The event doesn't promote the sale of alcohol
Guideline to serving alcohol without a licensed and insured bartender:
Alcohol content is under 10% and not a distilled spirit
Includes signature drinks and premixed drink mixtures
Considerations When Serving Alcohol
While serving alcohol can seem like an appealing option, it also comes with several considerations:
Cost: Be prepared for a significant portion of your budget to be allocated for alcohol, and consider whether you're able to provide an open bar or a limited selection.
Responsibility: Ensure you have a plan to promote responsible drinking and consider hiring professional bartenders or a service that can manage alcohol distribution.
Guest Preferences: Think about your guest list and their preferences. Are most of your guests wine drinkers, beer enthusiasts, or champagne lovers?
Serving Wine, Beer, and Champagne
If a dry wedding isn’t your preference, consider serving only wine, beer, or champagne. This approach allows guests to enjoy alcoholic beverages while still providing options for those who may not drink. At Homestead 32 we consider anything under 10% alcohol to be in this category. Some hard ciders can have alcohol content of 6% to 12% and hard seltzers can have an alcohol content of 4% to 7%. Name brands vary for each of these.
Pros of Serving Alcohol
Choosing to serve alcohol can enhance celebrations and contribute to the festive atmosphere of the wedding. Some advantages include:
Celebratory Feel: Alcohol is often associated with celebrations, and serving it can contribute to the joyful ambiance of your special day. Some cultures and groups see this service hand in hand with any celebration.
Guest Satisfaction: Many guests expect to celebrate with a drink in hand, and serving alcohol can elevate their experience. If a glass of wine is a normal part of a couples life, then it may be a normal part of their personal celebration.
Variety: Offering wine, beer, and champagne as options provides guests with a choice while keeping the cost to a minimum. These options can be self serve or a bar pour service which will cost less than serving distilled spirits. Hiring a server, a friend or a family member that could manage the bar area and serve the guests enhance the experience for guests and other family members. Do you want the mother of the bride having to carry out bottles of wine and keeping up with the trash as the night go on? We didn't think so.
Wine, Beer, and Champagne Selections
When it comes to serving wine, beer, or champagne, consider the following options:
Wine Pairing with Your Menu: Focus on serving wine that complements your wedding menu. For example, pair white wines with lighter dishes and red wines with red meats. You might offer a sweet wine for dessert time or a variety of you own likes.
Local Brews: If your wedding has a regional focus, consider incorporating local breweries into your offerings, showcasing the craft beer scene in your area. A local brew trailer may be an option in your area as you can provide taps of your favorite brew.
Champagne Toast: A small champagne toast can be a lovely and celebratory gesture, even if other beverages are available. Set your stem ware on the table and have your wedding party move around the room and pour the champagne for the toasts and/or speeches.
Beautiful wine glasses come in many colors and designs. Use them whether you have a dry or full bar.
Adding a Bar with Mixed Drinks
If you want to take your beverage service a step further, consider incorporating a bar that serves mixed drinks. This option allows for the addition of classic and creative cocktails, providing a complete drink experience for your guests. This is where a licensed and insured bartender come into play. Homestead 32 Wedding Venue suggests the couple responsible for the decision to serve mixed drinks invest in day of insurance. One with coverage for serving alcohol in the distilled spirits group.
Benefits of Having a Bar
Having a full bar offers several advantages:
Customization: You can create signature cocktails that reflect your personalities or wedding theme, offering a personal touch for guests. Having a limited number of signature cocktails will help with the bar bill and other associated costs.
Excitement: A bar serving mixed drinks can be a focal point of your reception, encouraging mingling among guests and creating a lively atmosphere. Determine where you want to have the bar located at the selected venue if that is an option. Some bars are stationery and some are moveable.
Variety: Offering a full bar allows you to cater to all preferences, from those who prefer cocktails to those who are looking for non-alcoholic options. This is probably the most expensive option.
Challenges with a Bar Service
While a bar service sounds appealing, it does come with its own set of challenges:
Cost Implications: A fully-stocked bar can be expensive. It's essential to budget accordingly and decide whether you'll offer an open bar, cash bar, or a limited selection. In the State of Tennessee, you cannot have a cash bar with a permit. Permits are obtained. You will find more information on the State of Tennessee website.
Logistics: Ensure that the setup and service are appropriately managed to avoid long wait times, which can disrupt the flow of the evening. Discuss your plans and guest count with your bartender.
Drunk Driving Concerns: Consider transportation for guests, including ride-sharing services or designated driver options, to mitigate risks associated with drinking. In rural areas, there may be a more limited list of options for ride-share.
Dancing can occur no matter the level of alcohol provided.
Making the Decision for Your Wedding
Choosing between a dry wedding, serving wine, beer, champagne, or having a mixed drink bar truly depends on your preferences, values, and guest demographics and budget. Here are some tips to help you make your decision:
Consider Your Values: Think about any personal or cultural beliefs that may influence your decision one way or the other.
Guest Comfort: Consider the preferences and comfort levels of your guests. It’s essential that everyone feels included in your celebration.
Budget: Determine your budget for beverage service and allocate funds accordingly, even if it means making compromises in other areas. To me this is the most important of the 5. Determine what is the most important aspect of your wedding day. What are the must haves; the right venue, pictures that will last a lifetime, food that everyone will talk about for a long time, or the drinks.
Theme and Atmosphere: Reflect on the theme and atmosphere you wish to create at your wedding. Will alcohol contribute positively to this environment, or would alternative options serve your vision better?
Consult with Family: If family traditions or expectations play a role, it might be worth discussing your plans and securing their input. In some cases, the family might foot the drink bill if it is that important to them.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision on whether to host a dry wedding, serve wine, beer, champagne, or set up a bar serving mixed drinks should be determined by who you are as a couple. Each option provides unique experiences for you and your guests, ensuring that your wedding day is memorable and meaningful. As a venue owner, some of the most fun wedding celebrations have been dry. The laughter and joy is genuine and fills the Venue.
Regardless of what you choose, the most important aspect of your wedding is to celebrate the love and companionship between you and your partner. Whether it's through a glass raised in a toast or shared laughter over delicious non-alcoholic beverages, your wedding day will undoubtedly be a joyous occasion filled with remarkable memories which the two of you have created together.
No matter the decision, your wedding celebration will be one which reflects your life as a new family. Communication and discussions are the key to the perfect outcome.
Homestead 32 Wedding Venue in Crossville, TN hopes to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues and vendors. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country and to some locally owned vendor business on the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding counties. Our goal is to always place quality over quantity and support quality small business owners. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
This is so helpful! I love when couples do signature drinks. It's a fun way to add personality and pull your guests their world for the event. - From a fellow wedding venue owner, Talula Mesa Glamping in Austin, Texas