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DIY Wedding Forum
desiresydnor
member
dancing outdoors: options & opinions
I'm having a casual, outdoor, DIY wedding in June 2016. Dancing will not be the focal point of my reception as there will be lawn games, a dessert bar, and inflatables there. However, I still want to do my first dance, father/daughter dance, and bust an occasional move or two. My dilemma is my dancing space. I do not have money to invest in renting a dance floor. This will be a dry and casual event, so there will likely not be drunk people or high heels involved. What are the opinions on dancing on the grass or even, dare I say, a carpet? What are everyone's thoughts and experiences on these options?
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Re: dancing outdoors: options & opinions
If you can't afford to rent a dance floor while renting the inflatables, you can't afford any of the options either... I'm more concerned that you have an "in case of thunderstorms" backup plan and the restroom options available than where people will dance or do those lawn games. While I'm NAF of outdoor events in general, the reality is that all of these rentals cost money and often you can have a casual gathering at the local KofC, Lion's, or Elk's Lodge for less.
We just purchased plywood for some garage repairs, a dance floor is going to be cheaper to rent than it will be to purchase anything substantial in its place. ... Carpet isn't really a good alternative because what's under it. There'll be moisture coming up from the ground in most parts of the country and if it rains it'll still be a muddy mess. A good rental company will also take care of the delivery/setup for you and make sure it's level and a proper surface for being on the ground with moisture.
What about using your garage for the dance portion?
I'm going to be 20 years old at my wedding,
The majority of our resources are being donated (photography, building, decorations)
We are having a tent and there is a nice building in case it rains,
Someone will be there to play music,
There is a basketball court at the site with a concrete floor,
AND it will be included in my invitations not to wear heels.
Other things being donated is also not a factor. Doesn't matter. You should host your guests properly or not get married till you can. Getting married is, what I believe, a basic right. Having a big party is not, do not confuse a wedding with marriage.
You should never dictate what people should wear. Never. Its not your business. On your wedding website or on an insert in the invite envelope (not on the actual invite) you can say that the majority of the evening will be outside on grass. This will give people the clue not to wear heels and such but you cannot out right tell people.
The ladies on this site have given you good advice. I am not sure why there are inflatables at a wedding. Unless this is a truly jeans and shorts thing and people will come in tennis shoes. But let me tell you something, I always wear a dress to a wedding. ALWAYS. Many people will at least wear their Sunday best or business casual. Those are not clothes you jump around in. A dance floor will be much more used.
Also, your invites shouldn't dictate anything about what people should/shouldn't wear. You can include information on your insert and/or your website that tells people "the ceremony and the reception will be on grass." That's enough info for people to "get it" without you breaking any etiquette rules.
You could also order some bulk flip flops in various sizes. Most people won't use them so you don't need one per person, but a few might be appreciated.