Dry weddings have been gaining popularity among couples in the UK, with an increasing number of them choosing to exclude alcohol from their big day. According to Hitched’s National Wedding Survey, 11% of couples hosted booze-free weddings in 2022, compared to 10% in 2021. TikTok is also a great source of inspiration for wedding mocktails.
Paul, 32, and Becky, 29, from Coventry, decided to have a dry wedding last summer, requesting that guests refrain from bringing any alcohol. Although some guests were disappointed upon hearing this, knowing that neither Paul nor Becky drink, they understood and attended the event. Paul shares that some friends who typically stay up partying until 4 am warned that the party would end quickly. However, the wedding lasted until 1 am, which made Becky and Paul very happy. Many guests also expressed their satisfaction with being able to drive home afterward and save money on accommodations, as attending a wedding can cost an average of £604 per person in the UK.
Hosting a dry wedding requires careful consideration of the entertainment to ensure that guests still enjoy themselves without the aid of alcohol. Paul and Becky chose to have a ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance, as it offers clear instructions and can help sober guests loosen up. Karaoke, however, did not resonate as much with the attendees, causing some to leave early. Despite this, having a dry wedding resulted in significant savings, with the entire event costing only £2,600. Paul expresses that this allowed them to use their savings for the down payment on their first home.
Microweddings, which have been on the rise since the pandemic, offer an intimate ceremony experience. However, narrowing down the guest list can be challenging. Lucy, 23, from Sheffield, faced this dilemma when she planned a wedding in the Lake District with only 10 guests. Cost was a major factor in their decision, as they did not see the value in spending exorbitantly on a single day. Additionally, both Lucy and her partner experienced anxiety about being the center of attention. Lucy’s husband even chose not to give a speech in front of such a small group.
While a smaller wedding provided an opportunity for Lucy to enjoy the day with her loved ones to the fullest, it also caused some hurt feelings among those not invited. Lucy’s uncle and a friend, whom she had previously been a bridesmaid for, felt left out. Eventually, Lucy invited her uncle after resolving a family dispute. Reflecting on her decision to have a microwedding, Lucy acknowledges that eloping might have been easier, but she is glad she had the wedding they did. Her advice to others planning such a wedding is to be clear from the beginning about the limited guest numbers and avoid compromises.
Inflation has caused the cost of weddings to rise significantly since last year, leaving many couples in a challenging financial situation. As the cost of living crisis worsens, more couples are turning to their friends and family for support with expenses, materials, and logistics. Tanya Antonio and her husband Kevin from Swindon encountered financial difficulties when they got engaged. Touchingly, their loved ones came together to create a perfect wedding day for them instead of giving traditional gifts. Friends and family contributed by preparing and serving food and drink, providing decorations, and even making the wedding cake. This joint effort made the day more meaningful, and the wedding only cost £2,500.
Crowdfunding weddings, though controversial, has become more common as the cost of living crisis continues. GoFundMe witnessed a 24% increase in fundraisers for weddings and honeymoons between 2021 and 2022. Martin and Emma from Dorchester recently set up a GoFundMe page to help cover their upcoming wedding expenses. They were initially hesitant about asking friends, family, and strangers for donations, but felt it was necessary due to their financial situation. While the response has been modest so far, they remain hopeful that more contributions will come in as the wedding approaches. The couple believes that guests contributing to wedding costs instead of giving gifts should become normalized.
In conclusion, dry weddings, microweddings, group-effort weddings, and crowdfunded weddings are all unique approaches that couples are taking to personalize their special day while navigating financial and personal considerations. These alternatives offer creative ways to celebrate love and bring people together, regardless of the approach chosen.
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