Weddings are special occasions meant to be memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. However, only some guests (or couples) are keen on dancing. Whether due to personal preferences, physical limitations, or cultural reasons, dancing isn’t always the preferred form of entertainment at a wedding. But don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to keep your guests entertained and ensure your wedding is an unforgettable event. In this article, we’ll explore various wedding reception activities that can be enjoyed instead of dancing.
Summary
Various alternative activities can make the event memorable for couples or guests who prefer to avoid dancing at weddings. These include playing tabletop games, hosting trivia or karaoke sessions, setting up conversation lounge areas, and organising energetic options like laser tag or arcade games. Other ideas involve live performances, wine tasting, photo booths, and even setting up a portrait studio. Creative options like hosting the event at a bookstore, serving unique desserts, or using Polaroid cameras can also add a special touch to the celebration.
Why Do People Not Dance At Their Weddings?
Personal Preferences
Not everyone is a fan of dancing. Some people feel uncomfortable on the dance floor because they’re shy, don’t know how to dance, or don’t enjoy it. Spending hours on the dance floor can be daunting rather than exciting for these individuals.
Physical Limitations
For some couples or guests, dancing might be off the table due to physical limitations. This could be due to age, injuries, or disabilities. In such cases, it’s important to consider alternative forms of entertainment that allow everyone to participate and enjoy the celebration.
Cultural And Religious Considerations
In certain cultures and religions, dancing might be discouraged or even prohibited. In these situations, couples often seek alternative ways to entertain their guests while honouring their traditions and beliefs.
Desire For Uniqueness
Some couples want to break away from traditional wedding norms. They may want to create a unique and memorable experience for their guests by incorporating activities different from the standard wedding reception format.
Other Activities During A Wedding Reception Besides Dancing
1. Games For Reception
Tabletop Games
One way to keep guests entertained is by providing tabletop games. These can be placed on each table, allowing guests to enjoy light-hearted fun while eating and chatting. Here are a few popular options:
- Couples Trivia: Create a trivia game that tests guests’ knowledge about the bride and groom. This can be a fun way to engage everyone and spark conversation.
- Crossword Puzzles: Design a custom crossword puzzle with clues about the couple and their relationship.
- Wedding Word Search: A wedding-themed word search can be a simple yet entertaining way to pass the time.
The Shoe Game
The Shoe Game is a classic wedding activity that will get a few laughs. The couple sits back-to-back, each holding one of their shoes and one of their partner’s shoes. The emcee then asks humorous or revealing questions, such as “Who is the better cook?” or “Who said ‘I love you’ first?”. The couple answers by raising the shoe of the person they think best fits the answer. It’s a light-hearted way to involve the couple and entertain the guests.
2. Allow Your Guests To Speak
Create a Lounge Area
Not every guest wants to dance the night away, and some may prefer to spend time catching up with friends and family. Creating a lounge area with comfortable seating can provide a relaxed space where guests can chat and enjoy each other’s company. Add some soft lighting and background music to set the mood.
3. Play Some Laser Tag Or Arcade Games
If you want something more energetic and unconventional, consider setting up a laser tag arena or renting some arcade games. This is a fantastic option for a wedding with a more casual vibe, and it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
4. Sing Some Wedding Karaoke
Karaoke offers a fantastic way to entertain guests who enjoy performing or want to have a good time. Setting up a karaoke station with a selection of popular songs and encouraging guests to take turns showing off their vocal talents can create a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Whether belting out their favourite tunes or simply enjoying the hilarious performances of others, karaoke is sure to bring laughter, camaraderie, and a touch of lightheartedness to any event.
5. Allow Bookworms To Read
For book-loving couples, consider hosting your reception at a local bookstore or library. Guests can be invited to share their favourite books or participate in a book exchange. You could also organise a poetry reading or invite a local author to give a reading. This idea is perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding.
6. Indoor Games
Indoor games can be a great way to keep guests entertained, especially if your wedding is indoors. Consider setting up tables with ping pong, foosball, or dartboard. These games are easy to set up and provide endless entertainment.
7. Live Performances
Hiring live performers can add a unique touch to your wedding reception. Consider hiring a magician, fire spinner, acrobat, or contortionist to wow your guests. These performances can be scheduled throughout the evening, keeping guests entertained even if they’re not on the dance floor.
8. Spend Some Fun Time At A Photo Booth
Photo booths have become a staple at weddings, and for good reason. They’re a fun way for guests to capture memories and have a little fun. Consider setting up multiple photo booths with different themes and props to keep things interesting.
9. Take Guests On A Wine Or Spirits Tasting Tour
Consider hosting a wine or spirits tasting if your wedding venue has a bar. This can be a sophisticated way to entertain guests and allow them to try something new. You could focus on local wines or even feature drinks that have special meaning to you as a couple.
10. Set Up A Portrait Studio
Setting up a portrait studio at your wedding can be an elegant and sophisticated alternative to the traditional photo booth. By hiring a professional photographer, you ensure that your guests have the opportunity to have their portraits taken in a more refined and artistic manner. It provides a unique and personal touch to your wedding, creating lasting memories. Your guests can take home these stunning portraits as cherished keepsakes, a wonderful reminder of the celebration and their time spent with you on your special day.
11. Serve The Coolest Desserts
If you’re a foodie, consider making dessert a highlight of your reception. One way to do this is by serving liquid nitrogen ice cream made on the spot. This creates a dramatic effect and is sure to impress your guests.
12. Shake It Like A Polaroid Picture
Polaroid cameras are a fun and nostalgic way to capture memories at your wedding. Provide guests with Polaroid cameras and encourage them to take photos throughout the night. These can be collected and displayed at the reception, or guests can take them home as a keepsake.
Conclusion
Dancing isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. Your wedding day should reflect your preferences and create a memorable experience for you and your guests. By incorporating various activities such as games, live performances, karaoke, and interactive stations, you can ensure that everyone has a fantastic time on the dance floor. The most important thing is that your wedding reflects who you are as a couple and that your guests leave fond memories of the celebration.
FAQs About Wedding Dance
When Do You Dance At A Wedding Reception?
The dancing portion of the reception will typically begin with the first dance, as this is the custom. Therefore, the first dance is typically saved after most couples finish the meal. After everyone has finished their meal, you can proceed to the dancing portion of the evening. In this way, the dining portion of the evening can have a more slow and relaxed pace.
What Are Some Fun Wedding Traditions That Include Dancing?
The wedding dance, sometimes called the bouquet dance, is another enjoyable custom associated with dancing. It is also an alternative to the bouquet toss. All married couples in the room are prompted to come onto the dance floor as a slow, romantic song is played.
What Should Be The Last Dance At A Wedding?
The couple may decide to end the night with a slower, more emotional song with a slower tempo, or they may choose an upbeat song that everyone in attendance will be singing along to for the final dance of the evening. If there is going to be an after-party after the reception, it is recommended that a more upbeat song be played to set the tone for the celebration that will follow.
Why Do We Dance On The Dance Floor At A Wedding?
You might want to include a dance floor at your wedding to ensure you put your best foot forward on the big day.
Adding a dance floor creates an inviting environment where guests feel at ease, free to the beat of their favourite songs. In addition, you and your new spouse will have the opportunity to celebrate your first dance as a married couple in a beautiful venue.
What Happens After The Parents Dance At A Wedding?
After the parents dance, the wedding party is invited to take the floor. The best man and maid of honour traditionally dance together first, followed by the rest of the crew.
If the parent dances occur after dinner, the couple may skip the wedding party dance altogether and invite all guests to the dance floor.
