Spirited Dry Weddings

“A sober wedding does not mean a sombre one.” Thinking of planning a dry wedding? Twenty percent of the UK population now identify as being teetotal, so it’s no surprise that dry weddings are growing in popularity. Plan with imagination and a smattering of theatrical presentation, and yours will truly sparkle. Liz Taylor, Managing Director of the Taylor Lynn Corporation, tells us how…

“A dry wedding is not a second-class option, it’s a first-class choice; after all, a sober wedding does not mean a sombre one. Think creatively about the theme, the backdrop, and the crowd-pleasing components of your reception, and you’ll give guests a unique wedding experience that they’ll always treasure; and with no alcohol or morning after headaches involved!”

Themes

Garden parties and 1930s, 40s and 50s vintage themes lend themselves well to tea party wedding receptions where alcohol need not be a focus. Miniature cakes, finger sandwiches and exquisitely made patisserie can be served on vintage crockery with a variety of teas offered and expertly matched to foods in a similar way to wine.

Circus and carnival themes give you the opportunity to up the entertainment ante.

“Experiential entertainment is very on trend, with many couples finding alternative ways to entertain their guests. Consider hiring a retro arcade, tarot card readers, character waiters or cloakroom staff and sleight of hand magicians to wow your guests, or a show-stopping band or singer.”

Presentation

Line unusual glasses of drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails up on vintage bird cages, and add a little dry ice for a dramatic flourish.

Create a ‘champagne bar’ with non-alcoholic fizz, sparkling elderflower, or freshly squeezed juices; all served in beautiful contemporary glasses.

For summer, try peach iced teas served in tin cups and for late-night winter wedding celebrations, go for glasses of mulled apple juice presented in your own branded wedding day mugs.

Alternatively take a tip from our Mediterranean friends who focus the reception firmly on the food. Serve a banquet or hire a variety of food vans (posh kebabs, fish and chips, oriental are all great choices) and serve non-alcohol wine and beer chilled to sub-zero temperatures as the accompaniment.

Finally, hire a cocktail station manned by professional mixologists who can make some mouth-melting virgin cocktails; they’ll retain all the theatre of watching the making of conventional cocktails, just minus the spirits. What’s more, with so many delicate botanic, fruit and spices combinations, guests won’t even miss the alcohol.

“The key to a memorable dry wedding is creating an imaginative experience. Add a little theatre into your theme and setting, as well as your bar, and you’ll have the start of an entertaining night. After all, you are only taking the spirit out of the glass, and not the party!”

About Liz Taylor

Liz Taylor at TLC has been creating memorable weddings and glamorous wedding receptions for over 30 years, using the best wedding venues, entertainers and a team of experienced wedding organisers to create weddings that are individual and unique.

For more information visit www.tlc-ltd.co.uk.