Apostolic/pentecostal wedding

I was a bridesmaid in a pentecostal wedding and though the ceremony was beautiful, the reception was incredibly boring. No music (other than for the first dance), no dancing, no alcohol - just dinner, cake cutting, and speeches. Most people, including the bride and groom, left right after dinner. I believe the reception was no longer than two hours (which the bride and groom were fine with). If you want people to stay, you'll likely need to have alcohol and music. I don't think games will cut it.

I'm in pretty much the same boat as you I am a Christian and at my wedding I will not be serving alcohol and I will not have a dance floor. I have also kept worrying about what others would think and that no one will have fun . However , those who truly love you and are there to celebrate your wedding for what it really means will enjoy themselves no matter what. If someone does not want to attend my wedding because there will be no alcohol or dancing then I am simply not that important to them . Don't stress , enjoy planning your wedding

One thing I will be doing is renting a photo booth .

@HappyBride yes!!

Hey! I just found this post from a while back and I am in a similar situation, we are apostolic Pentecostal, what did you end up doing for fun at your wedding?!

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I appreciate this post. Just because its no alcohol and no dancing doesn't mean its not fun. People have fun their own kind of way if they don't drink or dance they obviously have other ways to enjoy themselves. You can consider what do they normally enjoy and try to go off that. I like the idea of the interactive food stations, music in the background (instrumental maybe, jazz), and family style seating to encourage conversation after dinner and cake. Then maybe hold a shorter reception if needed.

I’ve been to several Apostolic weddings and they were all enjoyable. Ceremonies ranged from high church formal to contemporary, a few were cheesy. The receptions ranged from formal catered dinners with waiters to buffets, and a couple were quick cake and punch affairs. Despite no alcohol, all seemed lively and fun as most Apostolics tend to be lively and enjoy “fellowshiping.” In fact, Apostolics usually tend to to enjoy each other’s company and have fun gatherings as evidenced by there custom of going out to restaurants on Sunday nights and carrying on till late. There are usually lots of joking, antics and funny speeches, and toasts (non-alcoholic sparking beverages). At one wedding, the bride was kidnapped and a humorous collection was taken in order to ransom her (a variation on a New Mexican Hispanic tradition, in which the $$ went to the couple) at another wedding a traditional Hispanic dance called “La Marcha” was done, in which the wedding party marches in and guests join in a dance that mainly involves marching and moving in concentric circles. Some weddings have had jazzy Pentecostal bands, one had a photo booth and the bride and groom were sent off with sparklers. Some have had party favors placed at tables, such as disposable cameras, or containers that can be used at “candy bars” where kids and adults can choose from a variety of candies at a counter. Or, a guy with a video cam that goes to each table filming messages to the bride and groom. At some weddings, the bridal cars have been “decorated” to the chagrin of the couple as they leave. Just have food and 2 or 3 “activities” and people, especially Apostolics, will make their own fun and have a blast. I have never witnessed some of the negative drama at Apostolic weddings that I have at some weddings that involved alcohol, etc. Honestly, it’s concerning that our current society seems to have forgotten how to have good clean fun without mood altering substances!

Hi!

I went to a wedding with no dancing or music and alcohol was limited to what guests had with dinner.

It was LOVELY! They had the reception done at a restaurant that was intimate and the food was AMAZING. Because of the setting, the lack of dancing and music wasn't so obvious and it didn't feel like the wedding was missing anything because of how it was set up to suit the style of the bride and groom. It was a smaller wedding and the vibe felt well suited to the atmosphere!

I had a wonderful time chatting with everyone at my table, had an amazing meal, and loved getting to interact with the bride and groom at dinner. I didn't feel bored at all, it was a lovely ceremony followed by a thoroughly enjoyable meal with great company. I left full of good food and have nothing by happy memories of the night.

View Quoted Comment Alana, I've been in dozens of apostolic weddings... I am an Apostolic. We do have garter tosses and have lots of fun at our weddings without alcohol. Lots of talking, teasing and laughing. This includes skits and impromptu speeches. Weddings are very sacred and special to us; but we also have a lot of fun.

Hi Kayln!
could I get your advice on the playlist you used for you’re wedding? I am also apostolic but I haven’t been able to get together my music for the reception. Thank you I would really appreciate your help!

View Quoted Comment Hi Ruth! Yes we had some cool jazz music or instrumental music of our favorite songs both Christian and harmless love songs with out lyrics so it wouldn’t offend anyone. The jazz music gave it a fun vibe with out sparking that dancing bug in anyone! Haha. we also had one of our close friends do the games. I felt awkward doing them since I’m an awkward person, but everyone got a kick out of it! Get the family involved. don’t be afraid to let loose! At the end of the day, these are your memories. I’d go back in a heart beat to tell myself not to worry so much about everyone’s thoughts and opinions! Just make sure you’re glorifying God because that’s all that matters! We did the garter toss and no one was offended haha! Smush cake in his face and make sure to get a moment alone with him to just sit back and admire the night God has blessed you with!

View Quoted Comment Great. ☺️ We both like classical so we’ll be mixing in some piece we like. Thank you for the advice. God Bless!!