No Dancing and dj Alternatives for wedding?

How can you hate board games?! also yea, we will be offering other activities as well for anyone who doesn't want to play. Also just giving people an opportunity to chat with each other. For my family, all of the weddings end up being like family reunions since we live all over the country and rarely see each other.

Karaoke sounds amazing! I feel as though my FH would KILL ME though. He hates karaoke even though i love it with all my heart. Also a photo booth is a really good idea if you aren't having dancing as a main activity. Gives them something to do! Especially since we aren't hiring a photographer for the whole wedding, just getting ready, ceremony, and the start of the reception.

How big is your wedding? From a guest's perspective... If it's a big wedding on Saturday night then I would EXPECT dancing. What else would I do for 4 hours, network in the ballroom? Please don't make me do that! It's especially strange to have a dance floor/area AND do the designated dances but not allow anyone else to dance afterwards. You don't have to have a DJ. You can have an awesome playlist but I strongly recommend setting aside some room for guests to dance. Then the remaining areas can be for board games or whatever else you choose to do. Unless it's a dinner party ONLY (with no designated dances) and a SHORTER time frame, I personally feel it's proper etiquette to allow dancing room. You don't have to go out of your way at all, but definitely ALLOW dancing! You want people to have a great time and for many that means dancing or going home early. Or, do a Sunday brunch followed by mingling & games, as guests will not really expect dancing.

We had an accordionist for our cocktail hour and he dresses piratey for our theme. Guests loved him (and several of us even danced around to his sea shanties). The energy level definitely dropped when he left but everyone also got quieter while eating. We quickly had the playlist turned on which helped. You definitely need some kind of background music or sound.

YAY. Background music & noise (dishes, etc.) will be enough to encourage guests into loud socializing. Several of the small weddings I went to had plated meals, but an action food station, walk-up bar or dessert table can help encourage people to get up and mingle if you're worried about it being "too quiet."

We had a strolling accordionist during cocktail hour and our 15 guests did quite a big of drinking and strolling around (walk-up bar, appetizer table). Our playlist for dinner had all instrumental music but more "lively" songs (sea shanties, gypsy, pirate) to keep the energy lively and not boring. Just put together a good playlist.