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How to Host a Dry Wedding

Planning a Dry Wedding or Low-Alcohol Celebration? You’re Not Alone.

There’s a growing shift in the world of weddings, and we are here for it. More and more couples are saying “cheers!” with sparkling water, mocktails, or zero alcohol champagne. Whether it’s for personal preference, cultural reasons, health, budget, or just a vibe, you don’t need alcohol to have an incredible, joy-filled wedding day.

At Gold Coast Farm House, we’ve seen first-hand how dry weddings (or low-alcohol celebrations) can be just as fun, meaningful, and memorable as any party with a bar tab. The best part? Our venue is totally flexible, so you can create the experience that feels right for you.

A dry wedding is just as joyful and memorable with the right guest list, love and laughter

Why Couples Are Choosing Dry or Low-Alcohol Weddings

There are plenty of reasons why couples are skipping the booze or scaling it way back, including:

  • Personal or religious beliefs
  • Health and wellness goals
  • Budget-conscious planning
  • A guest list that includes kids or teens
  • Sober guests who deserve to feel fully included
  • Wanting a clear head to fully soak in the day!

And sometimes, it’s as simple as “we just don’t drink much and don’t feel like we need it.” Love that!

The Farm House provides a stunning canvas for you to fully embrace your day, your way

What a Dry Wedding Can Look Like at Gold Coast Farm House

The great thing about our venue? You have complete control over your drinks menu. You can provide your own alcohol – you just need RSA-certified bar staff to serve it responsibly. For dry or low-alcohol weddings, the options are still endless.

A few ways we’ve seen it done:

  • Self- served or staffed non-alcoholic bar setups serving iced teas, lemonade, sparkling waters, or kombucha
  • Mocktail menus served by a licensed mobile bar
  • Non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits displayed beautifully and served by staff or self-served
  • Champagne-style towers using non-alcoholic sparkling wine for a toast
  • Kombucha or specialty soda bars run by vendors or friends

Just because you’re skipping the booze doesn’t mean you can’t still have a beautiful drinks experience.

With our DIY options, you can create the perfect wedding experience, with or without alcohol

Bonus: You’ll Save Big on Your Bar Budget

Let’s be honest, alcohol can take a big slice out of the wedding budget pie. A dry or low-alcohol wedding often means:

  • Less spent on alcohol purchases
  • Fewer bar staff hours needed
  • Lower glassware and bar hire costs
  • Less waste and post-party cleanup
  • You’re also most likely to get your bus bond back as there will be much less chance of guests feeling unwell on the drive home.

All that extra room in your budget? Spend it on florals, food, entertainment or that killer acoustic duo you’ve had your eye on.

Enjoy a festive mocktail, a cheeky late night snack or roast some marshmallows as a fun and fabulous alternative

But… Will People Still Have Fun?

Short answer: Absolutely!

We’ve hosted dry weddings where guests danced all night, played lawn games at sunset, laughed until they cried, and made the most of every moment. When the energy is good, the planning is thoughtful, and the love is strong – you don’t need a full bar to have a full heart.

A few fun additions that keep the party rolling:

  • Live band or DJ with interactive sets
  • Lawn games and mingling spaces
  • Coffee cart or late-night dessert truck
  • A sparkler send-off or acoustic circle around the firepit
  • A sunset ceremony followed by a twilight garden party

With the right entertainment, and your guests will have the time of their lives

Not Fully Dry? Try a Low-Alcohol Hybrid

Some couples opt for a low-alcohol approach instead of going fully dry. For example:

  • A champagne toast only
  • One signature cocktail alongside non-alcoholic versions
  • Beer and wine only, served during limited hours
  • A full bar- but with a heavy focus on non-alcoholic options

Because Gold Coast Farm House is a BYO-friendly venue, you can bring your own alcohol and work with an RSA-certified vendor or mobile bar to serve it—your way, legally and responsibly.

A signature drink doesn’t need alcohol for it to feel like a celebration

At the End of the Day, It’s About You

There are no rules anymore. Your wedding should reflect your values, your preferences, and your lifestyle. If that means no alcohol – amazing. If that means just a splash of bubbly at golden hour- perfect.

At Gold Coast Farm House, we’re here to support whatever vision you have – dry, low-alcohol, or full bar fiesta. Either way, it’s going to be unforgettable.

Whether your tower is filled with Champagne or sparkling apple juice, it is the moment that counts

Planning a dry or low-alcohol wedding in the Gold Coast Hinterland?

Let’s make it magic – your way.
Contact us to book a viewing or ask about drinks service options that fit your celebration.