No Dancing--Need Ideas

loganelaine

Hello!

We are having our reception at our church (because it's budget friendly!) and therefore, cannot having any dancing.  And between the church and our preferences, we will not be serving alcohol.  That said, I'm looking for ideas to make the reception fun and not just a time to eat some food and leave. 

Some things I've thought of (but aren't sold on) are:

• Karaoke
• Rock Band/guitar hero
• Games on the tables
• Wii games

Does any one have any ideas or things they've experienced at receptions that were fun? 

Thanks!

lyndausvi

Personally I would more than likely not play with any of the games.  

Weddings are for me to catch up with family and friends, not to play games.

but others might think other wise.

loganelaine

I hear ya...that's why I'm not sold on them.  I just HATE going to a reception that all you do is sit there...Maybe my future hubby and I will just have to work extra hard to work the room and keep people talking.

danieliza1127

I've been to several receptions held in the church with no dancing and no alcohol, and pretty much you just socialize and mingle and eat and then leave.  I would imagine if you can't have dancing or alcohol, you can't have karaoke either.  Besides most people won't get up and sing without a few drinks in them. 

If your crowd is mostly adults, socializing and eating is really all they need. 

trix1223

ditto pps.  I don't need "games" to play at a wedding~even one without dancing or alcohol. 

I consider it more like a dinner party, then, where I can visit with friends, catch up with people I haven't seen   To me games is a little too casual for a wedding, but you know your crowd better.

mbcdefg

I would just concentrate on serving the best food and (non-alcoholic) drinks you can afford. That will mean more to people than games or activities.

If you can do "action stations" - meat carving station, mashed potato bar, fresh pasta made to order by an attendant, etc. - maybe that would make things a little more interesting. If you're hiring a caterer, could they do this for you?

You could offer a bunch of interesting mocktail" drinks, or soda in glass bottles ... maybe with flavored syrups and things like fresh cherries and lemon slices on the side so people can flavor their sodas, or different flavors of fresh lemonade. You could do a dessert buffet and then include various coffee and hot cocoa flavors.

You could also set out photos of you and FI and your families for people to flip through at will ... you could make some photobooks, or big collage posters, or maybe string pictures on a clothesline with retro clothespins.

I would personally feel very uncomfortable and awkward at a karaoke wedding. I don't think the other things you suggested are terrible ideas, but I also think that you don't really need them. Although, if you have outdoor access, you could set up horseshoes and croquet and make it like a vintage garden party.

Can you hire a band? Maybe a small jazz band or a string quartet, or maybe a swing band? People can watch the performance.

I went to a wedding that had a boardwalk-style photobooth and that was a big hit. Could you rent a photobooth? Or hire someone to take Polaroid photos of people wearing funny hats and wigs? Some photographers now offer this as part of your photo package, so ask yours if (s)he will do this.

loganelaine

Well, we're on limited funds.  Cake very well may be the only food.  The most we'd do is like fruit/veggie/cheese tray.    That's why I'm afraid people might jet.  It takes like 15 min. to eat a piece of cake. 

barryc0371

Have you considered having the reception outside in a park?  Maybe one with a covered pavillion?  You could hook up your I-pod to some speakers and have some dancing, yet people could still mingle.