Weddings. Free bar, long day, speeches, a DJ who thinks it's still 2004, and a best man on a personal mission to get everyone “going”.
Zebra striping is how you enjoy the whole thing and still remember the first dance. And your own dancing. Which, in my case, might be a reason to remember less. Dad-dancing doesn't improve sober. Turns out the wine was never the problem.
Start as you mean to go on
Reception drinks are where it goes wrong. Fizz on arrival, another during photos, and suddenly it's 4pm, you haven't eaten, and you're telling the vicar he's “basically your best mate”.
So stripe early. After the first glass of fizz, grab a water or a soft drink. You've set the rhythm.
Ask for an alcohol-free option
If you know the couple, ask if there's an alcohol-free beer or fizz on the bar. Lots of venues will stock one if they know someone wants it.
Hosting? Put a bottle of Pierre Zéro Sparkling Chardonnay next to the real stuff for the toasts. It's a true 0.0% French fizz, and everyone gets a proper glass, including the driver.
Eat, then stripe
Line your stomach. Then keep raiding the buffet. It's the oldest advice in the book because it works. And nobody judges you for a fourth sausage roll at a wedding.
Use the dance floor
You can't drink while you're doing the Macarena. The dance floor is your secret weapon. Get on it. Stay on it. Bring a soft drink when you come off.
Watch out for the runner
There's always one at a wedding. The cousin who stopped drinking and took up ultra marathons. He's in bed by 9pm because he's got a five-hour run in the morning. Swapped hangovers for hamstrings. Still out the game. Just better at the YMCA.
House parties are easier
Bring your own. A few Savyll Moscow Mules or a box of alcohol-free lager in the fridge and you're sorted. Nobody will notice you're striping. They'll just notice you're the one who knows where the bottle opener is.
The deal bit
Mix any 6 drinks and save 5%, up to 15% for 24. For more ideas, read our zebra striping guide.
The serious bit
Zebra striping means drinking less, not more. Pace yourself, eat, and get home safely. If you're worried about your drinking, your GP is a great first call.
