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Dance Floor Separated from guests?

arf3420arf3420 member
100 Comments
in Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh
So I'm still trying to choose between two venues, the Parador Inn and the Pittsburgh Opera House.  I'm leaning more towards the Inn, but the setup is a little harder to work with so I'm trying to figure out whether or not I can make it work.  The ballroom space is small, so I either have to have half of the guests inside with the dance floor inside, and the other half of the guests outside under a tent in the courtyard.  I don't think I like this setup because I don't want the guests seated in the tent to feel excluded.  So my other option is to cut my guest list just a little and seat everyone inside, with the DJ, dance floor and buffet outside under the tent.  I definitely think this is the better option, but I wonder if the guests will actually go outside to dance?  It's a June wedding, so I'm really hoping the weather will be nice.  I also plan on putting a few extra tables out in the courtyard so after dinner people can sit outside near the dance floor if they want.  Do you think this will work?  I'm worried that people might not dance at all if the dance floor is separated?  I don't want to lose that fun part of the wedding if people aren't participating in the dancing, but I also don't want to separate my guests.  Any suggestions?
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Re: Dance Floor Separated from guests?

  • MrsDydekMrsDydek member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Can you just have the whole reception outside? Then use the inside for the cocktail hour? That would probably be the best option if you don't want to seperate the dance floor from the guest. You could also try to just come up with something that will draw the guests outside. Will there be an open bar? Do they have a portable one that can go outside? If so you can just have it inside for the dinner and then see if they will move it outside for the rest of the party. 

    The first dance could also be helpful. You will need to ask everyone to step outside to view the first dance, and if you maybe ask all couples to join you two towards the end of the song, or just have a really fun song play afterwards or something like that that may get people to start dancing and stay outside. 

    The mere fact that you two will be out there will probably draw most of your guest outside anyways. The point of the reception is to celebrate with the happy couple, so guests will be naturally draw to you two.
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  • cgyvhucgyvhu member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    edie, her wedding's in 2012 according to her profile.

    This is a tough one.  I definitely wouldn't seat half indoors and half outdoors, so that means having to cut the guest list.  If you only have to make small cuts, then I guess that's fine, but if you really have to alter your guest list, I'd find a different reception venue.

    As for the 2nd setup, you still might have trouble getting people to the dance floor.  I think Mrs  Dydek's idea about the first dance is a good idea, and that your idea of putting tables/chairs out there is good too.  Personally, I'd just find another reception space that fits everything in the same room, but if you really like this place I think you could make it work with the 2nd setup.


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  • arf3420arf3420 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My wedding isn't until June 2012, so I'm only just now booking the venue.  I won't be sending out save the dates until around December.   I would only need to cut the guest list by about 20 people, so that wouldn't be too hard.  The courtyard would be too small to fit everyone outside together unfortunately, or that would be perfect! 
    The more I've thought about it, I think I'm just going to make life easier and go with the Pittsburgh Opera House.  I liked the idea of having some outdoor space at the reception, but at least this way if it rains, I'll be grateful that it's all indoors! 
    I was trying to avoid the Opera House because my church is completely booked in June except for one Saturday (which happened to be the date I wanted anyway!).  The Inn has that date available, but the Opera House doesn't.  I really wanted to have a June wedding, but I guess I'll just have to move it to May and go to the Opera House.  It will be less expensive, easier to set up, and I can invite more guests! Thanks guys!  :-)
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  • Flowerstar1023Flowerstar1023
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We're getting married at the Aviary and have a similar set-up. The dance floor will be inside and the guests outside under a tent and we're totally okay with that. Guests that don't want to dance can stay outside and those that do can come indoors. We'll have some tables and chairs available indoors as well for people that want to be where the action is but don't necessarily want to dance all night. 

    I agree - your guests will move where you are and many people will want to dance. However, not everyone will and that's okay. 
    Married since May 12, 2012
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