Boring Reception Dilemma!

ekislos1

We are getting married late next summer in an evening ceremony. Hopefully outdoors, weather permitting, at a vineyard or barn. Neither his family nor mine dance - we will be doing all of the formal dances (first, father-daughter) but I know that dancing will not be the focus of our reception afterwards and I am okay with that. There will be room to dance and appropriate music if anyone wants to, but it is a small wedding and I know everyone personally, and no one is really the type who just loves to dance. I would love if it could just be a laid back time where everyone mingles, but the issue is that my family does not like to socialize very much (I am quiet also, so I definitely sympathize and relate with them, but I love being around and meeting new people). Our social circles are very fragmented so we have a couple from "here" and a few from "there" and some in between. I would love to encourage socializing but don't want it to be forced or awkward. FI suggested games but I'm not so sure. All this leaves me at a loss, though - what to do? I've read here before "we're all adults, we can mingle if we want to" but I just want to make sure I'm covering my bases. I don't want my wedding to be remembered as awkward or stilted. Any suggestions? Has anyone had games go over well? My family absolutely loves playing bocce and things like that.

Thank you so much!

walgrrl

The games sound like they could be a good idea.  Since you're wedding will  be outdoors, games like bocce ball and quoits could be a fun thing for people to do who don't like to dance.  I'm sure you could google "outdoor games" or "lawn games" and come up with tons of ideas.  Just make sure the games are there for those who want to play, but that no one is being forced into it.

Summer2011Bride

I kind of think if people aren't very sociable and like to talk only with people in their own "group," they probably won't be up for playing games with people they don't know either, KWIM? Having said that, I don't think it's up to you to make sure every single person is entertained all night. If you have good food, some music going (and those who want to dance can), and maybe a lawn game available like PP suggested for those who want to do it, that's perfectly fine.

If some guests prefer to just talk in small groups, that can still be enjoyable for them. They don't HAVE to mingle and meet a bunch of new people to have fun, so I would not do any type of game or activity that "forces" people to participate.

MoxieMickie

Bocce and lawn games would be fine, but a reception where I can socialize with the half dozen people I know without screaming over loud music and while seated comfortably sounds wonderful.

ekislos1

Thank you all so much for your help. It definitely eased my mind!