Do we NEED a dance floor?

OopsOreo04

My FI and I are getting married on the beach, right by the water and the reception is on the other side of a dune, still on the beach and in sand. The sand where the tent is placed is packed and "raked" beforehand. For financial reasons, my mom and I have decided we need to cut some of the cost because it is becoming a bit overwhelming. A close friend and professional wedding photographer suggested removing the dance floor from the rental contract( abt $600). She has done weddings at this location before and the rental company has also said the floor ends up covered/burried in sand by the end of the night. Do you find it a little strange to NOT have a dance floor? or part of the appeal of having an outdoor beach reception? I think it is part of the appeal but worried that other(ie, my guests) will not feel the same way.

Thoughts/opinions? please weigh in honestly! Would you ladies be put off/think its odd to not have a dance floor, but still have a designative space to dance and a DJ of course!

teachermegs

We had ours on the beach and everything in the sand. It was nice to dance on a hard surface. We made our minds up to rent a floor when a friend mentioned about being on the beach all day and how she didn't enjoy it. Granted ours was only $300 to rent, $600 is a bit much. See if you can talk the price down.

smilygrl17

One issue, IMO, about the no dance floor would be shoes. People may be coming in heels (though maybe not) but just let the word out somehow that the dance floor will be on the sand. Also, maybe supply flip flops?

kristeno90

I would say if you don't have a dance floor to supply flip flops for those in heels.

Ghoti

I think you need to have some sort of hard floor, maybe shop around and look for lower rates? People don't really notice, but walking on sand even for a couple hours is a serious workout, it's nice to have a reprieve, even on a sand covered hard floor

mrsdrbrew

We had the same dilemma, you think having a destination wedding is so much more inexpensive, but in the end it gets very pricy. The resorts are not like local venders and we were not able to talk them down on anything. We were married at the Paradisus resort and that was our experience. We decided to go without the dance floor, dancing in the same seemed part of it to us. Our guests did not show up in heels, as they knew we were getting married on the beach, so they were prepared. If someone doesn't think and wears heels, they can simply be kicked off.

The other posters mentioned supplying flip flops, it's a great idea to put a basket near the dance floor with a pair for each guest (these can be used in lieu of favors). Having them delivered to each individual room for guests when they arrive is a nice idea too. FYI old navy flip flops are only $2-$2.50...very affordable!

I say skip the dance floor, it's not needed and our guest didn't think any different.

Good luck

medusia00

I don't see the need for a dance floor, but just be prepared with the flip flops and I think you'll be good!

mandi921vh

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_outdoor-weddings_need-dance-floor?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:666Discussion:1da81ebd-e6c4-48b0-ba57-2435a63a8678Post:d75387f7-8e2d-45d4-83e9-087153538a62">Re: Do we NEED a dance floor?</a>:
[QUOTE]One issue, IMO, about the no dance floor would be shoes. People may be coming in heels (though maybe not) but just let the word out somehow that the dance floor will be on the sand. Also, maybe supply flip flops?
Posted by smilygrl17[/QUOTE]

<div>I like this idea.</div>