after dinner ideas for very small wedding

auchick913

Hello, first post here. We are in the final stages of booking a venue for our small, family only May 2013 wedding. The contract was emailed to me today. We went for an all inclusive type package that includes the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner/cake and also includes rooms for all the guests that evening. The timeline given on the contract was ceremony from 4-430pm, cocktail hour from 430-530pm and dinner/cake from 530pm-7pm. 

I'd like some ideas on what to do after 7pm. I feel like we should have something planned until at least 9 or 10 but our wedding is extremely small (10-15 guests total, all family, all from out of town) so renting out a place to dance and hiring a DJ/band etc. seems a bit silly for that few people. 

I asked my fiance and the only idea we could come up with was to do photos AFTER dinner instead of during cocktail hour (I'm pretty certain I don't want to do a first look) but then we'd need to book the photographer for several more hours than planned and run the risk of having food caught in someone's teeth. I thought about also going to a bar or piano bar or something afterwards but nobody in either family are really big partiers.

Any ideas please?? Thanks!

jessmedlock

How about Board Games such as Catch Phrase? Would be a fund way and relaxing way to finish out the night.
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_after-dinner-ideas-for-very-small-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:e29890d6-d2fc-4dcd-b0e6-db0fe9003c02Post:d087fdbb-f9e9-4923-a5cb-b53cde286462">after dinner ideas for very small wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]Hello, first post here. We are in the final stages of booking a venue for our small, family only May 2013 wedding. The contract was emailed to me today. We went for an all inclusive type package that includes the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner/cake and also includes rooms for all the guests that evening. The timeline given on the contract was ceremony from 4-430pm, cocktail hour from 430-530pm and dinner/cake from 530pm-7pm.  I'd like some ideas on what to do after 7pm. I feel like we should have something planned until at least 9 or 10 but our wedding is extremely small (10-15 guests total, all family, all from out of town) so renting out a place to dance and hiring a DJ/band etc. seems a bit silly for that few people.  I asked my fiance and the only idea we could come up with was to do photos AFTER dinner instead of during cocktail hour (I'm pretty certain I don't want to do a first look) but then we'd need to book the photographer for several more hours than planned and run the risk of having food caught in someone's teeth. I thought about also going to a bar or piano bar or something afterwards but nobody in either family are really big partiers. Any ideas please?? Thanks!
Posted by auchick913[/QUOTE]

Avion22

I think you can continue the party in someone's room/suite or in a common area -- just time to hang out, maybe have a few drinks (coffee?  tea?  night cap?), etc.   If the hotel you're staying in has it's own bar, this might work.   Or if there is a local bar you want to go to, then let everyone know "We will be going to this bar a this time if anyone is interested in joining us" (this wording makes it clear that you won't necessarily be hosting everyone's drinks).  People might stop by for a while, but those who aren't into bars can leave when they are ready.

AdeleDazeem

Does the hotel have a bar area?  Or just an outdoor hanging out area?

Our super small wedding of 12 people hit up the hotel bar that had a live band afterwards.  We had a cocktail hour from 6:30pm to 7:30pm and then a four course dinner (open bar throughout the event) that ran from 8pm to nearly 11:30pm.  We aren't big partiers either.  The dinner portion of the evening was mostly wine drinking with lots and lots of talking.   

If not, I really like the idea of a hospitality suite.  Just somewhere to go and hang out afterwards should anyone want to.

helleb

What and where is your venue and what is your "theme" if any for your wedding? 

I know many people who have taken people to comedy clubs, piano bars, etc. nightclubs.  7 is pretty early so you should be able to find entertainment after.

If it is more outdoor style at a B&B check and see if they have a fire pit and have things ready to hang out outside and toast smores (obviously check with your venue) or play outdoor games.  We are having our small wedding at a cabin on a lake so after dinner we plan on doing the first dances and cake but then I will change into another dress for a bonfire(don't want my wedding dress to smell of camping) , games, talking and maybe a boat ride.

Taradando

My fiance and I are also having a small wedding (<40) and we only have our venue for 4 hours.  Since 95% of our guests are coming in from out of town to the wedding, we're going to a bistro/wine bar a few blocks away after the reception for a wind-down party.  That way we can spend more time with our guests while they're there.

[Deleted User]

I like the idea of moving venues after to a piano bar or something similar, just because people aren't partiers doesn't mean they can't enjoy good music and hang out with you for a few more hours given that they traveled to see y-o-u! (and FI, lol)

Sue-n-Kevin

I went to an afternoon wedding a few years ago, and while it was larger, the bride's parents hosted an "after party" at their home, very casual (they had an above ground pool for kids). They had alcohol and a small snack display, picnic tables set up.

Not sure if you have any family in the area or not. If not, I like the idea of finding someplace that is open, maybe with entertainment, so everyone can move onto that venue for post-wedding fun.

auchick913

Thanks for the opinions. I asked FI what he thought about the various ideas and he instantly nixed the "party in a suite" as being a bit too much like HS. A friend came up with the idea to go on a moonlit riverboat tour (we'll be close to DC) so that's an interesting option too but I'm not sure if that would be too casual. We'll see! Thanks for the ideas!

j-harvey

I don't know if I'd want to do this on my wedding night, but since you'll be close to the Potomac and with a small group of OOT guests, have you considered touring the monuments at night? Since you'll be at the hotel, everyone could change into comfortable shoes before leaving.