Non-dance for wedding reception?

[SeasonallySnowyPeasant]

We were supposed to be getting married in March, now postponed until the end of September. Our band emailed today and said they’re pulling out as they don’t see wedding dances happening until there’s a vaccine. Assuming our wedding does go ahead in September, what should we do for the evening reception? We have 30-ish people, range of ages from newborn up to 85 with 7 children. About half the guests don’t drink. We’re in a stately home hotel. Ideas I had:

• cocktail/mocktail making
• lounge singer and a table magician while people mingle and play board games
• murder mystery evening. That’s not very wedding-y though!
• get a slide in the hotel pool and have a pool party
• hit the hotel spa
• archery/similar

Isn’t a barn dance the same as a ceilidh?

We could just sack off the evening do but we were planning to finish at 10 anyway so it’s not too much of a marathon.

We got married with an evening meal and friends circulating around tables and building up new friendships. Started off with a violin quartet and then moved onto CDs of our favourite songs in a Compilation. No dancing as we are not dancers but we were still going strong early in the morning and everyone said it was a lovely change. No pressure, nice people sharing a special moment and no pressure to perform. About 40 people at the wedding so not large by any means. Have a lovely time!!

How’s this looking:

• 1.30 ceremony
• 4 wedding breakfast
• 6.30 random activity
• 8 cut the cake, evening meal
• 9 wrap up, sparkler exit

Are you definitely sure about the dongs? People would always remember your wedding, although admittedly, perhaps not for the best reasons

How about a quiz whilst they still sat at their tables?

Fairly sure dongs for the OAPs would go down as well as a drunken gambling sesh

A quiz is a good one. I quite fancy pushing the breakfast back, getting the local falconry centre in and having owls, archery and canapés while we do couples shots.

One one Waller-Bridge has a great idea for wedding decor.
www.google.com/amp/s/www.insider.com/phoebe-waller-bridge-fleabag-wall-of-penises-house-self-isolating-2020-4%3famp

Phoebe

We went to a brilliant wedding with a similar vibe.

Each guest was asked to pick two of their favourite songs and it was made into a playlist by the bridesmaid. Music was not overly loud but lots of fun guessing who picked which song and some dancing some not.

It was made into a cd for the bride and groom to keep. Was a great night.

I kinda fancy having a penis wall shoe rack.

With low numbers and CV I would scrap the usual dance floor set up background music and quiz music ,picture and tv keep it fun no questions on square route of africa or population of greece type of thing
then do a quiz all the question about you and other half .

@SeasonallySnowyPeasant whatever you end up choosing (and it all sounds fab!) i would urge you to at least have background music!

How about a church fete theme? Magician, afternoon tea, burgers, hook-a-duck, tombola, bouncy castle/ball pit for the kids, guess the weight of the wedding cake. You could even finish the night with throw wet sponges at the bride and groom (or one each of the in-laws!)

Oh that sounds fun!

I don't think you need to entertain people as such, you don't need an activity, you need to provide a selection of drinks (or have a cash bar), some music and let people mingle/chat.

Just drinks reception with music playing in the background. You can make it loud enough for those who want to dance or lower so people can chat.

Organised fun isn't for everyone.

A playlist is a definite go if we do an informal mingle-type thing in the evening. I did one for my friend’s wedding last year so minimal effort involved. Definitely no soaking the in-laws though! Guessing the weight of the wedding cake is an inspired idea - and how many sweets in the piñata.

Organised fun isn't for everyone Exactly this!