Wedding Dance Worries: I Can't Dance, Now What?

Dancing is a common tradition at weddings, but it is not for everyone. Some people may feel uncomfortable or simply dislike dancing, and that is okay! If you are planning a wedding and want to skip the dancing, there are plenty of alternative activities to keep your guests entertained. From magicians and backyard games to live painters and board games, you can create a unique and memorable celebration without dancing.

Having a small wedding lunch or brunch to lighten expectations

If you're not a fan of dancing, you can still have a wedding celebration to remember. One option is to have a small wedding lunch or brunch. Here are some tips and ideas to help you plan your special day:

Timing and Logistics

• Your day will start early. Hair, makeup, and final touches will take hours, and you may need to wake up before sunrise. Talk to your vendors about timing and see if you can set up the venue the night before.
• Some guests may not be able to attend a morning wedding, especially if they work on weekends. Consider your guest list and whether a brunch wedding will work for most people.
• You'll have less time for pre-wedding festivities and getting-ready moments with your wedding party. You can still enjoy these, but you may need to be mindful of time constraints.
• If you're serving alcohol, some guests may find dancing and drinking at brunch a little strange. However, if you want to encourage dancing, you can have guests submit song requests.

Food and Drinks

• A brunch wedding is a great way to stick to your budget. A traditional brunch menu is typically less expensive than a multi-course dinner.
• Serve a full meal with filling options. Some ideas include a French toast bar, waffles, bagels, frittatas, omelets, fresh fruit, doughnuts, and croissants.
• For a fun twist, set up food stations or bars, such as a biscuits and gravy bar, a make-your-own yogurt parfait bar, or a Bloody Mary bar.
• Instead of a traditional wedding cake, consider a smaller cake with a breakfast twist, like a cinnamon roll cake, angel food cake, or a stack of pancakes or waffles.
• Offer a variety of drinks, including coffee, tea, mimosas, mocktails, and fresh fruit juices.

Decor and Attire

• A brunch wedding is typically more casual than an evening event. Decor can be less formal and more playful, with bright colors, warm decorations, and a sunshine theme.
• Use creative centerpieces, such as citrus fruit arrangements or wildflowers in mason jars.
• The attire for a brunch wedding is usually semi-formal or casual. The bride and groom can opt for a maxi dress, short cocktail gown, or a linen suit. Guests can wear light colors, prints, flowy dresses, collared shirts, or colorful suits.

Activities and Entertainment

• Since guests may be less inclined to dance during the day, provide other activities such as lawn games, a photo booth, or a live musician.
• You can also set up a relaxation nook with hammocks, chairs, and rugs for guests to lounge in.
• If you want to transition into another activity after the brunch reception, consider something relaxing like cabanas by the pool or a post-wedding party with board games and a bonfire.

Remember, it's your special day, so feel free to break away from traditions and make it your own!

Using an iPod for music instead of a DJ

Using an iPod for music at your wedding instead of a DJ can be a great option, especially if you're on a tight budget. It gives you more control over the music and can be a fun way to personalise your wedding. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks and be prepared for any technical difficulties that may arise.

Planning Your Playlists

Playlists are a crucial part of using an iPod for your wedding music. Take the time to craft the perfect playlists for each part of your wedding day, including the ceremony, cocktail hour, introductions, first dance, dinner, and after-party. It's a good idea to make longer playlists than you think you'll need, especially for the cocktail hour and reception, as these parts of the wedding can be unpredictable.

When creating your playlists, think about the flow and momentum of the music. You want to build up the energy and create a fun atmosphere that will get your guests on the dance floor. Include a mix of music that appeals to all ages and musical tastes. If you're not sure where to start, consider seeking advice from a musician or music-loving friend.

Equipment and Technical Considerations

In addition to your iPod, you'll need to organise other sound equipment such as speakers, microphones, and possibly a PA system or wireless microphones for announcements and toasts. Consider the size and acoustics of your venue when choosing equipment, and don't skimp on amplification – you'll want your music to be loud enough for people to feel it!

It's a good idea to do multiple sound checks in the days leading up to your wedding and have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. Know where the nearest electronics store is, just in case you need to make any last-minute purchases or repairs.

Assigning a Sound Person

Designate someone to be responsible for setting up and managing the sound equipment and playlists on the day of your wedding. This person should be tech-savvy and able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. It's important that this role is assigned to someone other than the couple getting married, as you'll want to be fully present and enjoy your special day without technical distractions.

Advantages of Using an iPod

Using an iPod gives you complete control over the music played at your wedding. You can create personalised playlists that reflect your musical tastes and ensure that only your favourite songs are played. This option can also be more cost-effective than hiring a DJ, allowing you to allocate your budget to other aspects of your wedding.

Potential Drawbacks

One of the main drawbacks of using an iPod is the lack of a professional emcee to make announcements and ensure the smooth flow of your wedding. A good alternative is to assign a trusted friend or family member to act as the master of ceremonies and make sure they have a clear idea of the schedule and any necessary announcements.

Another potential issue is the inability to read the crowd and adapt the music accordingly. A DJ can sense when a particular song or genre is getting people on the dance floor and can adjust the playlist to suit the mood. With an iPod, you may need to be more flexible and prepared to skip songs or switch playlists if the energy starts to lag.

Final Thoughts

Using an iPod for your wedding music can be a great option if you're on a budget or want more control over your musical selections. However, it's important to be prepared for technical difficulties and consider the potential drawbacks. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your wedding music runs smoothly and creates lasting memories for you and your guests.

Including other activities like bowling, pool, or lawn games

If you're looking for wedding activities besides dancing, there are plenty of options to keep your guests entertained. Here are some ideas to get you started, including lawn games, bowling, and pool activities:

Lawn Games

• Croquet
• Corn hole
• Giant Jenga
• Bocce ball
• Customise the games to fit your wedding theme, such as adding a personal monogram or painting wooden accessories in your wedding colours.

Bowling

Set up a bowling lane with pineapples as pins and use a basketball or football as the bowling ball.

Pool Activities

• If you're feeling adventurous, organise a pool party with games like:
• Diving for coins or poker chips
• Dodgeball with water balloons
• Tug of war across the pool
• Water transfer relay race
• Frisbee toss
• Inflatable bull riding
• Ping pong ball frenzy
• Poolside Jenga

Other Activities

• Hire a magician to entertain your guests.
• Set up a make-your-own food area, such as sundae, s'mores, or taco stations.
• Rent a caricature artist.
• Host a quiz to see how well your guests know you, with prizes for the winners.
• Have a live wedding painter capture the scene.
• Set up a relaxation nook with hammocks, chairs, rugs, and sofas.
• Create a vintage phone audio guestbook where guests can leave a recorded message.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to get creative and personalise the activities to make your wedding unique and memorable!

Having a games reception with cards, board games, and dominoes

If you're looking to have a games reception with cards, board games, and dominoes, here are some ideas to get you started.

Cards

Card games are a great way to get your guests interacting and having fun. Here are some suggestions:

• Mad Libs: Create customised Mad Libs for your guests to fill out at their tables. This can be a fun way to get everyone talking and laughing, and you can even have the emcee read out some of the best answers during the reception.
• Cards Against Humanity: If you're looking for something a little more outrageous, consider "Cads About Matrimony", a wedding-themed version of Cards Against Humanity. This game is sure to get your guests laughing and is perfect for tables of friends or bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Dare: Include simple dares like "Take a selfie with the cutest guy at your table" or "Kiss the person next to you" on the back of your guests' name cards. The table that completes the most dares wins!
• Wedding Trivia: Leave a cute sheet with trivia questions about the couple at each guest's seat. Guests can fill these out whenever they like, and the emcee can read out the answers later. The guest with the most correct answers can take home a centerpiece or another prize.

Board Games

Board games are a great way to get your guests interacting and having fun. Here are some ideas:

• Scrabble: Challenge your guests to come up with wedding- or love-related words.
• Monopoly: This classic board game is a must-have for any wedding reception. It's a great way to keep your guests entertained, especially if they're not big dancers.
• Dominoes: Set up a giant dominos set that will tap into your guests' creative side as they come up with different ways to set up the wooden tiles. The included wooden crate will also come in handy for storage.
• Jenga: This classic block-stacking game is sure to add a dose of fun and whimsy to your reception. You can even upgrade to a life-size set of blocks that your guests can build and destroy.
• Chess and Checkers: Set up a giant chess or checkers board for your guests to enjoy. You can even use checkered fabric for easy transport and cleanup.

Outdoor Games

If you're looking for some outdoor games to get your guests moving, here are some ideas:

• Ring Toss: Set up a ring toss game with bottles and rings customised with the names of your guests and bridal party members. This game is sure to bring out your guests' competitive spirit.
• Cornhole: Cornhole is a perfect lawn game for couples who want to make activities feel like a cohesive part of the overall wedding decor. Customise the boards with your names, wedding date, or monogram.
• Croquet: Invite your guests to grab a mallet and get a match started on the lawn. This game is perfect for a garden-themed wedding or any event with a sprawling, lush green lawn.
• Bocce Ball: If you have lawn space, set up a bocce ball area. An actual court isn't necessary; just provide balls and scorecards, and let your guests play.
• Giant Connect Four: Upgrade this classic game by making it giant-sized. Add personal touches by painting the playing pieces in your wedding colours.

No matter what games you choose, your guests are sure to have a fun and memorable time at your wedding reception!

Hiring alternative entertainment, like a magician or caricature artist

If you're looking for alternative entertainment for your wedding, consider hiring a magician or a caricature artist.

A wedding magician can add a unique, romantic, and memorable element to your special day. They can perform interactive and entertaining acts, such as close-up magic, mind-reading, or group tricks, that will captivate your guests and create lasting memories. Magicians are also a great way to fill any gaps in your schedule and keep your guests entertained, especially during cocktail hour or between dinner and dancing. When hiring a magician, consider the different types of performances, such as strolling magic, stand-up, or a stage show, and choose one that aligns with your wedding theme and goals.

On the other hand, a caricature artist can offer your guests a fun and unique experience, providing them with a personalised memento of your wedding. Caricature artists can entertain your guests by drawing live caricatures, creating a whimsical and engaging atmosphere. They can also personalise their paper with your names and wedding date, adding an extra special touch. When selecting a caricature artist, ensure they have experience in weddings and can work quickly to accommodate as many guests as possible.

Both magicians and caricature artists are interactive and engaging forms of entertainment that will delight your guests and add a memorable twist to your wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions