A wedding without dancing

I went to a wedding with no alcohol and no dancing. I was fine and i enjoyed it. it was a 2 hour reception. There was no first dance or father daughter dance. I actually really enjoyed it because it was sentimental. it focused on the celebration of love and the couple. I ate, drank a smoothie, talked to people (strange right), ate cake and left at 5pm when it ended. I didn't know what to expect when i went but i surprisingly enjoyed it. Simple and straight to the point. However, i couldn't imagine my wedding without dancing. My guests would kill me.

I've been to weddings with and without dancing. Weddings with dancing seemed to drag on forever and seemed most guest just didn't want to leave. As far as wedding with no dancing, the bride and groom were able to socialize and visit more with the guest. I prefer no dancing, but if you had to add entertainment consider board games for each table or what about battle of the sexes games (my FH family is all about game night, his family is huge so battle of the sexes is the most fun)

I'm not sure, dancing is actually my favorite part and what I'm looking forward to the most! (Next to marrying my love)

There are all types of weddings. Have the day that works for you.

I like the idea of a band. But I don't think you need other entertainment. Just background music, no one really danced minus our first dances, until after we did the cake cutting and turned the main lights down and the party lights up.

ETA: keep it short and it will be fine.

We won't be dancing much ourselves, but we will be having a dj for our guests.

Congratulations!! So how did your wedding without dancing turn out? My fiancé and I do not plan to have any dancing at our event either so I would love to hear how it went, what worked, what didn't? How you filled the time?

Be true to your idea of what your wedding should be and enjoy it. Why have dancing if you are not into it? It sounds like you are having a smaller group that would enjoy talking to one another. How often do you hang out with friends and dance?? I have dinner and cocktails with friends to celebrate occasions all the time without ever busting a move and we have a great time! I do enjoy dancing, I just don't think its always necessary. Make sure you and FH are happy, send quality moments with the people you love and take all the $$ you save on your honeymoon. It's your day! People will be on to the next thing as soon as its over, make sure its about the two of you

View Quoted Comment Hi, we’re thinking of doing something similar to your reception, but how do you end it? Usually people start to leave weddings because it gets late at night but what if its earlier in the evening?

I think, it's your wedding so you should have it your way and I don't think it would be an etiquette issue as long as you are properly hosting them with food, drink etc. If I'm being honest, I went to a wedding where there wasn't dancing and I was pretty disappointed about it and didn't have as much fun as I otherwise would have. But if none of your guests like dancing then I don't see it being a big issue.

What about board games or card games?

I think that sounds great and I may be doing this as well instead of dancing I am going to have yard games cause my wedding will be outside

View Quoted Comment This seems like a perfect wedding to me! We too are doing it it in the banquet room of a restaurant and using their rose garden outside (praying it doesn’t rain!) My question - what I’m trying to decide- is what did you do for music in those three hours? Do you think you would have had time for dancing had people gotten up? Did you hire a DJ for background music for reception? I did get a reasonably priced harpist for outdoor ceremony but trying to decide music situation for inside in terms of dancing and DJ route or not. Thanks so much!!!

We won't be having much if any of dancing. We arnt much for dancing unless if it's country line dancing. We still will have a DJ for important dance music (first dance, father daughter dance) dinner music and such. We will be having lawn games and a maybe bonfire later at night.

I ha e been to a lot of very nice, enjoyable weddings with no dancing. Adults should enjoy themselves with background music and conversation, no need for any activities. Like a holiday party, they are good for about 4 hours for the actual reception. It is your wedding, that is a common choice, so do it.

View Quoted Comment Usually at a daytime start wedding, the invitation says, and a reception with meal served, or plated meal or buffet, to follow at Location 1-5pm. Or cocktails / receiving line then reception. This way people know when the meal will be, and a general ending time. Half hour before, some will start to say their goodbyes. People need to plan when to eat, before the wedding, then general times for childcare and return home.

We are not having dancing either. We have speakers and a playlist that will play throughout dinner. People can eat and drink and socialize and do not need to be entertained.

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Guess what? I don't drink nor dance so I'm having neither at my wedding. Don't assume everybody likes drinking and dancing.

View Quoted Comment Exactly. And a lot of people who do like to dance, only like to dance with their peer group, and do not like dancing with their own far older of far younger relatives, never mind strangers decades older or younger. And in a small wedding, that can be most people. And many who drink when out with friends, or at home, rarely drink much when out, when driving before and after. Many twenty something couples and friends really do not like to hoist a few with someone's grandmother and great uncle. A reception is part if the wedding, and a couple need not cater to all of the wishes of every person attending. You do not want dancing, and feel no need for entertainment beyond socializing, and you want to limit the cost, which likely means 3-4 hour reception, after the ceremony. That is great.

We're not big dancers either but we are having a DJ because who knows what will happen, it's a celebration, and there will be alcohol LOL If you are opting out of a DJ or band, what about some sort of playlist through speakers, I would definitely suggest some background music at least.