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Original poster

Advice on how to throw great wedding party?

53 replies

Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:43

We're having a wedding party later this year. So far we have a lovely pub venue which can cater for both good weather and rain.

The problem is, is a nice venue, good food and company enough? We did look into having a cover band but the space allocated as a dance floor is a bit small. Also, the band we were going to have has now split up. No way the venue could accommodate a ceilidh.
Am considering either a magician show or a disco (with or without a DJ), just to break up the evening a bit, in case people don't want to feel they have to be talking to others all night.
My husband is not keen on the disco bit but I'm worried that without any kind of "event" to break it up, it may be a dull evening?
The crowd invited (up to 80 people including a few little ones) are mostly family with some friends in the mix.

OP posts:
HateEatingInTheDark · 16/02/2023 16:46

So whats the plan? Dinner than sitting around all evening? With no music?
Can you tell us more about the day / Evening,
Times with meals etc

MaverickGooseGoose · 16/02/2023 16:47

A different band? I wouldnt bother with a DJ just get a decent play list on itunes or whatever and hook it up, that's all party djs do now anyway.

Absolutely not a magician!

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/02/2023 16:49

I think if you don't have a bit of a dance floor and a disco, is it even a party? What happens after food?

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/02/2023 16:49

And deffo not a magician

JorisBonson · 16/02/2023 16:49

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/02/2023 16:49

I think if you don't have a bit of a dance floor and a disco, is it even a party? What happens after food?

This! You need a disco, that's all part of a party.

Original poster
Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:50

The plan:
Guests arrive from 6.30.
7.30 Food served (buffet style) but people can sit themselves as they choose around all the tables. Main course followed by desert and cheese & biscuits.
Then milling around chatting - if weather is good, there is a pleasant outdoor space. But if not, the pub is traditional and very cosy.

OP posts:
BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/02/2023 16:50

What time do you expect people to stay til? 9? If later they need some dancing til 11.

Original poster
Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:52

Yes I was thinking of a playlist that feeds through a sound system for an hour or so of dancing. I guess I could hire sound equipment and lights? Personally would rather not have a DJ as they can take over events and not read the room re choice of music.

OP posts:
JorisBonson · 16/02/2023 16:52

We had -

  • Arrivals from 6pm, DJ playing background music
  • 7pm speeches and first dance, DJ started the disco then
  • Food was served from 7.30 and was a help yourself affair from a pie and mash van outside
  • DJ played until midnight
Original poster
Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:52

Yes I imagine pub hours - event finishing around 11 or 12.

OP posts:
Lcb123 · 16/02/2023 16:52

Having a band was our own wedding necessity - I think you need something, even if a playlist otherwise people will likely eat and leave. (purely personal taste) but I hate magic shows.

Original poster
Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:54

Trouble is I don't want music in the background (or foreground) on for most of the time. I'm hard of hearing and a lot of the group aren't going to be spring chickens. That's why I really only want an event to last about an hour, 2 hours tops.

OP posts:
Original poster
Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:55

Yes I'm picking up that people don't like magic shows (shame).

OP posts:
Dyrne · 16/02/2023 16:55

I find at a wedding the best option is having 2 spaces once food/speeches are done:

  1. A space for people wanting to dance (a decent playlist and speakers is good enough for this - cheesy music is best to get people dancing in my experience rather than the latest hits).

  2. A space for people to have a sit and a chat/drink/catch up.

A wedding is where lots of different friend/family groups collide; it’s unlikely you’re going to get a case where everyone wants to dance or everyone wants to sit and chat all night.

Kranke · 16/02/2023 16:57

Not a magician!! You do need some music, have some background music for the dinner as oddly it makes it easier to hear people next to you and stops people shouting louder and louder. If you can get a band (a friend do this in a pub and there was just three of them and they played covers), or a dJ, takes the pressure off you playing the right music at the right time. If not make a playlist, but have options so you can mix things up depending on atmosphere.

Dyrne · 16/02/2023 16:57

Ah cross post.

if you’re hard of hearing it’s fair enough if you don’t want loud music for too long.

Maybe some games spread out like giant Jenga etc? And a DIY Photo Booth?

Original poster
Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:57

Good-oh. It seems there is support for a space with a decent playlist and speakers. It just means if you get tired of talking, you have somewhere to go but still remaining gainfully occupied.

OP posts:
JorisBonson · 16/02/2023 16:58

Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:52

Yes I was thinking of a playlist that feeds through a sound system for an hour or so of dancing. I guess I could hire sound equipment and lights? Personally would rather not have a DJ as they can take over events and not read the room re choice of music.

Our DJ played everything from a list we gave him and didn't play anything from genres we didn't like. He also took requests from our guests which they all enjoyed.

Original poster
Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:59

Optional games - I like that idea. Would have to look into this, eg if you can hire stuff like giant Jenga or the DIY photo booth?
Another option I guess is the casino.

OP posts:
BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/02/2023 17:02

If you only want the event to last an hour, 2 tops, why are you having it 6.30 til midnight?

Why not book a large table in a restaurant and have your closest friends and family for a meal then they can all leave after 1.5hrs.

RiktheButler · 16/02/2023 17:05

Halfastoneextra · 16/02/2023 16:52

Yes I was thinking of a playlist that feeds through a sound system for an hour or so of dancing. I guess I could hire sound equipment and lights? Personally would rather not have a DJ as they can take over events and not read the room re choice of music.

You've met the wrong DJs. A covers band (your first choice) by definition take over and can't read a room as they have set lists. Bands tend to be noisy too. You don't sound like you've really established what style of event you actually want....

User478 · 16/02/2023 17:06

Silent Disco

You can have 3 playlists (one you choose, 1 your partner, 1 both of you?) People can listen if they want but people can hear themselves think if they take them off. Also watching people do the macarena with no music is really funny.

Soozikinzii · 16/02/2023 17:09

Can you get a nice solo guitarist /singer ? I do think live music really helps . Then can have a friend act as MC and organise things a bit and play music that means alot to you your family and friends?

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/02/2023 17:10

User478 · 16/02/2023 17:06

Silent Disco

You can have 3 playlists (one you choose, 1 your partner, 1 both of you?) People can listen if they want but people can hear themselves think if they take them off. Also watching people do the macarena with no music is really funny.

Omg YES a silent disco!!

I'd want a 90s pop playlist please.

BurbageBrook · 16/02/2023 17:41

You have to have a disco!

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