playing mostly slow songs at reception

You know your guest list, do they enjoy dancing?

If I was invited to an evening wedding with no dancing, I'd be confused and bored so we'd likely leave right after the cake.

Yea you need a mixture. My friends love to dance and if there wasn't any dancing they would be two very unhappy campers! Also..

Your singles might get really depressed and start reminiscing about ex's .. Etc..

On a Saturday night? I don't see any wedding lasting until 10:30 without dancing music. This could work if it's a quick cake and punch reception during the afternoon. People don't want to mingle and socialize all night. And activities? Is this a bridal shower or a wedding? If it's games, not everyone will want to participate in them. People are always saying "well, we're not big party people, so there will be no music to dance to" or "we don't drink, so we're having a dry wedding/cash bar" but the reception is for the guests, not for the couple. They're taking time out of their Saturday night, when they could have something more fun to do. You can play upbeat music without turning your venue into a night club.

Yes, boring. Most guests like a slow song or 2 for the night but a reception should be a place to party!

ETA: also, people will leave extremely early if you do that. So keep the party alive unless you want a very short reception

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I probably wouldn't stay long if only slow songs being played. That just sounds boring to me.

I think you can find a healthy mix of songs by consulting with your DJ. Your concern about it being too loud can also be addressed with your DJ.

Sounds boring. I don't always dance at weddings but I want to hear upbeat music not be put to sleep.

Yea, boring and also lame for people without dates.

Sounds boring, I would probably leave early.

Are you hiring a DJ? Do you expect people to dance to the slow songs? Or do you anticipate it more as background music as guests do other activities?

You are correct that three hours is not much time for everything. Are you serving a full meal as well?

I would be concerned about your guests that don't have a date to dance

If the music is live, then that's not too bad.

But if it's through a DJ, then that doesn't sound as fun.

I used to like to dance and party when I was little (like less than 25) and I really don't anymore either (31 now, for some reason my taste in fun changed a lot when I hit 25). We are having a DJ for karaoke (for some reason I think it's more fun than dancing, especially when I drink) and people can dance if they want. I think it's a good compromise since the focus isn't on the dancing or the karaoke. People can still mingle amongst themselves and chatter.

Goodluck with this. You'll have a lot of guests cut out early.

I think it would be super boring.

It is boring.

I think you need to have a variety of music. You will still be able to socialize with uptempo music. I'm sure your DJ will set the correct volume for the room. The single guests will want to dance, too. Not everyone will be in romance mode.

What about just playing oldies songs at your wedding and not doing current music? Keeps the romantic vibe but allows you to play fast and slow songs.

We had 1940s music during our cocktail hour, at recommendation of our officiant. Everyone loved it, old and young. Something to consider if you don't necessarily like modern dance music

I wanted to add that it will be basically all couples and the food, events and mingling will all be at the same time. I found some cute things on pinterest for activities, like corn hole and I will have some faster songs, but we both love country music. honestly, I'd rather be able to spend time with my family and his family and I agree that the guests should be comfortable, but each wedding should also reflect the couple and who they are. I'm just so torn. we are also doing our own music, so I have to pick each song for the Playlist. my fiance wanted to do it and since he cared enough to ask, I let him have it his way. it's just so much work and thought!