Every now and then, a couple leans in close, lowers their voice, and asks me the same question, usually with a hopeful grin: “Christina… can we have a drink before the ceremony?”
And honestly, I get it. It is your wedding day. You are excited, you are nervous, you are surrounded by your favourite people. Someone pops a bottle, someone hands you a glass, and suddenly you are wondering if a cheeky sip might take the edge off.
So let us talk about it, gently and with a wink.
Here is the important part. A celebrant cannot legally marry you if you are intoxicated. That does not mean you need to be stone cold sober or sipping chamomile tea. It simply means you need to be clear headed enough to understand what is happening, consent freely, and say your vows without sliding into a brand new language.
So yes, you can have a drink. But keep it light, keep it lovely, and keep it at the relaxed and happy level, not the I love you all so much let us move in together level.
One glass is fine. Two glasses is probably still fine. Three glasses is when I start raising an eyebrow.
Your ceremony is one of the most meaningful moments of your life. You want to be present for it, fully and joyfully, with all your senses switched on.
And truly, the big celebrating is better saved for after the I do. The champagne tastes better once you are officially married. There is something magical about that first post ceremony drink, the relief, the joy, the we actually did it glow. It hits different. It is worth waiting for.
So have a sip if you want to. Have a laugh. Have a moment.
I want you walking into your ceremony feeling like the best version of yourselves, not the bubbly version.