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You could serve sparkling wines/ciders or punch mixed with 7-up to give it a fun fizz. Depending on the weather, you could also do a cocoa or coffee bar. People usually enjoy fruity drinks like a Shirley Temple that has cherries in it, and you could also do non-alcoholic daiquiris.
Have some really fun music to keep the energy going! A candy/cookie bar could be something fun for your guests too. Anything that's a little hands on. Or maybe have some games on the tables!
Also, I picture a dry reception happening earlier in the day, but that's just me. Realize people might not hang out as long as they would if alcohol was involved. But it can be fun - good luck!
I agree with emjoy37 -- if you do it during the day, the lack of alcohol won't be much of a shock.
Try offering those fruity Izze sodas, or the coffee and hot cocoa bar (with whipped cream, sprinkles, homemade marshmallows and flavored syrups) .
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You could do some really fun drinks related to you and your husband. What we did for my friends bachelorette party (now realize this includes alcohol but, you definitly could do some virgin versions or make up your own) we followed the Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue. For our something old we did a classic martini, something new we did pomogranite juice and champagne, somethng borrowed we took her husbands margarita recipe and borrowed it, and something blue we made a blue cocktail. You could follow the same guidelines but make it without alcohol. It was fun and everyone really enjoyed it. If you and your husband have things you like to do together or share the same interests you could incorporate that. For example, if you both like the ocean you could do your version of an ocean water (sprite w/coconut flavoring add a little blue rasperry to make it blue) If you really like golf you could do a drink and serve golf tees instead of umbrellas. Those are just some examples. Hope this helps.
My sister had a dry wedding because she was a youth minister. They ended up serving sodas, and a variety of fun chips and dips at the 'cocktail hour'.
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My brother's wedding had a dry reception. My SIL chose it for religious reasions (Church of Christ) and my brother was ok with the idea although he does like the occasional drink. It was a great time. Everyone danced! Everyone had fun... the lack of alchohol didn't do a thing! For the toast, we had Marinelli sparking apple cider or sparkling grape. I don't think anyone was bothered by the difference and if they were... they just went out after the wedding.
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I am also having a dry reception. For our cocktail hour we are having a punch bar. (There are lots of great recipes online, but try them out first to make sure they are something that works for you. I found a couple great recipes in the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine last summer.) We will serve sparkling juice or cider for toasting, and our after-dinner "bar" is an espresso and tea bar (with lots of pastries and cookies available to go with it). We're working right now on what we'll serve with the meal, but it will probably be Izze. As long as there are plenty of tasty beverages, good food, and ambience (dancing and/or whatever else you have in mind for your guests), I don't think anyone will mind the absence of alcohol. Although, I think it helps to have an afternoon or early evening reception. Those of our guests who like to drink will be going out after the reception.
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Wow! Thanks everybody!
I was planning a day/lunch reception in May, so everything will be pretty light. I figured that might ease the fact that there won't be any alcohol.
I was also planning a dessert/candy buffet. I like the game idea, I'm just not sure what kind of games since we're mostly inviting family, who are mainly 45-60.
miss jasmine had a dry reception and posted some great drink recipes here: http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/10/16/dry-ideas/
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MissCupcakeFace,
The idea for board games actually came-up because of my 80+ year old grandparents. Any time they get together with their friends, a game of dominoes spontaneously erupts. We're also have Cranium for our friends (because we've had some great Friday night game nights with it in the past). We'll also have classics like Monopoly and Yahtzee.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for the recipes!
& I hadn't thought of Yahtzee & Monopoly for the games! Those are great ideas!
Just make sure the munchies going around then are very festive and fun. Something else to talk about.
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Great ideas everyone!
For my daughters fall reception we are serving cocoa, warm mulled cider and flavored milk. (warm milk with flavorings that the guests can choose from ie; caramel, white chocolate macadamia, etc.) We will also have water and soda and sparkling grape juice on offer.
We don't drink but still have a fun time at every event we attend. Just provide things for your guests to do ( games, different desserts at each guests table to get guests mingling, etc) and let the good times roll. Anything that is interactive is great.
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I would hire a local coffee house to cater coffee drinks. i have been to dry events and they did this...it was a blast with everyone. They also served gourmet sodas, sparkling cider and bottled water, everyone was hopped up on caffeine and alcohol was not missed!
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Hi everybody! I need some advice!
My fiance and I have decided against having alcohol at our reception. [Many reasons: He is against alcohol, I dislike the taste, our families don't know when enough is enough & I will only be 20 when we get married so it will be illegal for me to drink]
Anyway, I was wondering if any of you guys have ideas as to what I could do for a cocktail hour or just general tips on a dry reception?
Thanks!