Dinner only reception

I’m purposely planning a dinner reception. We aren’t a big dancing couple, so dinner with our loved ones is perfect. We will have a small dance floor at the restaurant for our first dance.

I went to a wedding that didn’t have a dj. They did have a photo booth though. But if it wasn’t there either I honestly think it woulda been ok

We are having a sunrise wedding so our reception is just breakfast, a short first dance, and crepe cake, then everyone can either join us in town or go do their own thing. Could you still play music and/or play games or are you thinking your cut the reception short? Covid restrictions have caused a lot of disappointment I’m sure, but focus on the good thing- you’re still getting married!

I think dinner receptions are actually nice, especially with smaller guest counts. Even though couples hire DJs, it doesn’t mean guests will dance all night or even at all. But you can do a few other activities in place of a DJ. I’m not a fan of games at weddings unless it’s a casual affair (to me games are better suited at showers and pre-wedding parties). But even without a DJ, I think it’s still nice to have a cocktail/appetizer hour for mingling after the ceremony. Then for the reception, I feel that you can still do a first dane and then sit for dinner. You can possibly have a 5 minute slide show play at the end of dinner, which leads into your cake cutting for dessert. Then after cake, I’d have a “send off” to end the night so that dancing isn’t even thought of. Also I’d suggest starting the ceremony later in the evening (5:30/6pm) and by the time dinner ends, it won’t feel like an early ending night.

We intentionally had a dinner-only reception with 15 guests and it was so much fun! A loud fun dinner party. No dancing required. I’ve been to several small weddings (40-50 guests), no dancing and all were fun. Fabulous food & wine, plenty of jovial conversation.

We had to cancel photo booth and other wedding celebrations because we are now only having our parents attend.
Yes, I am bummed that I’m not having the wedding I originally planned. However, we are still celebrating with a small ceremony and dinner only reception. It is what it is!