We are planning a church wedding at 5:30 and a country club type setting reception with a buffet and DJ at a reception hall from 7-11.
Most of the brides family (the older generation) is totally against alcohol of any kind and dislike dancing.
The grooms side all totally expect there to be alcohol available and are looking forward to dancing.
The bride and groom and my other children say all the guests will expect there to be alcohol at this type of event since it is formal and there will be a DJ and dancing.
My husband and I are paying for the reception and he says he doesnt want to serve alcohol because it will cause too many hard feelings from the grandparents and the older generation relatives that will last well past the wedding day. He thinks we are pushing it with the DJ.
I am stuck in the middle.
The majority of the guests will be from the "younger generation" and they dont want the reception "ruined" becase of a few older people that don't approve.
Will guests be expecting alcohol or is it acceptable to host a "dry" reception?
What about placing non alcoholic sparkling ciders out or would this be offensive to those looking for alcohol? Can we serve both tactfully?
How in the world do you please everyone? I seriously doubt any of those who would be offended by the alcohol and music will leave early because they won't want to miss anything, so serving it after they leave is not an option.
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jun 4, 2007, 8:00 PM
Post #2 of 2
(1047 views)
Re: [Bride12345] Alcohol or dry reception?
[In reply to]
Dear Bride,
As good hosts we host an affair we feel the guests would enjoy. As good guests we should be judging what others are doing and respect that the host is providing for the entire guest list.
It comes down to what the couple wants and what most guests would enjoy. Yes, the majority of the guest will be expecting alcohol at a function such as this. And, the only way a dry reception would fly for most, is if this is held during a time of day when guests wouldn't expect alcohol--early in the day. So, hosting it during this time would be disappointing many of your guests.
Alcohol or dry reception?
