Desire A Dry Event?

Why a Dry Wedding Is Totally OK — and Even Trending in Springfield, IL.

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

• Fun hot chocolate bar

• Coffee / Expresso bar

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. Too Young
For some reason it slips peoples minds that when the bride and groom are under 21, they can’t buy alcohol anyway.

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.