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Hmm, I see what you mean... no alcohol, music or dancing? That's a toughie!
Is there anything "fun" you guys are into? Mrs. Gummi Bear did an awesome job of incorporating games into their wedding... and picnics... and crafting!
http://www.weddingbee.com/2007/07/10/my-hippie-pillow-room-or-not/
Very untraditional, but it sounds like a lot of fun!
Are you avoiding drinks and dancing simply because you aren't into it, or for religious reasons.? I can understand, and have been to weddings that have lacked these things for religious reasons. But if you simply don't like to drink or dance I would recommend reconsidering. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to participate in it.
Picnic game etc. might be fun for some. I suppose it would have to outside. I'm not sure that you reception is outside. Also some people probably won't dig it. Great Aunt Ruth isn't likely venture a three legged race. Could you have casino games, Vegas theme? I'm not sure how to rent that stuff. But just a thought.
Someone also posted about using Karioke. Which, if anyone sings, could be fun.
why dont you try having some entertainment. like dancers, etc
My second reception was at my hometown in a freezing cold tent, with really light appetizers. The only thing people found when they showed up was a slideshow, tables, and some food. We didn't have any entertainment, but that was okay for these guests because they all knew each other really well. They sat around and talked and spent time together, something they don't normally get to do.
I had coloring books set up for the kids, and you could always create little quizzes about the two of you for the tables, but I think if you are inviting a group of people that know each other really well to spend time together they might just enjoy the chance to catch up and spend tiem with the two of you before you leave for married life.It's not going to leave everyong talking for years and years, but it will be nice, hopefully warm!, and full of conversation and laughter. Sometimes I think we get really wrapped up in the idea that we have to create this really amazing exciting experience for our guests. I don't think people mind going to a low key wedding every once in awhile.
I understand if you choose to include alcohol in your festivities, but you may want to rethink excluding dancing and music. Although these items might not be your top choices for fun, your guests might appreciate having entertainment. Remember, these people have chosen to take time from their schedules to celebrate with you on this exciting day, and it would be a nice gesture to show your appreciation. Even just hooking up an iPod to a sound system and playing your choice of music will be a nice and personal touch.
Thanks for your input. I feel I should clarify a few things. We won't be serving alcohol because at least 65% of those invited wouldn't partake either. I'm sure we can have a good time without it! Also, we aren't big on dancing, but not many of our guests are either! I've been to a few weddings in the past few years for friends and others in the community, and it just doesn't go over very well, so I'm thinking there must be other options! It's not just that my fiance and I aren't big on these things, it's that most of our guests aren't either. They do know one another, so they may be content with visiting, but I'm just sure there are ways I can make this time more enjoyable and memorable for all those in attendance. I appreciate your feedback!
You don't specifically say what type of venue you have, so I'm not sure how much help this will be, but what about setting up croquet or bocce? Obviously this on;y works for an outdoors wedding. If it's in a ballroom, you could do a slideshow presentation with pictures from all of the years you've known each other. Another idea that would eliminate the need for dancing would be to host a "station" reception with all different types of food set up around the room, set up a phot booth, or hire entertainment like a cigar roller. The thing to remember is that you want people up and moving, so a plated dinner with no dancing to follow might leave guests wondering "what's next", as opposed to if you have people up and moving around from the start.
lawn games are always fun, what about a Croquet game? or Bocci?
I would suggest games, some nice icebreakers to get everyone talking at each table, I saw them on here some of the fortune tellers girls played with in gradeschool, like trivia for the guests like peacock did here except for not a menu, or nametags on each guest saying something like:
My name is: Llaurra
Fun fact: I have a dog named Mr. Bojangles.
or
My name is: Russell
Fun fact: I love Elvis.
Just some cute/fun/silly/interesting things about each person to get people talking to each other. Oh! You could also name the tables after your favorite books, movies, places you've been, places in your hometown. I just suggest many conversation starters. Hope I helped!!
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We are doing the same thing except the ceremony and reception are different at venues. No alcohol (maybe some champagne) - no dance - no dj. We have a good friend that is a musician so he will provide live music during the reception. I had the same concerns but most of our guests are also not drinkers nor dancers. I don't think you need to worry. Without distractions like flashing dj lights etc guests will be able to visit and enjoy each others company more easily. About your pictures, just think how many great shots your photog can get of you interacting with your new husband and loved ones! Would def. have some background music too.
What about other traditions? People will be eating and talking and between every course you could do another tradition (toss the bouquet, garter toss, best man toast, MOH toast, toast to the parents). A toast does not necessarily require alcohol, just well wishes! :-)
We're having a no alcohol no dancing reception too. We are setting up coffee tables with board games (Cranium, Monopoly, etc.) in various alcoves around the reception hall for those who want to play. We may also set up a DIY photobooth (with lots of silly props). Mostly though, we expect that all of our families are getting together, which is rare because they are so big and spread across the world, so they will sit around and chat. For us it was a matter of thinking about the ways we spend free/ fun time with our guests when we are not at a wedding and finding a way to incorporate that.
I think if you pay attention to your seating chart (if you have one), everything will be fine. (Also, Izze or sparkling cider are great alternatives if you don't want champagne, but want the festivity and well wishes of a toast.) Good luck!
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I need some opinions! Our reception will take place at the same venue as the ceremony, so we are planning to begin right after the ceremony concludes. We were originally planning on doing just a dessert reception, but have decided to change and serve real food (not sure if we're doing a full dinner or heavy hor'deurv yet). Here's the thing: we have nothing else planned. We aren't drinkers, so no bar. We aren't dancers, so no dancing; at this point, no dj or live music either. I think I would be fine just visiting with everyone while some music plays softly in the background, but I'm not sure everyone would be fine with this. I'm also worried our pictures from this time will be boring. The only thing we've really thought about adding was a slide show of us growing up and our time together (-we've known each other since the 3rd grade!)
What do you think? Do you have suggestions for ways to liven up the reception that don't involve alcohol or dancing?