Dancing?

maria1012 · February 2010

Has anyone been to a FUN wedding where there is little or no dancing involved?

We are having a small (60 guest) wedding and more than half of the guests invited are not into dancing. In fact, I can only picture about ten people dancing, which will seem a bit off to me.

So we may save the money on the DJ/Band and opt for other things. Any ideas? Will not having dancing make for a really boring reception?

angel2210 · February 2010

Honestly, I've been to a couple that had no dancing and they were really no fun. To be fair, one had only finger food at dinner time and not enough cake for everyone and the bride was going around bragging about how most of their budget went toward her ring while everyone's stomachs were growling in response. The other wasn't terrible, but just rather boring.

vgmartinez · February 2010

It might make for a rather long night. I don't know about boring since most people will be mingling. I would definitely have background music. If only ten people were dancing, it might get awkward especially if there is a DJ with a light display and everything. Maybe you could rent some equipment and plug in an iPod. Are you having an evening reception? An afternoon reception with no music or dancing would make more sense.

Mrs.B6302007 · February 2010

Receptions that have no dancing but are purely social are pleasant but I wouldn't describe them as fun. They are also a lot shorter than those with dancing because there's nothing to "do". At least have some music playing in the background.

trix1223 · February 2010

If you're thinking of adding games, or "entertainment" like magicians, I'd say no.

You can (should) have IPOD music in the background, and if people care to dance they can. But you will need to accept that your reception won't last as long as one that has the more typical elements of a wedding reception.

aerinpegadrak · February 2010

We're not doing dancing, just background music. I only expect it to last a couple of hours. We're doing a lot of other stuff for the wedding weekend that will make the whole experience fun, but the reception itself will be fairly laid back.

Catwoman708 · February 2010

I grew up Baptist, so most of the weddings I went to were afternoon, "cake and punch" type receptions, with no dancing or music.

Receptions with no dancing can be just as fun, especially for those that aren't into dancing, which is most of your guests. A "no dancing" reception will be just as fun for them.

Because of that, I'd suggest you have a simpler reception, with a simpler meal, limited or no alcohol, and skip the DJ and band. Some "mood music" playing in the background will be a very nice touch.

With the money you save on the DJ or band, have a small after party with dancing at a local nightspot for those that want to dance and party.

amagwire · February 2010

If you think that little or no people will dance, then definitely have music, but not dance music. Honestly, I've been to weddings that were very boring because there was a big dance floor and loud music, but no one danced. It made it very awkward! A general social gathering sounds like it would be fine. I just feel like it would have to be a pretty casual affair to pull off a fun non-dancing wedding.

maria1012 · February 2010

We are definitely having fun (but not dance) music playing in the background. And yes, the meal and the reception are going to be pretty casual.

I personally would love to have dancing, but I can't change the personalities of my guests (mostly family and close friends). We may see if the venue allows us to set up bocce ball or croquet in the lawn and we can have a fun competition out of it.

Appreciate the honest opinions and advice!

maria1012 · February 2010

I am now referring to the "How to stay out of 'the most boring' category" post - lots of ideas floating around in there!

Blueyed228 · February 2010

I agree with PP's about the IPOD. Throw some dance music in the mix and if people want to dance, then great. That way your guests enjoy themselves and you get to save the money on a dj.

helygi · February 2010

I think a "no dancing" reception will be more fun for your guests who don't like to dance. If only 10 of your guests are dancing, the other 50 will be sitting around bored. Background music is a "must" and you could have other entertainment - like a middle eastern dance troupe - that could be fun.

All-in-all, do what is best for you and your guests - if you just want to hang out and talk, than that's all you have to do and it will be a blast!

happy C&V · February 2010

If it's intimate gathering with guests that don't like dancing why not do a late afternoon cocktail hour with cocktail music so it's not daning music. Or you can do a trendy resturant for dinner. But if you want a full blown Sat. or Fri. night wedding you will need some music...

maria1012 · February 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dancing-3?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:bc4fc82b-1cc1-4d73-af4d-33315bd38b5ePost:b4494469-ed39-45ed-9b5b-9518314507c2">Re: Dancing?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think a "no dancing" reception will be more fun for your guests who don't like to dance. If only 10 of your guests are dancing, the other 50 will be sitting around bored. Background music is a "must" and you could have other entertainment - like a middle eastern dance troupe - that could be fun. All-in-all, do what is best for you and your guests - if you just want to hang out and talk, than that's all you have to do and it will be a blast!
Posted by helygi[/QUOTE]

<div>I think you hit the nail on the head: I think they will all just enjoy each others company and getting to know one another. My family is absolutely hilarious and we've been known to make the must mundane events a blast just by being ourselves and joking around. </div><div>
</div><div>I also agree that we should throw in some dance songs here and there, just to test the waters. I may also ask my venue to see if we can do an earlier ceremony and reception (they are both at the same venue). </div><div>
</div><div>Thanks everyone! I feel 100% better about this problem than I did yesterday :)</div>

AutumnEnchantment · February 2010

Both my family and the FI's family aren't much into dancing and I don't have any rhythm to save my life! We opted to go the route of a "cake and punch" reception since our wedding is at 2pm. This allows us to have a better reception on a limited budget. We will have songs on an Ipod or CD though playing in the background.

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