Ask Jason: An Extra-dry Toast

Our New Year celebrations looked a lot different as we bid farewell to the most unprecedented year we’ve collectively lived through. We made it to 2021 and as January is commonly the beginning of resolutions, many set goals and intentions for 2021. This often includes adding a more disciplined routine in terms of exercise and diet. And there is the ever popular detox known as “Dry January.” For one month, lots of people consume soda without vodka and take a pause from all of the martinis, manhattans and malbec. And while for some that may lead to a well-deserved beverage flight on February 1st, many people live this way year-round.

Every wedding I’ve planned has guests in attendance who don’t drink, and it’s important they feel just as included in celebrating and being able to raise a glass. If the couple who is marrying doesn’t drink, they need to decide what experience they want to offer their guests. I’ve had some clients who simply abstain from alcohol but have no issues with their guests imbibing, while others would rather their special day take place in a completely dry environment.

If you are still offering alcoholic beverages, here are some options to make the non-drinkers feel just as well taken care of:

Non-Alcoholic Beer & Sparkling Cider
These are obvious replacements for the real thing. Be sure they are served in the same type of glassware as their alternatives, such as flutes or a frosted beer stein. Include the same garnishes, such as fresh berries for the cider and a citrus wedge for the beer.

Mocktails
Certain cocktails include mixers flavorful enough that they still feel special without the booze. Non-drinking guests will certainly appreciate virgin Mary’s, Daiquiris and Mules. You can also up the beverage experience with high-end mixology. If there are multiple fresh juices, sodas, syrups and fruits, a bartender can still learn a guest's preferred palette and make them something custom. Non-drinkers often feel their options are limited when many around them are being served an array of spirits. Spending the time to make this group feel just as taken care of will be very appreciated.

Decadent Desserts
Milkshakes, old-fashioned malts or hot chocolate are a perfectly rich indulgence to be offered at a wedding. But there is no hard and fast rule limiting them to being served after dinner.

If you are throwing a wedding and don’t want to offer anything alcoholic, here are a few ideas you might want to consider:

Communication
Let guests know this in advance. If the reason you are throwing a dry wedding is something you are proud of, then celebrate that! Giving your crowd the knowledge this will be a dry event allows them to have realistic expectations. If someone only feels comfortable in a crowd with a drink they can have one beforehand.

Timing
Throwing your wedding earlier in the day can also help remove the expectation of an open bar. You can get married in beautiful morning light and then celebrate with a bountiful brunch. This will also save you some money.

If you are opting for an earlier meal time, make the most out of the beverages that accompany it. Having a variety of freshly squeezed juices offered to you can feel very special. Have a barista offering everyone’s various bespoke coffees made to order. Having an assortment of tea varieties with various tea sets can make for quite the display and really bring the tea to your gay wedding.

You have a lot of options to consider when hosting your guests. The only one I urge against is one where they have to pay at an event you invited them to. Other than that, raise the glass of your choice and chin-chin!