To dance or not to dance?

I think you should include a dance floor. If you have such anxiety about being the center of attention maybe cut your guest list? You do know everyone will be staring at you all night whether you are dancing or not? I'd personally leave early from your wedding because I'd get bored quickly. If anything, include a dance floor and a DJ for everyone else to enjoy and you can just walk around and mingle.

Well I love to dance even tho I have no moves. So I say bring on the music! But it really up to what you think you and your guests will enjoy.

What else would guests do at your reception if you don't have dancing? How long are you planning on it being? The normal 4-5 hours is a long time for people to just sit around and mingle.

We also have social anxiety and are having this issue, also nixing the grand entrance of the ceremony. Luckily, our destination resort has a bar/band & dancing for weekend entertainment. Plus theres about 2 clubs within a block radius. We'll include this on our website and a pamphlet inside their hotel gift bag. We're also putting a gift card in there, so they can have a couple of free drinks on us. We're thinking our guest count will be about 25 though. It kind of worked out for us this way, I have been getting heat on ww for this decision though.

My FH and I don't dance either. We did finally settle on a DJ for our guests even though I initially didn't want to. I realized that even if I don't dance, most of my guests will!

My FH and I are having more of an open house reception (the marriage ceremony itself is extremely private and small...I am with you on the social anxiety level). The only timeline we have is us cutting the cake an hour after our start times (we're having two reception open houses as we're from two different areas) and when we are leaving. We are planning on having live music the entirety of the time with NO dancing. After we leave, the reception is in the hands of our family/friends. They have expressed interest in dancing so we have put them in charge of music and DJ. If it's that important to them, they can provide the dancing enviornment until the closing venue time but only AFTER the bride and groom have left.
I am also being told by so many people what I HAVE to have because "tradition". That's a bunch of B.S. Wedding receptions are essentially a big party. You and your FH are putting it on...it is your party. If you dont want to dance, you don't have to dance. The only reason we're cutting the cake is because it is the compromise between all those who are contributing to the wedding. We've made it very clear to our families what we are uncomfortable with but that doesn't mean we are any less grateful for their love and help. Omitting specific wedding traditions are not a reflection on the amount of love you have for your family. You do what you're comfortable with. This is your day.

You don't have to have dancing at all. You could, for example, just have a dinner reception. Just be aware that it will be a lot shorter without dancing.

As for starting the dancing, if you want to have it, you could ask some friends to get the dancing started at a particular time. That would signal to your guests not to wait for any formal dances before starting.

My mom keeps telling me what I should and shouldn't do too...and I'm 30 and paying for the whole thing (you might be too, you didn't say). If i were u, include a dance floor and dj. Those who like to drink and dance will appreciate. We don't drink, but are hosting a bar. Same concept.