something for my guests to do when they are not dancing

mcuoco

I am getting married at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa CA at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert hall in September. I want to have something for my guests to do if their feet get tired dancing! I had thought of a sketch artist, photo booth or cigar rolling, but wanted to know if anyone had some other unique great ideas. Thanks in advance!

danieliza1127

Not everyone dances at wedding receptions.  You don't need to plan anything extra.  Those that don't dance or do dance and need a break, will sit, drink and socialize. 

skippylouwho

Part of the reception is having time to mingle, not have every miinute orchestrated for you.  Especially as the parent of one of the couple, you want to be able to be able to visit with people and just soak in the event - not be herded like sheep to scheduled activities.

sky7563

I like the idea of having extra optional things to do at the wedding.  Our centerpieces are going to be a framed photo cube with table names corresponding to the pictures and a brief explaination/details on the other side of the table name.  I figure if guests want they can go see pictures of us throughout the years and/or read some fun facts.  I've also seen the idea of trivia cards (just out, as coasters, etc).  In addition we are having a journal for guests to write down thoughts, well wishes, etc.  We are definitley having a photo place for guests as well. 

There are also the ideas of putting together a video of the two of you or a calloge throughout the years.  As well as putting out pictures of other married couples...you could have them write the most important thing to remember in a marriage by their picture if you want.  Guests could go look at any of these.

We really want to provide the kids with some additional entertainment too.  One of my favorites is the "eye spy" game.  They are to get a picture (by the camera we provide them) of items given to them on a list.  Maybe some good pictures will come of it.  There are also coloring books, cards, etc.

SarahNicole80

This isn't really something else to do, but a great idea for sore feet. My future sister-in-law put out some flip flops and tagged the sizes for women to take when their feet hurt. She just left them by the dance floor. I put a pair to use and was so happy. I think she got them at target for like 2 bucks a pair. I will be doing the same at my wedding.

Lasairiona

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_something-guests-not-dancing?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:6104f536-d94a-4f9f-a809-c9c53e152a7dPost:ee50a9fb-6b50-46fc-bc99-607fcb51d43b">Re: something for my guests to do when they are not dancing</a>:
[QUOTE]This isn't really something else to do, but a great idea for sore feet. My future sister-in-law put out some flip flops and tagged the sizes for women to take when their feet hurt. She just left them by the dance floor. I put a pair to use and was so happy. I think she got them at target for like 2 bucks a pair. I will be doing the same at my wedding.
Posted by SarahNicole80[/QUOTE]
As a guest, you are responsible for your own footwear and it is not the bride's responsibility. Also, if a woman does choose to wear shoes that she steps out of in mere minutes after arriving, then it's her fault for not wearing appropriate shoes. But if someone does kick off their shoes later in the evening to dance in, they go barefoot since flip flops are incredibly difficult to dance in and many women find them uncomfortable to wear for any period of time. Save your money and put it toward food/drink/entertainment that guests will actually notice and appreciate or else put it toward your photography. Also, men will not take off their shoes at all.

If you feel your reception will be a disaster unless you provide flip flops (it won't), be aware that 75% of the population does not wear size 8, contrary to popular belief. That size does not work for most people even though everyone says that if you aren't a size 8, you're a freak of nature. Make sure that the sizes are easily visible.

mewebster59

I am doing guest books... like have guests sign bottles of wine (one bottle per table with instructions), and have them decorate river rocks.  Also, I thought about giving each child a camera and a treasure hunt to take pics of certain items.  I really think that guests enjoy the photo booth.  You could do interactive food stations, where guests could make thier own sundae to cool down after being on the dance floor.  I do agree though that you don't need to much to make sure your guests have a good time!

SuMmErKuTiE

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_something-guests-not-dancing?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:6104f536-d94a-4f9f-a809-c9c53e152a7dPost:cf9a29d8-db4b-4268-973f-d9976956d639">Re: something for my guests to do when they are not dancing</a>:
[QUOTE]Really, as long as you have seats and booze, people will just mingle and socialize.  
Posted by MyNameIsNot[/QUOTE]

Ditto this.. it's always worked at every wedding I've been to.

christinelyn0131

i see what you're saying (don't let negative posters get you down)

you could:
-offer ALL guests to help sign/decorate your getaway car
-incorporate food (i.e., a mashed potato bar)
errr that's all i got

but photobooth/sketch artist sounds GREAT and would really make your wedding stand out.

skippylouwho

mewebster59 - you are having your adult guests paint river rocks?

Personally - I just want to be a guest when I go. I don't want to be a performing pony.   I want to talk to other people, enjoy the music and food and have a nice time. I don't want to do arts & crafts or other tricks.

Maybe it's just me. I have never gone to a wedding and reception and then thought - wow -not enough entertainment for me.

Catwoman708

If your guests get tired of dancing, they will want to sit down and rest.  Or perhaps visit the restroom, get a drink, or talk to other guests.  A wedding reception is a social event, where guests socialize, and time will seem to fly by very quickly.  Not just for you, but for your guests as well, so you don't need to provide activities or games to keep them entertained.  

Presumably you will have chairs, restrooms, and refreshments of some kind for your guest's comfort.   Music, food, drinks, and good company is all you need to worry about.

tommyandy

Is there an outdoor area to escape to?  I like being able to go outside for a little fresh air from time to time at a party.

amandalynn2011

Dont forget that the wedding is supposed to be an event that offers the two families to gather together and get to know eachother a little bit better. I do agree with socializing. But if you want to plan something else, then it would be good to plan something that would allow them to mingle more.

mewebster59

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_something-guests-not-dancing?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:6104f536-d94a-4f9f-a809-c9c53e152a7dPost:38a7f40e-9d27-4ab6-9952-a8ab7a25d1df">Re: something for my guests to do when they are not dancing</a>:
[QUOTE]mewebster59 - you are having your adult guests paint river rocks? Personally - I just want to be a guest when I go. I don't want to be a performing pony.   I want to talk to other people, enjoy the music and food and have a nice time. I don't want to do arts & crafts or other tricks. Maybe it's just me. I have never gone to a wedding and reception and then thought - wow -not enough entertainment for me.
Posted by skippylouwho[/QUOTE]

Perhaps I should have said decorate, and yes, if they choose to, of course no one will be forced.  Its actually a very popular guest book alternative in my area.  Thanks for the feedback  though skippylou :)

anne.azano

we're having a photobooth but only the first two hours of our reception... one, because it's expensive, two, because we don't want it to distract people too much from dancing later in the night.