Dry Weddings in Springfield, Illinois
Why a Dry Wedding is Totally OK — and Even Trending in Springfield, IL.
Maybe I shouldn’t even title this with Springfield as the main city. I have toured with couples from Springfield, Taylorville, Alton, Quincy, Peoria, Jacksonville, Decatur and Edwardsville, IL. all looking for more information on dry weddings. This is something that has become increasingly popular – before Dry January 2026 became a popular topic.
Weddings are about love, connection, and celebrating one of the most meaningful days in a couple’s life. For many, that celebration has historically included an open bar and clinking champagne flutes. But today a new trend is rising — dry weddings — and it’s one worth talking about.
A dry wedding means simply that no alcohol is served at the reception. Instead, couples offer water, sodas, mocktails, and other non-alcoholic beverages that still feel festive and fun. While it might sound unconventional to some, more and more couples are choosing this path — and with good reason.
The Trend Is Growing — Even Beyond Big Cities
Across the U.S., dry weddings are gaining attention. Searches for “dry wedding” have risen sharply in recent years, reflecting growing curiosity and acceptance around alcohol-free celebrations.
In the broader wedding industry, event planners and venues report significant growth in requests for non-alcoholic wedding receptions — or at least elevated non-alcoholic drink programs with creative mocktails, soda bars, and specialty crafted drinks.
While data specific to Springfield isn’t yet published in national trend reports, local couples and planners here are embracing the idea — especially among younger couples and those who value wellness, intentional celebration, or inclusivity.
More Than Just Water & Soda — Elevating the Experience
A dry wedding doesn’t mean boring beverages. It means making thoughtful choices that fit your wedding vibe and your guests’ enjoyment.
Many couples offer:
Artful mocktails with fresh juices, herbs, and seasonal flavors
Craft sodas and Italian soda bars
Themed non-alcoholic drinks like sparkling lemon-lavender or berry fizz
Signature drinks named after special moments or places
These options make your reception feel special — without relying on alcohol as the focal point of the celebration.
Why Couples Love Dry Weddings
Here are some of the top reasons couples choose a dry wedding:
1. Inclusivity for All Guests
Not everyone drinks alcohol — for health, religious, personal, or recovery reasons. A dry wedding ensures everyone can join in without feeling left out.
2. Safety and Comfort
With no alcohol to worry about, guests can drive home safely, and you avoid potential issues like overindulgence or rowdy behavior.
3. Budget Savvy
Alcohol can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding budget. Skipping it means more money for things like food, photography, entertainment, or honeymoon plans.
4. Mindful Celebration
For couples who want to be fully present for every moment (and morning after), a dry wedding can offer a deeper sense of connection, focus, and joy.
5. They’re too Young
Something that happens, is that the bride and groom aren’t even old enough to buy alcohol. This seems to slip past a lot of guests. There can be no argument when it comes to this and they can use it as their excuse.
6. It’s About Setting and Respecting Boundaries:
I once had a groom bluntly tell me that he and his finance were young adults trying to start out their lives. He said they should be saving their money, not spending it on adults’ alcohol. Man, I respected that.
It’s About You — Not Tradition
At the end of the day, your wedding day should reflect your values and what matters most to you as a couple. If that means celebrating with water, soda, and delicious mocktails instead of alcoholic drinks — that’s perfectly valid. Trends show that this choice is not only acceptable, it’s becoming a respected and stylish way to wed.
Whether in Springfield or beyond, more couples are choosing meaningful, intentional celebrations — and dry weddings are part of that movement.
Pole Barn Chic is locally owned and operated. We hope to encourage engaged couples to consider choosing a locally owned wedding venue. We go to great lengths to exceed expectations, and you will find that locally owned wedding venues have far less turnover and that leads to better communication! We love shouting out and supporting our locally owned wedding venue and wedding business colleagues. Here are a few locally owned wedding venues across the US:
Montague Meadow: http://www.montagumeadows.com
Rustic Barn Grace: http://www.rusticgracebarn.com
Izenstone: http://www.izenstone.com
The Bougainvilleas: https://www.thebougainvilleas.com
Evergreen Ranch: https://www.evergreenranchweddingvenue.com