When you're skipping the traditions, what do your guests DO for the whole reception??

casyme

We're a nontraditional couple that won't be doing the standard reception events -- no first dance, no cutting the cake (in fact, no cake - pie!), no throwing the bouquet, no taking off the garter, etc.  Which means we're going to have a 4-hour reception with no events.  I suppose people can just drink themselves into a stupor, chat, and make an impromptu dancefloor.  (There will be music).

Am I unjustifiably terrified that people will be bored?  If not, what can I do to give them some added amusement -- maybe some games strewn about the room, trivia cards?  Anybody else have any good ideas?

Gabrielle76

You could always make your own events, if you want something special during the reception to entertain guests.  Maybe you could have games people could play.  However, I think people are usually happy dancing, drinking and talking. 

KatoNorway

We didn't do any of the things you did, save for the cake cutting (which, I really don't think anyone cared to watch anyway.) We did have a DJ and photobooth. If people were not dancing, they were conversing. I don't think they were bored.

Honestly as a guest, I think many of the events you described are pretty boring in general.

toothpastechica

Depends on your guests....my guests are almost all family, so they are perfectly happy and comfortable just to talk and catch up with eachother, we are having cake cutting, and toasts, but thats it for 'traditional recepeption events", other then that we are just playing music in the background so people can dance if they want, but it wont be a 'dance party', and we are having a pinata near the end of the night. Im not too worried about people being bored, also our reception is at gardens so people are free to go outside on the patio or walk through the gardens if they are needing a break from inside.

HeathenSwan

I don't think they'll be bored. They will be eating, drinking, (hopefully) socialising, and having fun either way. A lot of the time, having something going on every 20 minutes is distracting and breaks up the flow of fun anyway (my own opinion).

The only real tradition we're keeping is the cake cutting (my fiance wants to do that and I'm fine with it). 

We are Heathens, so the "who's been married the longest" dance and the bouquet/garter toss will be replaced with essentially people picking their dance partners by their feet (in honor of the marriage of Njord and Skadi). I'm not certain if we are going to ask the marrieds to try and pick their husband's feet, or the single ladies deciding on which of the single men have the nicest feet, and having him dance with the ladies (either way, it will be entirely optional, and no one will be guilted like they do to the singles at usual weddings). Sounds weird, and I can explain better if anyone is interested. But in my head, it seems awesome

The only group participation dances will be the Time Warp, and Thriller (but it would likely be only us and a few others actually dancing, which is fine).

We aren't having a DJ/emcee, and we're going to keep it organic. The feel we are going for is that we're hanging out with or friends and family, just with more food and booze, some music, and maybe a cowbell or two during a BOC song.

FaithCaitlin

Like PPs have said, as long as there is good food and music, your guests will be fine. They can chat, dance, eat, etc. And at the end of the day, isn't that what makes a good party? We are only doing a cake cutting and then having dinner at a restaurant that will be open for regular patrons. I'm banking on my guests social skills to keep them entertained. I wouldn't worry!

alyssatoepfer

Do a pie cutting?    We considered cherry pie for awhile.  YUM!

jenn&chad

We are doing everything you're doing/not doing including pie!!! We're having lawn games like ladder golf and corn hole. I think having games on the tables is a really fun idea! People could even play while they eat maybe.... I think dancing and socializing is enough. I mean it's going to take everyone a little while to eat and get settled at their tables. And as long as there's a dance floor and good music, dance party it up!

bookworm78

We are skipping all of that too. We aren't even having any food served, just a dessert bar and coffee bar. The invite will state: "Immediately after the ceremony, please join us for coffee, cake and conversation." We are having a huge table of board games and cards that guest can bring back to their tables to play. We are trying to re-create the atmosphere of a cozy coffee shop. We're going to have background music and MAYBE do a couple dances, but no DJ or anything like that. 

romamor4

We aren't doing any of that either. Except MAYBE cutting the cake, haven't decided on that yet. I agree with PP's though that it depends on the crowd. We were considering having a swing dance troupe come in and do a few numbers since we're avid swing dancers. We thought that would be fun but that'll last maybe ten minutes. We also considered doing a murder mystery...we're still considering it. But that would take up about an hour of time. If you would like to include something non-traditional think about some of the things you and FI are known for or that you share together and turn that in to some sort of short activity with voluntary participation, like mad libs or something. GL!

likeadeadstar

We're having a first dance and father-daughter, and the garter only because FI came up with a deliciously wicked idea for it that will be hilarious.  We have cupcakes so no cutting, we don't want toasts or speeches, and I'm making the bouquets and refuse to make a spare (I want to keep mine!)  My plan is we eat, then FI and I get up and dance ourselves silly and bring everyone with us.  Then, we're heading out to spend the night wandering the Nuit Blanche festival as an official after-event.