Small wedding - WWYD?

[WeaselMcWeasel]

So we're getting married with only 20 guests. I know that a smaller wedding can sometimes mean some of the aspects of a bigger wedding don't happen. However, I would still like to have a first dance and then a "disco" afterwards. The wedding is in a hotel and we're having a small room so a DJ or band would be too much so I was thinking of just playing music through a laptop connected to speakers. My fiance thinks it's a bad idea, people will feel awkward and it won't feel like a proper party without a DJ or band. He thinks we should just have background music, people can just chat all evening.

What do you think? Did you have a disco at your small wedding or have you been to one? Please tell me your opinions and experiences!

I went to one recently where they had hooked up a laptop to a speaker for the dancing. it was brilliant, the playlist was fab and personal to the couple.

I went to a party where it was a Spotify playlist on an iPad and it worked fine. If it's just speakers surely you could adjust volume anyway, judging on the feel of it?

I tend to agree with your fiancé, I don’t think 20 people is enough for a disco or first dance, in reality not everyone will want to dance so maybe just 8/9 people on the dance floor isn’t really going to be much an atmosphere?

I love a bop so would be happy with any kind of music to dance to

What floor covering is in place ? Is the room carpeted or does it have a hard floor. That will make a difference.

That's what I'm worried about @ragwort I really want a first dance though :(

@FinallyHere it's a wood floor.

Wooden floor perfect

Just need a playlist to get the first people up and bopping. Enjoy.

Why not just have a romantic first dance in your bedroom that evening , are you having a honeymoon?

I had a very small wedding myself, fewer guests than you are having, and I just accepted that certain ‘traditions’ just wouldn’t happen. The important thing is your marriage to your fiance, we celebrate 31 years together this year .

@ragwort

That's not a bad idea😂we are having a honeymoon.

Yeah maybe I should just accept that it won't happen, I don't want it to be awkward.

We're having 23 people to our wedding and we will be having a first dance and a playlist played through speakers for the rest of the evening.

We're choosing songs personal to us and asking our guests what they would like too, and I fully expect everyone to be up and dancing (we are Scottish though so any excuse!)

@angbunnyboo

That's really good to hear. I think we're gonna go for it too, I want a first dance and it's silly to not have it just because it's a small wedding ☺️

I hope you have a lovely wedding!

FWIW I got married last week and had approx 60 guests there for the evening.
(Some of the older guests/those with babies left after the meal)

We had a band and thought it would be plenty but actually found people quite hesitant to dance.
If it hadn’t been for the 10 ish kids we had I think the dance floor would have been pretty empty for the first hour or two x

It's your wedding, so get up and dance!

Oh definitely do it!
But do not ask your husband to do the playlist or you will end up doing it with him the night before the wedding!!

Op I would perhaps do the playlist through speakers. Play the music and let the drinks flow. Then get up and dance with your husband it can be your first dance even if others are present, just get someone to record and take pictures. It will still be lovely.