How to cater for everyone with dry hire wedding venues and alcohol free events

As lifestyles in the UK evolve and the demand for alternative wedding receptions and ceremonies continues to rise, plenty of businesses, such as Nottingham Venues, are offering a selection of dry hire wedding venues and alcohol-free events open to communities of all cultural, religious, and personal preferences. Whatever the reason, it’s more important than ever before to plan special events that cater to all tastes and restrictions in order to create a welcoming, inclusive space for your guests. 

Here at Nottingham Venues, including at the elegant East Midlands Conference Centre and the Grade-II listed Trent Building, our dry hire venue options allow you to fully personalise your event, whether it be a smaller gathering or a large wedding, so that each and every one of your guests feels valued and included. 

So, how can you ensure your dry-hire event appeals to all your guests while still delivering a memorable experience? Let’s explore practical ways to make it happen.

How to make dry hire weddings and events a success

1. Offer inclusive drink options

One of the perks of selecting a dry hire wedding venue or hosting alcohol-free events is the opportunity to get creative and curate a drinks menu that your guests will love. As you’re not limited by alcoholic beverages, this flexibility allows you to experiment and design a truly unique range of drinks options that will help all of your guests to feel included, whether you’re offering alcoholic options alongside or hosting a fully dry event. Fun, alcohol-free options to consider include: 

• Make-your-own-mocktail stations with fresh fruit, herbs, and syrups included 
• Cultural favourites like mango lassi, rose milk, or sharbat 
• Coffee and tea lounges with premium blends 
• Juice or smoothie bars that use fresh ingredients and offer exciting flavour combinations 

At Nottingham Venues, you have the option to bring your own caterers or work with external teams to tailor your drinks menu to the preferences of your guests. Please note that unfortunately, we can’t accommodate external caterers at the Nottingham Trent Building. 

2. Design a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere

Dry hire events, especially weddings, naturally encourage a calmer environment, which can be welcoming for families and guests of all ages. At the East Midlands Conference Centre, the Atrium and Conference Theatre provide versatile spaces where you can create child-friendly zones or fun activity corners, with room for entertainment such as bouncy castles to keep younger guests entertained throughout the day.

Our Conference Suites offer the perfect retreat for the groom and groomsmen to relax and enjoy a drink with friends and family before the ceremony, whilst the Gallery Suite provides an elegant, private space for bridesmaids to prepare, serving as an ideal make-up room and getting-ready area.

With clear signage and thoughtful scheduling, every guest will know what to expect from the day. Our team at Nottingham Venues has extensive experience ensuring that every guest feels at ease, from children to grandparents.

3. Organise catering that reflects the needs of your guests 

Food is perhaps the easiest – and most universal – way to make sure everyone feels included. With a dry hire wedding venue, you have full control over your catering choices, meaning you’ll have the freedom to offer cultural or dietary options to accommodate religious or personal requirements and can consider interactive food stations to engage guests, such as DIY wraps, salad bars, or dessert stations. You’ll also be able to work with caterers familiar with faith-based or cultural traditions to ensure everything aligns with your vision.

This approach ensures that no guest feels left out whilst still reflecting your style and values. Here at Nottingham Venues, our team of staff are experienced in delivering a wide variety of cultural celebrations and special occasions, including Asian weddings and prom nights. Whilst we welcome external catering services at a majority of our venues, please note that unfortunately we cannot accommodate them at our Nottingham Trent Building.

4. Use venue flexibility to your advantage

Dry hire wedding and events venues give you the freedom to design a day that works for both you and your guests, with sites like Nottingham Venues allowing you to customise your special day. Choose personalised decor, seating, and entertainment that reflects the theme or cultural background of your event, provide designated quiet spaces or prayer rooms for those who need them, and plan a schedule that balances ceremonies, meals, and social time so that all ages can enjoy the day.

Our stunning outdoor spaces offer wonderful photo opportunities against the backdrop of the University of Nottingham’s beautiful grounds. For larger celebrations, there’s even the option to set up a marquee (subject to ground scan approval) extending your event space and creating a truly bespoke experience.

At Nottingham Venues, spaces like the Banqueting Suite and Conference Theatre at the East Midlands Conference Centre act as a blank canvas for a truly bespoke alcohol-free celebration.

5. Prioritise wellbeing and sustainability

Alcohol-free events lend themselves perfectly to health-conscious individuals, and planning for everyone includes thinking about comfort, wellness, and the environment. 

• Offer healthy, non-alcoholic options to support guests’ wellbeing 
• Minimise single-use plastics and waste through sustainable catering choices 
• Schedule breaks or downtime for older guests or those with younger children

We also offer complimentary onsite parking for your guests, making it easy for everyone to arrive and enjoy the day without the hassle of finding parking elsewhere. These small, thoughtful touches ensure that your event is enjoyable and accessible to all. 

For those in search of alcohol-free events or the perfect space for your big day, dry hire wedding and events venues like those offered by Nottingham Venues are the perfect option. From bespoke drinks and culturally sensitive catering to family-friendly spaces and mindful scheduling, every detail can be tailored to your guests’ needs.

Nottingham Venues provides the perfect blank canvas and expert support, ensuring your event is not just alcohol-free, but fully welcoming and memorable for all. Contact a member of our team today to enquire about dry hire wedding venues and alcohol-free events in Nottingham. 

FAQs

1. What is a dry hire wedding venue?

A dry hire wedding venue allows you to rent the space and bring in your own caterers, drinks, and décor. It’s perfect for couples who want to personalise their wedding or host an alcohol-free event that aligns with cultural traditions.

2. What does dry hire mean for weddings?

When you choose a dry hire option, the venue provides essentials like tables, chairs, and linens, but you’re free to choose your suppliers. This flexibility ensures every detail reflects your vision, from your chosen cuisine to your preferred beverages.

3. Why are alcohol-free events becoming more popular?

There’s a growing demand for alcohol-free events as couples prioritise inclusivity, wellbeing, and family-friendly fun. They’re ideal for religious celebrations and couples who want a meaningful day without the distractions of alcohol.

4. What are some great alcohol-free event ideas?

From live mocktail stations and artisan coffee bars to themed juice lounges, there are endless ways to make your alcohol-free event fun and memorable. Nottingham Venues’ dry hire spaces make it easy to bring these ideas to life.

5. Why choose a dry hire event space for my wedding?

A dry hire event space gives you total creative freedom. You can work with your own suppliers, choose specific catering styles, and customise every aspect, perfect for Asian weddings, faith-based ceremonies, or personalised modern celebrations.

6. Do Nottingham Venues allow external caterers for alcohol-free weddings?

Yes, external caterers are welcome at both the East Midlands Conference Centre and Trent Building. For those not on our preferred supplier list, a brief audit ensures smooth operation and compliance.

7. Can guests stay overnight at Nottingham Venues?

Absolutely. The Orchard Hotel, adjacent to the East Midlands Conference Centre, offers 203 stylish bedrooms, including a complimentary executive suite for the couple and discounted rates for guests.