Every couple dreams of the perfect wedding — but “perfect” is a moving target. For every tradition you embrace, there’s a modern twist waiting to shake things up. And if you’ve spent five minutes scrolling wedding forums, you already know: couples and guests love a good debate.
Should you serve alcohol or go dry? Let kids run wild or keep it adults-only? Seat everyone carefully or let them fend for themselves? These aren’t just logistics, it's the stuff guests will still be talking about at your anniversary.
So, let’s settle in. Here are five classic wedding debates that split guest lists right down the middle, and how to choose the version that works best for you.
1. Alcohol vs. Dry Weddings
The Case for Alcohol: It keeps the party buzzing, loosens up the dance floor, and for many guests, it’s expected. Champagne toasts, signature cocktails, open bars — they’re all part of the celebration.
The Case Against: Alcohol is expensive, logistically tricky, and can lead to messy moments (spilled dresses, regrettable speeches). Couples going alcohol-free often cite inclusivity, safety, or religious reasons.
Middle Ground: Consider a limited bar (beer, wine, and one signature drink), or offer fun mocktails so nobody feels left out.
Read the article: To Serve or Not To Serve: The Complete Guide to Alcohol at Your Wedding (2026 Edition)
2. Kids Welcome vs. Adults-Only
The Case for Kids: Nothing’s cuter than toddlers in mini tuxedos or flower girls twirling on the dance floor. For some families, leaving kids at home isn’t realistic.
The Case Against: Kids get tired, cranky, or bored and some guests want a night to let loose. Adults-only weddings are easier to plan and often feel more elegant.
Middle Ground: Allow kids at the ceremony but keep the reception adults-only. Or hire an on-site babysitter so parents can relax while kids have fun nearby.
Read the article: Kids at Weddings: The Debate That Divides Families (Literally)
3. Buffet vs. Plated vs. Food Trucks
The Case for Buffet: Guests choose what they want and how much, which reduces waste. Buffets also encourage mingling.
The Case for Plated: It’s more formal, feels special, and keeps the evening structured. Guests don’t have to juggle plates in formalwear.
The Case for Food Trucks: Fun, interactive, and unforgettable. Food trucks are especially popular for outdoor weddings and couples who want a casual, modern vibe.
Middle Ground: Mix and match — a plated dinner followed by a late-night food truck, or a buffet for the main meal with plated desserts.
4. Assigned Seating vs. Free Seating
The Case for Assigned: Guests avoid the awkward shuffle of trying to find a spot, and family feuds can be quietly managed with careful table planning.
The Case for Free: It’s casual, flexible, and works well for smaller weddings where everyone already knows each other.
Middle Ground: Assign tables, not seats. Guests know where to land, but still get some choice.
5. Late-Night Snacks: Worth It or Wasteful?
The Case for Yes: After hours of dancing, nothing makes guests happier than surprise pizza, sliders, or donut walls. It’s a guaranteed Instagram moment.
The Case for No: They’re pricey, and by that point, some guests are already gone. Leftovers often go to waste.
Middle Ground: Choose something simple and cost-effective (like a s’mores bar or taco stand) and serve it halfway through the night instead of at the very end.
Read the article: Late-Night Wedding Snacks: Worth It or Wasteful? (The Complete Guide for 2026) (10/24/25)
The Bottom Line
There’s no right answer to any of these debates. What feels perfect for one couple might be a disaster for another. The best approach? Decide what matters most to you as a couple, find compromises where you can, and don’t sweat making everyone happy.
Stay Tuned
This post kicks off our Wedding Debates series. Over the coming weeks, we’ll take a closer look at each hot topic—food, kids, alcohol, seating, and late-night snacks—and give you the real-world tips, pros and cons, and ideas to help you decide what’s right for your wedding.
Bookmark this page: We’ll add links to each debate post here as they go live.
