I’m in a good friend’s wedding tomorrow. Incredibly happy and excited, but I’m a bit nervous for the reception. I’m comfortable with not drinking and ordering NA beverages, and I do like to dance!
I’ve been to a few weddings sober… where I find myself struggling is staying present and keeping myself involved socially. Any tips?
I take a sober support friend to events like these. We have a great time.
Don’t drink. Take a sober friend. Or stay in touch with sober friends via text.
Take a dance partner and focus on the music
It’s normal to feel a little anxious about social gatherings that you know alcohol will be flowing. It sounds as if you’re more concerned about the social interaction than actually resisting the drink. I’ve been in that spot before. Learning how to socialize and have fun without drinking is more of a mental state than anything else. Take a little extra time before you go to center yourself and fill your head with positive affirmations. You are ok. You will be ok. You can and will have a great time…without alcohol
This is very helpful 
I appreciate you!
Stay in contact with your network, dip out for "bathroom or breathing breaks" and check in with sober people. Let your network know that you will check in with them. Get your own drinks and if you put it down, leave it and get another 1.
Play the tape forward BEFORE you go. Do you want to wake up tired and hungover wondering what you said and did and looking for lost things, etc? Def keep your why in mind when you go in. And it’s not required for you to be life at the party at the wedding. It’s ok to be less social then you always were. Embrace the new you!
Not making it a big deal works for me. Nobody is paying attention to you and won’t even notice if you are drinking or not. That works for me at weddings.
So…how’d it go??
I agree with the other poster that it’s more of a mental thing. The people around you don’t care what you’re drinking. What works for me is always having a drink in my hand. And of course dancing is always fun!!! 
I just went to a wedding. A big glass of sparkling water with lots of lemons and limes Made friends with the bartender who kept my glass full. Dance as much as possible and it’s a celebration!
I heard a great tip tonight. Ginger ale in a glass looks just like a mixed drink and will fend off the questions. And just stay as long as you want, if you need to leave then you just do. Only so what you can handle🥰
Just don't drink plain and simple how bad do you want it
It's only as awkward as you let it be. Social stigmas are awkward, don't buy into it. Think of it as just another planned sober activity on your weekend. Eventually it'll be no different than going to a restaurant where other people are drinking. One of the hardest realizations to accept is hsving a sober social life. Once you accept that it's just part of the new you, you won't even think about it anymore.
I totally agree Andrew. I do the same for all social functions as alcohol will always be available.
It went well! And I’ve got the sore legs/feet from dancing to prove it. I gave myself little breaks here and there, but needed way less than I was anticipating. Tried my best to stay aware of how my body felt and kept a smile on my face, which helped in the moments when I was standing alone because I didn’t want to initiate a conversation.
Atta girl! It only gets easier from here. Glad you had fun!