The Rise of Dry Weddings
Dry Weddings aka nonalcholic weddings are growing in interest with millenials and Gen Z - zoomers.
Welcome back to the Wedding MusicLetter! I don’t typically talk about podcast episodes in the newsletter. However, I think that dry weddings are an important topic and are increasing in interest.
I recently talked with DJ Riley Mullane on the Wedding Songs Podcast about dry weddings. You can listen to my chat with Riley here on Spotify.
“NoLo” drinks (no and low alcoholic alternatives) have been trending in interest over the past few years. As you can see from the below chart of the past 5 years in Google search, there has been an increase in interest in non-alcoholic with about a 20% rise in each of the past three years.
You may be as surprised as I was when I found out that you must have the word NoLo because a non-alcoholic beer could still contain alcohol. There is a big difference between non-alcoholic and alcohol-free. Non-alcoholic beer can contain very small amounts of alcohol up to 0.5%. This however is not enough to give you a buzz or see many negative health effects in healthy adults. [source]
A common term for fancy drinks with no alcohol is “Mocktails” (kid-safe). This could be virgin margaritas, virgin mojitos, and Shirley Temples. Couples that want to offer alcohol-free drinks at their weddings will commonly showcase mocktails.
When looking at Google searches for the past 5 years, you will see below there has been a significant rise in interest in mocktails with a 50% projected trajectory bump in 2024.
You are probably thinking the same thing as I am. Why the increased interest?
Health and well-being are important to both Gen Z and Millennials. They prioritize natural ingredients, lower to no sugar content, and functional benefits like vitamins. Non-alcoholic options commonly fit these parameters.
Along with being healthy, a growing number of younger people are choosing to abstain from alcohol entirely or to drink "mindfully."
Better taste. I know from experience from going to Total Wine and reviewing the selections of non-alcoholic craft beers. I have been abiding by dry January for the past two years and my taste buds are being satisfied with amber-style NoLo beers. The same can be said for flavorful classic cocktails as mocktails and wines.
Watching reels on Instagram, shorts on YouTube, and videos on TikTok has exploded. Many are watching creative NoLo drinks being concocted. In addition, many bars and restaurants are choosing to serve NoLo drinks on their menus.
I intentionally waited to say that the reason the couple may have a dry wedding is because they may have the disease of alcoholism. This is a stereotype that I hope fades in time. Although it is a valid reason.
As Riley stated on the podcast, he DJ’d a wedding with the groom and groomsmen being college wrestlers and were extremely health conscious and did not believe in drinking alcohol as part of their lifestyle.
Times are changing and this is a great opportunity for everyone to hop on the train to offer something unique and trending.
Dry Wedding Playlist
No, I did not create a playlist for dry weddings. I think that would be a farce because it would be very similar to a wedding that served alcohol.
That being said, there would be songs that would be on my do-not-play list. This would include songs that encourage drinking such as “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC which is commonly used in a drinking game. Songs also referencing getting drunk and drinking would be skipped such as Jimmy Buffet’s song “Why Don’t We Get Drunk”, Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup”, and “Shots” by LMFAO.
Yes, this is common sense stuff but I am just trying to put you in a state of mind. If you are put in the situation of a dry wedding, plan for the betterment of the couple and the success of the celebration.
Lastly…
Dry Weddings Are Fun
Let’s break all stigmas and say dry weddings are fun.
Of course, you could have add-ons to your wedding like a photo booth, cornhole, or giant yard games like Jenga. Just make sure that they are not a distraction to the dancing and accent the event.
Couples should consider incorporating not only a DJ but also a master of ceremonies. They can professionally interact with everyone to keep the dance floor packed at moments when music only won’t suffice. (This can be said for all weddings)
Plan for a party. Set the tone early for fun starting with the ceremony recessional, the grand entrances, and background music. Don’t bore your guests so that they leave early.
Cheers with whatever drink you prefer!
Matthew Campbell, founder of My Wedding Songs