Non-dancing reception activities?

HiddenPaw · October 2010

We are having a late morning wedding and a buffet lunch reception in our church's fellowship hall. We're not having dancing, because the church won't allow it and I don't want it (I am not much of a dancer).

Does anybody have ideas about activities to do instead of dancing? I think it would be fine to just have it be like a dinner party (i.e. the "activity" is just hanging out and eating). But my mom is worried that we should have something else for people to do. Thoughts?

mgietler76 · October 2010

I wouldn't worry about it, your guests will be able to socialize and mingle just like every other party they are invited to. Please don't make them play games though if you decide you do want to do something, it will make them feel like children and I definitely would be sneaking out the back at the mention of games.

aerinpegadrak · October 2010

People come to weddings for two things: food and booze. Provide those in high quality and plentiful supply, and you're fine.

trix1223 · October 2010

Treat your guests like the adults they are. They are perfectly capable of eating, drinking (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages), mingling, chatting, catching up, visiting, and socializing.

If you started pulling out "games" to play, I'd be heading for the exit. Forced "mingling type" games are excruciating. I don't like them at showers. I'd like them even less at a wedding.

Just know that your reception will probably be shorter than one with dancing, but that's just fine.

Oh, and if it helps to convince your mom, I'm speaking as a former MOB and MOG-not a bride.

alainn15 · October 2010

Our entire affair will be held on a farm. We are going to have a few lawn games set up for people to play if they want to. We are doing things like giant chess or checkers, cornhole, and horse shoes, which are all games the guests can play if they want to,not that they are being forced to play. Something opttional might be ok, if it isn't the center of what is going on, more like an afterthought, on the side, optional type of thing.

lisaandcorey · October 2010

If children are guests or a part of your wedding, I think it might be a good idea to have something for them to do - coloring books and crayons might be good. Wait - do kids color anymore? I don't have kids so I have no clue what they do now, but you get the idea.

phreakigurl · October 2010

An idea that you could use is....have playing cards, maybe dice, poker chips or yatzee score cards...and you can personalize any of those....and they can be there for people to play at their own like, and they can also be used as favors....

LizHZ · October 2010

One of the things in David Tutera's book (we are that addicted to his tv show, yes) is to have something different happen every 30 minutes. Different snack being put out, a different drink being brought out, change lighting or music, etc. It keeps the event flowing.

I wouldn't worry about having activities per say aside from a meal., especially if you try to do that.

klroehrs · October 2010

I like the ideas I've seen about a photo booth. I think I'm going to try to incorporate one into my wedding. It's something for people to do and they are capturing the memories with photos

It's also something you could set up yourself very inexpensively.

kristenrmu22 · October 2010

Use the time for mingling with your guests. They are there to see you eat, drink, and be marry. We aren't having dancing. The only extra we are having is a wishing tree in addition to our guest book. We mainly want to see our guests and talk with everyone.

amberinwyo · October 2010

Really??? No first dance, no father daughter dance, no son and mom dance??? Wow!! I dont down religion AT ALL!!! I love my Lord but those are all things that are natorius for what people do at receptions. Good luck kido, I say have something for people to do. Pin the dress on the bride maybe.

aerinpegadrak · October 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_non-dancing-reception-activities?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:456ed5bb-cbbd-460f-bdf6-79dcb6c7bc10Post:a5f958c2-dd2b-4207-b268-72fc5d306019">Re: Non-dancing reception activities?</a>:
[QUOTE]Really??? No first dance, no father daughter dance, no son and mom dance??? Wow!! I dont down religion AT ALL!!! I love my Lord but those are all things that are natorius for what people do at receptions. Good luck kido, I say have something for people to do. Pin the dress on the bride maybe.
Posted by amberinwyo@aol.com[/QUOTE]
We aren't remotely religious, but we didn't have any dancing at our wedding. We're not big dancers (we both have done ballroom in the past, but we were too rusty by the time the wedding rolled around), and there wasn't really space for it at our venue. No one seemed to miss it. Even if we'd had a dance floor and DJ, we probably would have skipped the spotlight dances.

amberinwyo · October 2010

Very valid points about the dancing. I guess since this is my first wedding (2nd marriage) I am a little traditional about things. It depends somewhat one what you have been taught should be done at a wedding. I have always been taught that you are supposed to have those dances so that is what i know. of course, others are taught different things so we all have our own opinion. None the less, as i said, have fun and i would have something for people to do besides dance.

jooliah · October 2010

ive never been to a wedding that had no dancing . It woul just seem like a normal get together or party i guess. Not very memorable . BUT it is your wedding and you make it your way . I would have some activities planned but nothing too childish like musical chairs . Something fun but yet for adults .

heyimbren · October 2010

You don't need dancing at a reception at all. Food and socializing can keep people occupied for a LONG time.

My cousin just had a no-dancing reception at our church this summer. They had a receiving line after the ceremony, a little entrance for them to come in and some friends of theirs offered to play some music (like a live band) for a while. They had a buffet meal, and that kept everyone busy for about an hour and a half. They had a little photo slideshow done up, and played the Newlywed Game (I think) where they survey the couple about their relationship and they hold up shoes.

It was probably one of the best weddings I've ever been to, just because of how easy it was to socialize with people. The couple was able to talk to everyone without running around like crazy.

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