Staying away from alcohol at a wedding can be a difficult task. Still, it’s not impossible and we’ve got some tips that can help you enjoy the wedding and maintain your sobriety. 

Whether you’re recovering from addiction or alcoholism, you deserve to enjoy this special moment with your loved ones. You may wonder how that’s even possible when you are going to a wedding that has an open bar, and more than half of the wedding guests are drinkers. Your thoughts are valid. That’s why we’re going to give you some important tips so that you can enjoy the party and still make it home sober. 

You Have to Plan Ahead

If you don’t plan, then you are planning to fail. How easy is it to make a detour if you don’t have the right direction? A pretty simple task that isn’t worth taking the risk. If you are working on sobriety or have just decided that you aren’t interested in drinking on the wedding day, create a schedule and stick to it. 

Suppose you are getting urges to drink; remind yourself that you are committed to your recovery, and this too shall pass. Keep practicing, and your urges will eventually subside. Remember, just because you have a craving for something doesn’t mean you have to act on it. 

Attend a Support Group Before the Wedding

With technology so advanced, you can conveniently find a support group to go to before you head over to the wedding. Under time constraints, you can even attend a virtual or phone meeting for groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. At the meeting, you can get support and talk about your recovery and how you feel about going to the wedding. 

Talk to your Therapist

If you are currently seeing a professional, be sure to discuss your plans with them. Since your therapist knows you better than we do, they can help you create a more detailed plan to help you stay sober at a wedding. 

Discuss your Concerns with your Sponsor

If you are involved with Alcoholics Anonymous or other Anonymous groups, you probably have a sponsor by now. If not, now might be the time to start looking. A sponsor acts as an accountability partner and coach. They can also guide you in maintaining your sobriety. 

Be Honest with your Loved Ones

Millions of people struggle with addiction and alcoholism, so you aren’t alone. If you’ve had difficulty being open with your loved ones about your struggles with booze, now might be the perfect time to open up and be honest with them. Of course, you don’t have to go into details with them about everything, and you don’t have to tell everyone, but you can talk to a few people you are closest to. You can also share your triggers and warning signs so that they can identify a possible relapse and help you work through it. 

Take an Accountability Partner 

Ok, maybe your date will be the one, or maybe one of your sober friends. Whomever you choose to take with you to the wedding, make sure that they know enough about your struggles to help you deal with them if they come up at the wedding. 

Leave the Wedding Early

Ya gotta do whatcha gotta do. That means that you have to take care of yourself. In a sense, you have to be selfish. If you are struggling with urges to drink or use while you are at the wedding, you’ve still got time to leave and avoid a possible relapse. The good thing is that you made an effort to go to the wedding, and you were able to recognize when it was time for you to go. You don’t have to tell people why you are leaving unless you choose to. You can easily excuse yourself or not and leave. 

Bonus Tip: Excuse Yourself from the Wedding

In early recovery, you might not be ready just yet to be in places where alcohol is openly served. You aren’t the first or last person that has gone through this. If you have to skip the wedding to protect yourself and your recovery, it’s ok. Your loved ones should be understanding.

Conclusion: 

Following the tips above can help you tremendously and possibly save your life and the life of others. Don’t jeopardize your sobriety because you are afraid to disappoint others. Those who love you will love you unconditionally will understand the importance and value of your recovery. If you are unsure about your drinking or drug habits, visit The Institute for Chemical Dependency Studies. If you would like to know more about AA or other Anonymous groups, visit Alcoholics Anonymous. 

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