Some wedding advice

[wholeeverything]

Hi all,
Getting married in a month and looking for some last minute Irish wedding advice from sensible people as I feel my brain has been warped by lurking in Facebook wedding groups (no offence to anyone who loves a big bells and whistles wedding).

For reasons of budget and social comfort (partner is a quiet sort) we decided on a reasonably small 60 person wedding. It's a church ceremony with reception and dinner in a lovely outdoorsy country house. We decided against a band or DJ in favour of a Spotify playlist for budget reasons. I paid a DJ a small fee to make the Spotify list.

Basically I'm now getting cold feet that the post dinner evening will be dull. Speeches will happen during dessert at 8.30 so that will be wrapped up by 9. My loose plan is to stick on the more chilled music from 9.30 and then more dance music at a higher volume with disco lights etc from around 10. Music at a volume where people can either dance or chat at their preference. People will have access to the dinner/dance room, a separate lounge, and a garden if it's nice out.

Therell be cake in the evening but there's literally nothing else. Honestly I personally dislike all the wedding extras and all along felt this was a pleasant, natural low key evening, but now am worried people will think we are cheap, or not bothered to make an effort, or just be bored. I know people will say it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks but I would like people to enjoy themselves 😂.

Just looking for some perspective so I can relax and/or make adjustments!

It sounds lovely! It’s normal to stress about weddings. Personally I like live music, but after a few drinks I know that I and my friends wouldn’t care and would dance and have a good time with background music.
do you have someone organising things- gathering people for dinner, speeches etc?

Thanks 😊. There will be lovely staff who will do a little of that and overall I've tried to minimise things that require organising. Hoping it flows quite naturally.

The best weddings I’ve been to have been those that are more relaxed and smaller (also Irish and been to weddings with 200 guests!). Have a great day!

Not having a dj is fine, just be on the dance floor to also encourage others to get up. They won't be bored.

Sorry, I think people would be disappointed with the lack of afters food if you are only serving cake. I've worked in an Irish hotel and don't think I have ever seen no afters food. Could you do sandwiches at least if you cant afford hot food? Or the tayto sandwich bags?

Small weddings are my favourite to attend, they are so relaxed and seem less formal. Your venue sounds lovely, I hope you have a wonderful day!

Tayto sandwiches, even DIY, at midnight are always well received. Unless you aim to have everyone in bed before the traditional 4am? Which I cant blame you for, it's a killer!

Thanks, sorry there is hot food as well as cake, didn't mention it! Thanks for the supportive comments!

Ya honestly I haven't been up past midnight in a looooooong time so look people can do what they feel best 😂