Things to do at reception?

Is it because of religious reasons that you can't dance? I would come up with some games, check pinterest!

I think people can entertain themselves? But dancing is a big part of weddings, at least in my experience.

How can you make your reception more fun? Find a new place for the reception.

Snarky, wow, that's... snarky!!!

Chinese receptions never have dancing, but there is a long drawn out dinner (which takes up tons of time with 10 courses). Games always help. The shoe game, trivia for the guests, a kissing game, instead of clinking glasses, go and toast every table. Maybe I-spy...

Cornhole is fun and easy enough to bring indoors. Can you still have background music playing since dancing isn't allowed? Sorry I don't have a lot of good ideas.

I mean honestly, I wouldn't expect people to stay beyond more than a couple of hours at a reception like that unless this is something normal for your guests. Is there any way you can host some sort of after party at a local bar or someone's house?

I do my best!

I'm guessing there is no alcohol or DJ either?

No dancing?!? hmmm, well good music (if music is allowed) and food. I will be honest, I've been to a few of these and didn't stay long. Not that I didn't love the couple, but after a while there is nothing more to talk about and it is a little awkward. I don't like forced group activities so I probably wouldn't stay for any games or things.

To be honest - no matter what you do people will eat, get bored 20 minutes later, then leave if there is no "party". I attended a no dancing allowed wedding and we left right after we ate. I also went to a religious university that had a no dancing policy and they always tried to host "fun parties" for us but would walk around and police everyone if anyone did anything that resembled a "dancing motion". It was beyond stupid and people left pretty quickly.

@snarky, that was my first thought. I'm jealous of your name

Let's be honest...We are all adults, we don't want to sit around and play "I spy" or "bingo". I want a cocktail, good music, and to shake my rump!!!

I'm getting a little giddy 'cause it's Friday. Tee hee.

It is for regligious rrasons. We're having at the church because my future FIL is the pastor. A lot of the guests are used to it but there's probably 1/4 of them that aren't.

If they are used to it, then ask those guests what is usually done.

A good option would be to have an early reception where no dancing would be expected neither would alcohol (unless it were my family, in which case mimosas and bloody marys for all) They are typically shorter but you could always do an after party

Whatever you choose to do, please remember that it is a wedding not a birthday party, group games are awkward as @snarky said. Also, make sure the food is delicious.

I find group games incredibly awkward at weddings, even if it just involves the bride and groom. I also agree with having the wedding in the morning or brunch time and have fabulous food and drink.

I agree with Michelle. Be aware that a lot of people might not be too keen on participating in group games. A reception without dancing, and alcohol I'm assuming, would be most appropriate in the morning.

I have to agree with Snarky (love your avatar). Adults do not want to sit in a gym with a soda and play games; it's awkward.

I've never really understood churches that don't allow music or dancing, but then I was raised Unitarian. We had more wine at church than coffee.....you do know the story of David dancing before god, right?

But that's another story and I'm sorry to digress.

Have a morning wedding with brunch food and then an after party.

I like Ceclia's idea to make it a brunch, then have a party after for those who want to.

Do you have a friend or family with a large back yard? You can rent a simple tent in case of bad or hot weather and have the party there.

Maybe you could decorate the hall with a lot of family photos from both sides? or could you make a slideshow that you can run on a projector against a big wall, so people can watch that if they want, and talk about the photos and use it as an icebreaker?

There really aren't any games you can play for adults - which is why we chose a barn for the reception, is to have a tub of footballs and frisbees and stuff, and have people come casual ... we figure the women will all hang out and talk with each other, and the guys can play touch football or whatever - though we will have a DJ, a dance floor, and alcohol as well. We wanted to make the reception like a family reunion/BBQ, so people would have options what to do than just sit around and talk or drink.

Snarky is right my FH mother is my officiant and will be at the reception. We decided that's it our wedding will are gonna do it our way. I would definitely show my face to your weddjng and then bounce. I can only say I hope this is your idea and not your in laws.

Snarky...I so love your honesty!!

Show the movie Footloose.

Sorry, I had to.

I'm not big on games either. I think having some background music and a dinner is just fine. People can entertain themselves, but like others said probably won't stay long.