Author bio: Rebecca Fischer is a writer and editor for Ark Behavioral Health, a drug and alcohol addiction treatment provider serving people in addiction recovery and their loved ones in Massachusetts and Ohio. Rebecca was kind enough to share the following article with us Why Dry Weddings Could Be More Than A Trend
Dry weddings are joining the growing “sober curious” movement that includes alcohol-free bars and Dry January pledges.
Here are five reasons why you might want to consider making your wedding day alcohol-free.
1. Be Committed to Good Mental Health
Leaving alcohol off the menu at your wedding is a great way for you and your betrothed to show your commitment to good mental health practices.
Addiction is a treatable but not curable mental health disorder. In an example of “which came first,” substance abuse and other mental health disorders often co-occur, but it isn’t always clear which develops first: the addiction or the co-occurring disorder.
Whatever the case, avoiding alcohol eliminates your risk of developing an addiction. Drugs or alcohol can also be used to “numb” difficult emotions or cover them over with euphoric feelings, causing a delay in recognizing and treating other mental health conditions like social anxiety disorder or depression.
2. Honor All of Your Guests
A dry wedding is also a great way to honor your loved ones who have struggled or are currently struggling with alcohol abuse issues.
People in recovery from alcohol addiction often feel left out at social gatherings that include drinking, or may even choose not to attend.
This wouldn’t be because they don’t love you. Avoiding addiction triggers – like social gatherings where alcohol is served – is recommended by substance abuse care professionals, especially in the earlier stages of recovery. However, these types of social events can remain triggering for people in recovery from alcohol use disorders for years or even decades.
Additionally, those guests who do not have a problem with alcohol, but choose not to drink for their own reasons, will also appreciate the increased options of non-alcoholic beverages and the lack of pressure to drink socially.
3. Keep Your Guests Safe
In addition to providing a mental-health-friendly celebration for all of your friends and family, an alcohol-free wedding helps keep everyone safe on the drive home.
Nearly 32 people die every day from drunk-driving crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which also reports that even a small amount of alcohol can impair driving ability.
It’s not just the driver who’s at risk, either. Passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers represent one-third of people killed by alcohol-impaired drivers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports.
4. Save Money
Having a dry wedding can save a considerable amount of money that would usually go to the bar bill.
In a 2022 survey by the popular wedding planning website The Knot, participants reported an average of $2,400 spent on wine, beer, and alcohol at their weddings last year. This number increased to $3,100 for weddings with more than 100 guests.
5. Set an Example for the Next Generation
Show those young people that you don’t need alcohol to celebrate your love! There will be just as many people making their way to the dance floor when the time comes.
Drinking alcohol can impair not only our driving ability but also our judgment and impulse control. This can lead to bad decisions and embarrassing actions that can result in getting hurt. Often popular at parties and celebrations, binge drinking contributes to 40% of all alcohol-related deaths, according to the CDC.
Final Thoughts
Dry weddings are creating a new kind of experience, and being a part of this type of celebration is sure to make an impact on everyone – young and old – in attendance.
You can still serve fun, nuanced drinks sans alcohol, like chocolate piña coladas, ginger beer with fresh lime, or kombucha cocktails. Keep the ingredients fresh, and you’re sure to keep your guests sipping and dancing the night away.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
