In a world where alcohol often takes centre stage, it might seem risky to think about cutting it out of your upcoming event. But society is changing, and now more than ever, lots of us are abstaining from alcohol, whether that be for health reasons or just personal preference. Plenty of people go through periods of giving up booze, with entire months dedicated to the endeavour, whilst others choose not to touch the stuff at all. When it comes to organising an event, thinking about making it alcohol-free ensures that everyone is catered for.
The Office of National Statistics, reports that ‘since 2005, the overall amount of alcohol consumed in the UK, the proportion of people reporting drinking, and the amount drinkers report consuming have all fallen. This trend is especially pronounced among younger drinkers.’ It’s likely that at least one, if not more, of your guests may prefer alcohol-free alternatives, and we're not talking about a lime and soda.
That's where we come in. Our guide on how to make your event sober-friendly, comes with all our top tips and tricks in order for your event to be a roaring success, ensuring that everyone feels welcome!
A sober-friendly event isn’t just about catering for non-drinkers, but can help to promote a healthier atmosphere for your event. This way, you can ensure that everyone has a memorable experience by taking away the pressure or expectation to consume alcohol. Over the years, the alcohol-free drinks scene has boomed, so there’s plenty more on offer than simply supplying water and soft drinks to your guests. You'll find a number of specialty brands creating 0% spirits, wines and beers to drink instead.
No matter what you’re planning, from networking events to summer parties and everything in between, there are plenty of ways to diversify your event and cater to those who are alcohol-free, or just don’t fancy drinking. Read on to discover our top tips for making your event sober-friendly.
What is a sober-friendly event?
Sober-friendly events don’t have to be completely alcohol-free, although that is an option if you’re looking to completely cut out alcoholic drinks. These events put the focus on alternative beverages and creating an environment that doesn’t revolve around drinking. That way your event can be inclusive and enjoyable for all, regardless of drinking habits.
Why make your event sober-friendly?
Plain and simple: not everyone drinks alcohol. Hosting a sober-friendly event just helps to respect the diverse choices of others, allowing your guests to choose what they want to drink without having to draw attention to themselves for their decisions. Making your event sober-friendly ensures that everyone is catered for; as well as providing an enhanced experience. Events without alcohol can be just as fun, if not more so, promoting social responsibility and supporting the health and wellbeing of your guests.
Top tips for making your event sober-friendly
Seven easy-to-implement ways to make sure that non-drinkers feel welcome and looked after next time you plan an event.
1. Diversify your drinks options
The most important part of a sober-friendly event is ensuring that the range of non-alcoholic drinks is varied and diverse. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to keep it interesting. This could include mocktails, alcohol free wines and beers, 0% G+Ts, as well as herbal teas, interestingly flavoured soft drinks and freshly squeezed juices. The most important factor is that they're not an afterthought.
You could also think about having a signature drink for your event. Something a bit more exciting and alcohol free, that can be enjoyed amongst all guests. That way everyone is able to enjoy the same drink on arrival, and guests don’t have to feel singled out by turning down a glass of fizz or alcoholic alternative that are often the designated ‘entry drink.’
![a selection of alcohol free wine bottles and glasses]()
London Cru, for example, provides grapes for Three Spirit, which brings your guests non-alcoholic bubbles.
'With the diversity of people and ever changing nature of consumption; we are proud to embrace innovation surrounding non-alcoholic drinks. For us at London Cru, it is important to approach this with the same gumption as winemaking in regards to craft, sustainability and quality.' - Beth Brickenden, Education and Events Manager at London Cru Winery.
2. Ensure drinks are clearly labelled
Don’t make it difficult for your guests to know which drinks are alcohol based and which ones are 0%. If you’re looking to have trays of cocktails or glasses of fizz passed around the room then consider putting card labels on your tray too, with ingredients and the ABV% so that guests can easily glance and make their decisions. Don’t put the onus on them to ask around and figure out what’s safe to drink.
3. Be conscious of your glassware
It may not be something that has crossed your mind, but often the delicate and ornately designed glasses (that have become rather synonymous with cocktails) are not always used for mocktails. Instead they’re poured into plain and basic glasses that clearly distinguish them as alcohol-free.
![a selection of fun and unique glasses]()
People who choose not to drink alcohol still want to feel as if their drinks have been given the same attention to detail and part of that comes in the glassware. You can still have distinguishing options to help differentiate between alcoholic and alcohol free, but be sure to put some thought into it.
4. Promote your event as sober-friendly
Be sure to clearly communicate with your guests that the event will be sober-friendly. That way, people can easily decide whether or not they wish to attend without having to worry about whether their needs will be catered for. Highlight potential non-alcoholic options in the invitations or inform your guests of any potential activities so that they know the focus won’t just be on drinking. If you help set clear expectations with your invite then guests are less likely to be left disappointed.
5. Rethink your location
It might not have crossed your mind, but perhaps a location change is the easiest way to ensure your event is sober-friendly. A birthday party at a bar isn’t necessarily conducive to supporting the alcohol-free guests at your event and can often draw more attention to those who aren’t drinking. Whilst guests are often able to add alcoholic drinks to the package, the emphasis is elsewhere.
For example, you could host an afternoon tea. That way the focus is on tea and cake, with less pressure to drink than if your event was at a bar. If that's not really your style, then check out our guide to the most unusual venues for hire in the UK. That way you can let the location do the talking and guests won't have to worry too much about drinking.
6. Plan engaging activities
One way to make your event sober-friendly is to plan activities that don’t centre around drinking. It may seem simple, but hosting something a bit different where there’s a group activity, interactive workshop, games, karaoke or live music allows guests to be entertained without feeling the need to drink. Our guide to fun birthday party ideas for any age comes with plenty of alcohol-free options for your next celebration!
![a group of people in a cricket batting net]()
Sixes Cricket, for example, provides a fun and alternative event activity.
7. Create alcohol-free zones
Whilst not always necessary, this could help provide safe spaces for those who would rather avoid alcohol completely. You can strategically combine these spaces with your planned activities and help promote inclusivity and encourage a more balanced environment.
Now that you know what to do to make your event sober-friendly, all you have to worry about is choosing the venue. Explore our selection of event and party venues here, with spots across the country.