Weddings are a time of celebration, and for many, that celebration includes alcohol. However, there are many reasons why alcohol moderation, or even choosing an alcohol-free alternative, may be the better choice for your wedding. We explore the reasons for alcohol moderation, the benefits of choosing an alcohol-free alternative, and why our Naturally Fermented Sparkling Tea is the perfect choice for those looking for a delicious, alcohol-free alternative to Sparkling Wine.
Are people moderating alcohol consumption at weddings?
At weddings, alcohol is often available in abundance. Welcome drinks, wine with dinner, Champagne toasts (and maybe even towers if you’re feeling especially indulgent) and open bars are almost a given. As a guest at a wedding, it’s not unusual to find yourself with a glass of something in your hand during most of the day!
But with 9 million people having taken part in Dry January this year and 55% of all drinkers moderating their alcohol intake on a daily basis. Research by Hitched shows that 11% of all couples getting married consider having a totally alcohol-free wedding, with 23% sharing that they are sober-curious.
Based on these numbers, you could find up to half of your guests looking for the perfect alternative to alcohol, so be sure not to neglect this appetite for alternatives on your big day.
Why are people moderating?
More and more people are looking to moderate their drinking. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are going teetotal, but that they are giving that midweek glass of wine a miss, or ordering an alcohol-free beer at the pub when they know they’ve got plans early the next morning.
This extends to events and celebrations, people lead busy lives and don’t necessarily want to write off the day after a wedding to a hangover!
With sober-curiosity on the rise we’ve seen a significant change in consumer behaviour, in fact it’s the biggest we’ve ever seen without legislation. However, this doesn’t mean these people no longer drink alcohol.
In fact, this moderation generation still appreciate the depth and complexity of an alcoholic drink, they just want to drink less of it. 80% of people who have dabbled in non-alcoholic drinks also drink alcohol, showing that it’s not about cutting it out completely, but replacing it in certain situations.
At a wedding, it’s the difference between getting into a taxi at 1am after the equivalent of 1 bottle of wine, 3 cocktails and a glass of Champagne before waking up with a terrible hangover the next day, and having maybe 3 glasses of wine and 5 glasses of Sparkling Tea to maintain a bit of balance and reduce the risk of a sore head!
Benefits of Serving an Alcohol-Free Alternative At Your Wedding
Not everyone drinks alcohol, whether for personal, health, or religious reasons. By choosing an alcohol-free alternative, you can ensure that everyone feels included and can enjoy the celebration.
By offering a non-alcoholic alternative to wine, alongside the standard red and white wine, you’re creating a more inclusive atmosphere. Your guests will enjoy having the option to moderate the number of alcoholic drinks they’re consuming without worrying that they’re missing out on the party.
Offering an alcohol-free option can make non-drinking guests feel more included and welcomed, which can lead to a more positive overall experience. Additionally, guests who are not drinking alcohol may feel more comfortable and less self-conscious, which can help them to relax and enjoy themselves more.
Guests who either choose to alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, or go completely alcohol-free throughout the day, may be more present and engaged in the wedding festivities as a result. They are less likely to become overly intoxicated, and will remain present and grounded during the most important moments of the night, allowing them to fully enjoy the moment and be more engaged in conversations and interactions.
Another, often overlooked, benefit to serving alcohol-free alternatives at your wedding is that you, as the hosts, avoid getting too intoxicated yourself!
While it’s important to let go and enjoy yourself on this incredible occasion, often the hosts might miss parts of dinner as they circulate the room and make sure to catch up with all their guests.
Alcohol on an empty stomach is never a good idea, so by having an alternative that tastes just like the real thing to hand, you’ll avoid accidentally taking it too far and not being able to enjoy your evening. Another benefit is that you won’t have quite as terrible of a hangover the next day!
Why The REAL Drinks Co.'s Naturally Fermented Sparkling Tea is the Perfect Alcohol-Free Alternative
The REAL Drinks Co.'s Naturally Fermented Sparkling Tea is the perfect choice for those looking for a delicious, alcohol-free alternative to sparkling wine. Made with the highest quality loose-leaf tea leaves and naturally fermented to produce maximum depth of flavour, our Sparkling Tea offers a delicate flavour and gentle effervescence that pairs perfectly with food.
All three of our Sparkling Teas are loved by sommeliers and are served in many Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK. We apply authentic wine-making techniques to the world’s finest teas to produce a complex flavour profile that makes it the perfect pairing for fine dining.
So, when it comes to weddings, a Sparkling Tea is the obvious choice for your wedding. You and your guests can celebrate by popping a cork and enjoying a beautifully elegant alternative to Sparkling Wine, drinking glass after glass without the fear of a sore head the next day.