Couple imposes alcohol ban to prevent political row

As they hit the red carpet ahead of Election Day, couples hope that politically divided guests will step across the aisle and put their differences aside.

As fall weddings become increasingly popular, brides and grooms across the country are worried their dream days will be ruined by family fights over America’s Nov. 5 vote.

To mitigate any potential arguments, some couples are adjusting their wedding celebrations by banning alcohol and posting “No Politics” signs at receptions.

Illinois residents Katie Newell and Elijah Gallinger, 24, will tie the knot on Election Day and are planning accordingly.

The pair told The New York Times that the date was one of the limited days when their loved ones could attend and the venue could accommodate it.

While they worry that their families will anxiously check the news during their weddings, or that their weddings will prohibit people from voting, their biggest concern is the potential for conflict.

“I think there will be people on both sides, but I don’t think anyone is going to cause any crazy trouble,” Newell optimistically told The Times.

Their solution was to not serve alcohol.

“We thought it might be a good idea to keep the truth from flowing through people’s veins on Election Day,” she said.

Meanwhile, Boston couple Dena Skeadas, 31, and George Panagopoulos, 37, said “I do” two weeks after Election Day but are still worried Some of their guests were in no mood to celebrate.

“We have a pretty diverse guest list from political backgrounds, so my biggest concern is that no matter the outcome of the election, there are going to be people at our wedding who don’t celebrate,” said Skidas, who expressed concern about political violence. worry. The consequences of the election results.

However, she hopes their joyful reunion will keep people’s attention away from politics, at least for a few hours.

But some wedding experts warn that attempts to ban political dialogue may be futile.

“If Election Day were within a week, that might not be possible,” explains Atlanta wedding therapist Landis Bejar.

“Sometimes, especially in a large group of people, asking people not to do something means you’re reminding people of it.”

California-based wedding etiquette expert Jules Martinez Hirst recommends another language, such as, “There’s a lot going on in the world right now, but we want our wedding to be centered around what really matters. things – love and unity.”