Utah weddings have a unique drinks challenge: many couples want an experience that feels celebratory and special, while also welcoming guests who don't drink alcohol — which, in Utah's largely LDS community, often means a majority of your guest list. The good news is that non-alcoholic drink options have gotten genuinely excellent in recent years. Here are ten ideas worth considering.
1. Custom Dirty Soda Bar
This is the crowd favorite for Utah receptions, and it's where we'd start. A wedding soda bar run by Mixies gives every guest a personalized, handcrafted drink experience. Flavored syrups, creamy toppings, four or more base sodas — guests love the customization and the drinks photograph beautifully. It's staffed, styled, and fully handled. Starting at $3.95/guest, it's also surprisingly affordable compared to full bar service.
2. Signature Mocktails
Hire a mocktail mixologist or ask your caterer about a mocktail menu. Drinks like a virgin mojito, sparkling rosemary lemonade, or a "bride's blush" (cranberry, sparkling water, and rose syrup) give guests a cocktail experience without the alcohol. The key is presentation — proper glassware and garnishes make the difference between something that feels like a consolation prize and something genuinely special.
3. Lemonade Station
A well-executed lemonade station is more impressive than it sounds. Set up three or four large dispensers with different flavors — classic, strawberry, lavender, and mint — with clear glass dispensers, fresh citrus garnishes, and nice signage. It's easy to self-serve, works for all ages, and photographs well.
4. Agua Fresca Bar
Particularly popular for summer outdoor weddings, agua frescas are lightly sweetened water infused with fruits, herbs, and flowers. Watermelon, hibiscus (Jamaica), cucumber-lime, and cantaloupe are crowd favorites. They're light, refreshing, and feel appropriately festive without being heavy.
5. Italian Soda Station
Similar in spirit to the dirty soda bar but simpler: sparkling water, flavored syrups (Torani or Monin), and cream on the side. Set it up as a self-serve station with clear instructions, and guests can build their own. Monin makes over 100 syrup flavors, so you won't be short on options.
6. Sparkling Cider Tower
The champagne tower is one of the most recognizable wedding moments — and sparkling cider recreates it completely. Martinelli's Gold Medal Sparkling Cider or a premium sparkling apple juice in coupe glasses stacked in a tower delivers the visual drama and the toasting moment without alcohol. Guests who do drink won't even notice the difference in photos.
7. Flavored Still Waters
Don't underestimate infused water. Large glass jars or dispensers filled with cucumber-mint water, strawberry-basil water, or citrus water add visual interest to your drink table and keep guests hydrated. These work best as a complement to a primary non-alcoholic drink option, not a standalone offering.
8. Hot Drink Station (Fall & Winter)
If your wedding is in fall or winter, a hot drink station can be a standout feature. Hot chocolate with toppings bar, spiced cider, or a chai station feels warm and intentional rather than like a backup plan. Add a few good syrups (caramel, lavender, hazelnut) and it becomes genuinely special.
9. Craft Sodas
Stock a cooler or display a curated selection of premium craft sodas — Jones Soda, Boylan's, Q Mixers, or regional Utah brands. Label them nicely, put them in a styled tub of ice, and let guests browse. It's simple and inexpensive but feels intentional and fun, especially at casual or vintage-styled receptions.
10. Fresh-Squeezed Juice Bar
For brunch receptions or afternoon events, a fresh juice station can feel both elegant and refreshing. Orange, grapefruit, watermelon, and carrot-apple-ginger are popular options. You'll need a quality juicer and prep time, or a caterer who can provide this service. The visual of fresh citrus and vibrant juice colors is excellent for photos.
Why non-alcoholic drinks matter for Utah weddings
In Utah, offering thoughtful non-alcoholic drink options isn't just a courtesy — it's often the primary experience for a significant portion of your guests. Rather than treating non-alcoholic drinks as an afterthought, the couples who get it right invest in making those options genuinely excellent. Guests who don't drink alcohol aren't looking for a "safe" alternative — they want something that feels celebratory and special.
Explore the Mixies wedding soda bar option, or check our availability in Provo and across Utah County and Salt Lake County.