My fiance and I are not going to have alcohol at our reception (Neither of us will be 21 and neither of us drink- not even most of the people in our families). However, I don't want everyone to get bored and leave right away. We'll have a dj but a lot of the people won't dance. Are there appropriate things to do at a wedding reception? Please take the type of event into consideration. Thanks.
2007-02-19 08:41:43 · 13 answers · asked by goaliegirl87 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
We are having a smoothie bar for those under 21 at the wedding. There will be no alcohol at that one bar, but they will have fresh fruit, ice, ice cream and non-alcoholic mixers (and a blender) to make fun drinks for everyone.
Otherwise, invest in entertainment. A good DJ or band makes the evening more than over-indulged party-goers.
2007-02-26 10:12:18 · answer #1 · answered by NewWife2007 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well that's a tough one. Since you aren't serving alcohol and you think most people won't dance anyway, why not have a lunch reception instead of a traditional evening? Or you can have a picnic reception, also in the afternoon, if you are marrying in warm weather. The thing is, if it's at night people WILL get bored. There is only so much schmoozing you both can do as bride and groom and after the meal, what else is there but getting boozed and dancing like a fool? You can hire a caricaturer and/or a magician, but I think the best thing for you to do is have a lunch reception. Have the dj play soft, lively music that no one will be expected to dance to. You can greet your guests and after the cake and champagne they are free to go. A huge plus to this type of reception is the money you'll save. A lunch would be almost half the cost of a dinner reception. Good luck.
2007-02-19 16:54:47 · answer #2 · answered by Brandy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What are you supposed to do at a reception? I mean, alcohol doesn't necessarily make people stay or leave.
At my friend Carisa's reception, people stayed forever because the Dj was so much fun and they got everybody dancing. The Bride's and the Groom's family got up and danced. It was a ball. Make it that kind of scene. Just make it fun.
On the other hand, my friend Jenny took so long taking pictures after her ceremony that we had to wait an hour or more for them to come to the reception. By the time they were ready to cut the cake and have the first dance, half the people left because it was a good 3 hours after the ceremony - so don't leave your guests waiting and bored, either.
2007-02-19 16:49:55 · answer #3 · answered by teel2624 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Make sure your DJ is really good. I went to a wedding reception where their was booze, but I didnt' drink much, and the DJ was a riot. They had all kinds of activities planned for the guests while he was playing the music...and made it a complete blast.
If you are having fun, then that is all that matters. Play the right music, get the people out there, and they will be fine. Plus if your family does not drink, then there shouldn't be a problem.
It's your wedding...don't stress about it!
2007-02-19 18:11:04 · answer #4 · answered by Kate 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about if people will stay or not. I didn't have alcohol at my wedding either. I have many drunks in my family and have seen the devastastions it plays in families. We decided we much rather have people coherent and safe driving home on our wedding day. What fun would it be to have someone you love die on your wedding day due to the alcohol that was served at your wedding? The people that understand and love you will stay and enjoy your reception just like they did at ours. The normal DJ, dance, will be fine. Stop fretting over it and start focusing on the marriage that will be the result of this big day in your life.
2007-02-26 10:19:38 · answer #5 · answered by Nichoda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother and sister in law had their wedding reception in the church where they got married (was cheaper, and my sister in law had just under 4 weeks to plan the wedding while my brother was in the army). Granted, a friend of theirs hosted an after party where there was plenty of booze, but if that's not your thing, don't do it. You can just have the normal reception...Food, DJ, cake, garter/bouquet toss, etc... just nix the booze. Chances are that the guests won't leave just because there's no booze. Or if you think people will be appalled that you don't have the booze, just get a keg and the ones who drink can drink.
2007-02-19 16:56:07 · answer #6 · answered by Cheyenne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a good DJ really makes a difference. One thing I saw at a wedding that i really liked was the DJ called everyone to the floor to dance that was married then a few minutes later her said stay on the floor if you have been married 5 years and went up and up until they got to the last couple usually a grandparent. I thought it was really nice especially if it would be your grandparents left standing. I didn't do it because I don't want my grandmother to feel bad since my grandfather has already passed away.
talk to your DJ and see what ideas he has.
Congratulations and best wishes. remember it's your day enjoy it!
2007-02-22 11:53:54 · answer #7 · answered by Sandra D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is a great idea and if they leave because of no alcohol then that is one less drunk you have to worry about getting drunk and acting stupid at your wedding reception. The Chicken Dance. a very good group dance, maybe have some more group dance events at the reception.
2007-02-27 03:59:38 · answer #8 · answered by 1TON 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did an anniversary dance. The DJ asked all the married couples to get on the dance floor. He then did a count down (5 years)
the last people who were married the longest received a gift.
2007-02-23 16:05:49 · answer #9 · answered by Kat G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't have alcohol at my wedding either, and things went great. We had a video of us growing up/dating/our engagement photos, and everyone watched it, caught up with old friends, danced, and ate. It was alot of fun, we didn't really have a dj either. We just had music playing. And I think that was enough. If you are layed back your guests will follow. So have fun!
2007-02-26 13:39:32 · answer #10 · answered by Laela 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋