Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??

6512Weaver

My brother had a fun twist to his wedding during dinner. Every 15 minutes they would announce a couple's name at the wedding and that couple was supposed to show the newlyweds how to kiss. I was sweating bullets that I would be called on, but they made sure to only give the DJ names of people who wouldn't mind. It was really neat and funny to see how some people did it and it kept the dinner exciting. Everyone would start smiling and getting excited each time the DJ announced a new name. 

I also saw on Pinterest having each table have a song title name as the table number. When that song plays, everyone at that table has to get up and dance. A nice way to try and get everyone dancing.

Does anyone have any fun ideas they're doing at their wedding?

ZiggyZos

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fun-receptiondinner-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:50a0f011-8e6f-4260-ad94-f99b0fd25bc0Post:98a74872-0dfc-4c4a-8863-6829f5a3ece9">Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??</a>:
[QUOTE]My brother had a fun twist to his wedding during dinner. Every 15 minutes they would announce a couple's name at the wedding and that couple was supposed to show the newlyweds how to kiss. I was sweating bullets that I would be called on, but they made sure to only give the DJ names of people who wouldn't mind. It was really neat and funny to see how some people did it and it kept the dinner exciting. Everyone would start smiling and getting excited each time the DJ announced a new name.  I also saw on Pinterest having each table have a song title name as the table number. When that song plays, everyone at that table has to get up and dance. A nice way to try and get everyone dancing. Does anyone have any fun ideas they're doing at their wedding?
Posted by 6512Weaver[/QUOTE]

My fun ideas were good food, good music, and an open bar. No embarrassment or calling on of guests necessary.

AddieCake

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fun-receptiondinner-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:50a0f011-8e6f-4260-ad94-f99b0fd25bc0Post:c48277ba-66fc-4fd5-925d-b2321b2c600f">Re: Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas?? : My fun ideas were good food, good music, and an open bar. No embarrassment or calling on of guests necessary.
Posted by ZiggyZos[/QUOTE]

<div>This. Well, minus the open bar, unless "open mimosas" count.  I would have been mortified if that had happened to me as a guest and would not have participated. In fact, I probably would have left and been very upset that the bride and groom would do things to put people so on the spot. </div><div>
</div><div>ETA: Sorry. I got really upset and responded w/o seeing you said only people who wouldn't mind were called on. I still don't like it, though. I don't like forced cutesy stuff at weddings. </div>

6512Weaver

Like I said.....they only gave names to the DJ of people who wouldn't mind...and loved it! We have a very outgoing family, except for me, I'm the black sheep and shy LOL

AddieCake

Yeah, I'm sorry. I missed that part initially. That's a relief!  But what about the dancing?  I don't dance, and if the whole table had to get up and dance....? No thanks!

ZiggyZos

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fun-receptiondinner-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:50a0f011-8e6f-4260-ad94-f99b0fd25bc0Post:b59663bc-9b8b-456a-b3b4-84f747db2c20">Re: Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??</a>:
[QUOTE]Like I said.....they only gave names to the DJ of people who wouldn't mind...and loved it! We have a very outgoing family, except for me, I'm the black sheep and shy LOL
Posted by 6512Weaver[/QUOTE]

Even if people are willing to participate, why do you think guests want to watch a bunch of couples kissing? I'm sorry, but sometimes what people think is funny for "how to kiss", I find uncomfortable to witness. Uncle Bob sticking his tongue down Aunt Martha's throat because he's had a few too many? No thanks.

JoanE2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fun-receptiondinner-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:50a0f011-8e6f-4260-ad94-f99b0fd25bc0Post:98a74872-0dfc-4c4a-8863-6829f5a3ece9">Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??</a>:
[QUOTE]My brother had a fun twist to his wedding during dinner. Every 15 minutes they would announce a couple's name at the wedding and that couple was supposed to show the newlyweds how to kiss. I was sweating bullets that I would be called on, but they made sure to only give the DJ names of people who wouldn't mind. It was really neat and funny to see how some people did it and it kept the dinner exciting. Everyone would start smiling and getting excited each time the DJ announced a new name.  I also saw on Pinterest having each table have a song title name as the table number. When that song plays, everyone at that table has to get up and dance. A nice way to try and get everyone dancing. Does anyone have any fun ideas they're doing at their wedding?
Posted by 6512Weaver[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Oh my.  Both are terrible ideas.  Sure, maybe the DJ only had names of people who didn't mind.  But how would your guests know that?  And spotlighting a table to get up and dance?  Yeah, I'd probably walk on past the dance floor out to the ladies room.</div><div>
</div><div>Have good food, drinks and music/open dance floor and everyone will have a great time.  No need to entertain people with games.  

</div>

beardownbchs

Yeah sorry to burst your bubble, OP, but I agree that these extra cutesy things are not necessary or even all that cutesy. Unless it's a very small wedding with a very close and outgoing group, I can see more people being very uncomfortable with this than enjoying it. Around my friends, I'm a very outgoing person around my friends, but at a wedding with a lot of people I only sort of know and a lot of people I don't know at all, these things would make me VERY uncomfortable. 

People enjoy eating, drinking and hanging out with their friends and family. Forced "fun" games and similar "get to know you" activities are better suited for the first day of middle school and company team-building meetings.

NOLAbridealmost

You just said you were "sweating bullets" before realizing you weren't in the hot seat.....that sucks. Why would anyone want to make a guest feel that way...even temporarily? Bad idea. Bad idea all around. Sick to the basics: food, wine, good music. Your "unique" ideas will bother guests 90% of the time. Trust me.

adktd2boots

Get a good dj/band, alcohol, and good food and your guests will have a more than memorable experience. 

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fun-receptiondinner-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:50a0f011-8e6f-4260-ad94-f99b0fd25bc0Post:c3d4cebe-c1ee-47c3-a043-eaadeca6fed4">Re: Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??</a>:
[QUOTE]Y<strong>ou just said you were "sweating bullets" before realizing you weren't in the hot seat.....that sucks. Why would anyone want to make a guest feel that way...even temporarily?</strong> Bad idea. Bad idea all around. Sick to the basics: food, wine, good music. Your "unique" ideas will bother guests 90% of the time. Trust me.
Posted by NOLAbridealmost[/QUOTE]

<div>That's what I was wondering.  I was at a wedding where one person at a time had to dance around their table and then whoever they stopped at when the music stopped had to dance next.  I don't think I ever was the person that had to get up to dance, but I was in agony sitting there wondering when/if I would have to do it.  Your guests should never feel that way.  </div>

Knottie_22383607

I can't think of anything I would want to do at a wedding reception other than eat, drink and watch other people dance. I'm not a fan of pda and would be mortified if I thought there was a chance I might have to have that spotlight on me. I don't dance so it would be uncomfortable if there was a chance I might have to get up and dance around a table, although I could grin and bear it for the sake of not being the party pooper. If you do decide to do something, make sure your guests know it's voluntary. Maybe before you start ask for volunteers. That way those that are not comfortable with it know their name won't possibly be picked out of a hat. I'd spend most of my night in the bathroom if I thought that was the case.

Emanons

The best way to ensure your guests have fun is to have good food, good music and seat people with some others whom they know and are comfortable with.   That way the shy people have someone to talk to and may be enticed onto the dance floor.  With an outgoing family, ask your parents and key other family members to work the room with you and your groom.  I always love it when the bride and groom make the effort to talk to most of their guests. 

Maggie0829

Just say no to "cutesy" things that put your guests on the spot, whether they are comfortable with it or not.

Have some great food, tasty drinks and good music.  Adults do not need entertainment or games to have a good time.

harper0813

If things like this are going to happen, like "get the bride and groom to kiss" sort of thing, make it optional, not required. Otherwise, it will cause embarrassment.

I once read an idea on here that, in order to get the bride and groom to kiss (in lieu of clinking glasses), a guest would go to the microphone and say their favorite memory of one or both of them. That might make dinner a little more "interesting", since that's what you seem to want, and it's a little less sloppy or painful to witness than singing a song with "love" in it or mimicking a way the bride and groom have to kiss. In fact, we are doing this "memory" idea because we've had some many (random!) people ask us if they can give a speech - so we said they could share a SHORT and tasteful memory of us. With a time limit. 

Or you can just feed them good food, play some good music and socialize with each of them to thank them for coming!

alithebride

i dont want to watch other people kiss and, not for nothing, but the couple getting married needing help? oye.
i'm not a fan of forced dancing. I'd go to the bar or something.

Viczaesar

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fun-receptiondinner-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:50a0f011-8e6f-4260-ad94-f99b0fd25bc0Post:98a74872-0dfc-4c4a-8863-6829f5a3ece9">Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??</a>:
[QUOTE]My brother had a fun twist to his wedding during dinner. Every 15 minutes they would announce a couple's name at the wedding and that couple was supposed to show the newlyweds how to kiss. I was sweating bullets that I would be called on, but they made sure to only give the DJ names of people who wouldn't mind. It was really neat and funny to see how some people did it and it kept the dinner exciting. Everyone would start smiling and getting excited each time the DJ announced a new name.  I also saw on Pinterest having each table have a song title name as the table number. When that song plays, everyone at that table has to get up and dance. A nice way to try and get everyone dancing. Does anyone have any fun ideas they're doing at their wedding?
Posted by 6512Weaver[/QUOTE]
I would hate both of these as a guest, especially the second one.

vanityink

Shiver. Yeah, I'm outgoing, but totally not into PDA. I hope they actually cleared it with the other couples first, or I have a feeling some of my friends would have put me on their list and I would have probably pecked FI quickly before sitting back down and being really uncomfortable... The idea really makes me squirm...

OwningAHome1981

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_fun-receptiondinner-ideas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:50a0f011-8e6f-4260-ad94-f99b0fd25bc0Post:98a74872-0dfc-4c4a-8863-6829f5a3ece9">Fun Reception/Dinner Ideas??</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>My brother had a fun twist to his wedding during dinner. Every 15 minutes they would announce a couple's name at the wedding and that couple was supposed to show the newlyweds how to kiss. I was sweating bullets that I would be called on, but they made sure to only give the DJ names of people who wouldn't mind. It was really neat and funny to see how some people did it and it kept the dinner exciting. Everyone would start smiling and getting excited each time the DJ announced a new name.</strong>  I also saw on Pinterest having each table have a song title name as the table number. When that song plays, everyone at that table has to get up and dance. A nice way to try and get everyone dancing. Does anyone have any fun ideas they're doing at their wedding?
Posted by 6512Weaver[/QUOTE]

This would me and a lot of others I am sure, extremely uncomfortable.

Jen4948

I am not a fan of PDA, and I would not appreciate being "shown how to kiss."  Nor would I appreciate being told to "show how to kiss" simply because some emcee called my name.

Lose this idea.

Andama08

I disagree with the PPs, you know your guests best. If you think they'd have a good time with having a little fun I'd say go for it. I like going to events with a little twist.