Alternative to dancing...

matzke227 · March 2010

At our reception, we have decided that we are not going to have dancing. We went to a wedding where they had the guest enter, they did the toast, the people went and got their food, there was the bouquet toss, a slide show and then dessert. (The items may have been in a different order- but that is not the point) There was no alcohol and there was no dancing and I loved how that went. I was just trying to think of something that could make the time that people are there a little more memorable and fun....I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas for me. TIA

aerinpegadrak · March 2010

Organized events at weddings don't tend to go over very well. Provide good food, good booze, and good background music, and people will stay and mingle. But receptions without dancing simply don't last as long as those that have it. We're not having dancing, and we're only planning the reception for two hours.

matzke227 · March 2010

I just went back and realized that the way I worded the question was not what I was trying to get out of it. I went back and changed it- We are planning on having the reception about 2 hours, maybe 2 1/2 and we will have background music. There will be a bar there, but it is the one that the place just sets up if you have over so many guests. It will just be a cash bar because there are very few people in the two families that drink. I guess I was wondering if there were any fun idea that people have done or seen at weddings- just small added details- that they could tell me about. One thing that we were thinking about was with our cake maybe we would have a ice cream bar (a couple different flavors of ice cream and a bunch of toppings) - it is a summer wedding- but I dont know for sure how that would go. Has anyone ever done or seen one of these done at weddings?

pandasquishy · March 2010

Since so few people will drink, I would urge you to host the bar and forget the cash bar idea.

An ice cream bar is a a great idea for a summer wedding.

lalap69 · March 2010

If you don't think many people will drink, why not do a hosted consumption bar? Especially since your wedding will only be 2 to 2 1/2 hours, it should be affordable.

I love the ice cream bar idea. I would be all over that!

trix1223 · March 2010

Don't do the cash bar. Have the hosted consumption bar as pp suggested. Love the idea of a make your own sundae. Some people also like photo booth-you can make your own if you don't have the budget to pay for a "real" one.

Mostly your guests will just want to mingle, chat, and enjoy each other like they would at a family picnic or reunion. GL

jenn.daniel · March 2010

I like the ice cream bar idea.

Lasairiona · March 2010

If they don't dance, they mingle. Food is not an alternative activity.

amclausen · March 2010

I'm not big on dancing, so what FI and I are planning is a little different. We're going to have music in the background for dancing (if people want, we're not actively discouraging it) but we're going to have lots of board and card games for people to play!

If you're having an outdoors wedding, you can have sort of a backyard party type thing with the ice cream bar and some games like horseshoes, boules/petanque/bocci, cornhole, etc.

My best advice: go with your gut. Don't do something just because you're told a wedding has to include it. You're planning a big party and you need to enjoy it.

ladybirda · March 2010

I think this depends on how the venue is set up. If it's got a natural flow that encourage mingling then great (and a consumption bar and ice cream bar would definitely get people out of their seats so they could mingle, so that would help). But I went to a wedding once with no alcohol and no dancing, and we all felt like we had to be glued to our seats because they had this dreary girl singing love songs. It was so painfully dull. I would encourage you to have upbeat background music so people are in a lively mood.

Laurynw · March 2010

We are having a dessert and coffee reception in an old plantation house. My FH and I are not dancers, but big on music.We are using the venue's sound system to play our mp3, and let ppl mingle. We are also creating a space for people to leave notes/advice for us. In another room of the house we are having musical instruments and a video camera set up for people to record "songs" for us. We will have seating and a few tables, but the flow will encourage people to mingle. We really wanted to create a relaxed intimate atmosphere.

amlange · March 2010

I went to an outdoor wedding where lawn games were played (croquet, bocce ball, frisbee, soccer, etc.). The couple knew their guests very well and knew this was something their family and friends would particiapte in. The bridesmaids were out in their dresses and bare feet playing soccer. It all even lasted throughout a rain shower. Of course this was a more casual wedding, but one of the most memorable I've been to. It really reflected the couple and the people and things they love.

I'm also going to a wedding this summer with no dancing; instead everyone will be playing board or card games. This suits the couple much more and I look forward to seeing how it goes.

If games aren't your thing I would suggest some sort of interactive food station that could entertain guests for awhile. You could have an ice cream sundae station where guests make their own treats. This could also be done with root beer floats. I've also heard of creating your own candied apples with caramel, nuts, chocolate, etc. I can imagine this being a bit messy but turning out really yummy.

Overall, I think you should do whatever suits you, your fiance, and your guests. If you're really into games then play games, if you like food then do food, if you like music do karaoke...

Alternative to dancing...

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