fun/unique reception venue

hols0326

we aren't getting married until March 2011, but are starting to research different venues. we want something casual, and just a big party for all of our guests. there is a great 1930s theatre downtown that we would love to have the ceremony at. when it comes to the reception, we're still a little torn. FI suggested having something for our guests to do at the reception other than eating and dancing. there is a new restaurant/bar/bowling alley close to our home that we've been thinking about. would that be a dumb place for a reception? it's very pretty and modern on the inside with a few clusters of bowling lanes, plus a dance floor. people wouldn't have to participate if they didn't want to, but it would be there if people got bored. i, personally, like the idea of having an extra activity, but i'm not sure how i feel about a bowling alley. the very few people i've suggested it to acted as if it was a trashy idea. which i can understand...but this alley imparticular is very nice, and more of a restaurant/bar than a smoking, dirty bowling alley.  what do you guys think?

trix1223

Unless your wedding is very casual, people won't really be dressed for bowling.  I can't really see people bowling at a wedding reception-it just doesn't seem like it would promote "mingling" or visiting.Can you have your reception at the theater also?  I think that sounds like it could be lovely.I'd say no to the bowling alley.

aerinpegadrak

I've seen some really awesome bowling alley weddings.  Just spread the word so that your guests will be prepared, and maybe have some socks on hand in case your guests forget to bring some.  (This has been a problem for at least someone in the group for every impromptu bowling party I've been to.)  Actually, if it's in your budget, special socks would be kind of an awesome favor.

dsouldiva

Personally I like the idea of an extra activity but when I think of bowling alleys all I think of is smelly feet!Plus, even at a casual wedding, I would not team my outfit with a pair of grotty shoes 1000 other people have worn.

mbcdefg

I looked into a retro-style bowling alley in our state that has hosted several wedding receptions. It's set up more like a lounge and a concert hall moreso than a dingy bowling alley, and my contact person said they'd hosted both casual and formal wedding receptions there. But we nixed it because it would've been an hour drive from our church. I think it's an interesting idea, as long as people know ahead of time (so that they can bring socks and wear appropriate clothing if they want to bowl). Or give out the socks as a party favor, like PP said. Or you could have the bowling after you do dinner and cake and special dances, so that people who don't want to play are free to go home (and the bowling portion could be an after-party). Check offbeatbride.com - weddings like this are more common on that website than on the knot. I Googled for the bowling alley that I was looking into (Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, NJ) and found some pics from a casual wedding there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdburkhardt/sets/72157621933756667/http://www.allasburypark.com/events/a-night-to-remember-the-lanes/