i attended an alcohol free wedding. what was it like?

I have been incredibly single when I got sober eleven months ago, but when I knew I had to go alcohol free, one of my first worrying thoughts was, "Well, what am I going to do when I get married? What am I going to drink? How will it not be awkward? I want to be able to drink at my wedding!" Although there is no wedding in sight in the near future for me, my fears were assuaged a bit this past weekend when I got to attend an alcohol free wedding reception on the East Coast.

This past weekend I had a whirlwind 30 hour trip to attend a family member's wedding reception in New York. They got married last year, but pushed the reception to a year later due to Covid. I arrived on Thursday afternoon and left late on Friday evening. One thing that I still struggle with now that I don't drink is flying. I used to love drinking before going to the airport, at the airport, on the plane. Now that I don't, I sometimes find it difficult to fill my time waiting. So I was not only stressed about attending a wedding reception, but also about getting there. But I made it through traveling unscathed and arrived on the East Coast ready for the impending familial duties. That night, however, I was told that the reception was actually going to be alcohol free. And then, I felt free! I no longer had to have fleeting thoughts of what I would say if I declined a drink or ordered a club soda with no vodka.

The reception was small but incredibly lovely. The decorations and venue were perfect, the bride and groom were stunning. There was a full bar set up with any non-alcoholic drink you could think of! The treat bar (check out the video below) - with all of the cake pops, m&ms, cupcakes and goodies you'd need in a full year - looked so flawless that I didn't even want to take anything so that it wouldn't disrupt the completed look. We did the toasts in champagne glasses with ginger ale. There was a photo booth that we got to goof around in, there was dancing and a few games with the bride and groom. Our gift to take home were these lovely little bottles of ginger ale or root beer that were wrapped to look like mini-champagne bottles.

Although it was a whirlwind of planes, car rides and travel in 30 hours, I feel really grateful for this experience. It's amazing to see that there can be events that are traditionally associated with alcohol, be free of it. It was kid friendly and felt inclusive to everyone. I felt like I actually got to know people and connected more with my loved ones and family members. Removing the alcohol actually made the event less stressful and anxiety-riddled. I felt at ease, and I could tell other guests felt more relaxed as well. The vibe felt more open and, although it could have been the heat (lol), I felt a slight electricity in the air. It's like I could feel the love of those around me - their consciouses clear and unclouded by alcohol.

Now, I can put another sober wedding reception under my belt!