Super small wedding. How to keep people from being bored at the reception??

[Rpc51]

Hi all, I am having trouble figuring out how to do my reception. Our group is super small; only 10 ppl and 8 of them are married. I feel a little sad because I wont be able to do the bouquet and garter toss since there wont be any single men there. I was wondering if you all had suggestions regarding our first dance though. How do I keep everyone from being bored with such a small group?

[NCraft]

Hi! I am also having a VERY small ceremony and reception with 7 guests. It took me a bit to figure out what I was going to do since I didn't want to pay $150/ plate at a boring/ stuffy restaurant. So, I decided on Paradise Cove. That way there is a show and food and since none of my guests have ever been to the island before, they get to take in some of the fun touristy stuff

[Ploman]

I have a big crowd, but only 4-5 single people of each gender. I was thinking of telling everyone to catch the bouquet, regardless of if they are married, and whoever catches it gets a prize. 

 

I don't think people will be bored. Clearly these people are close to you, and they will be happy to see you do all the little traditions. I think people get more bored in big groups where they can't see everything and often cant hear everything that's going on. 

 

I'm a big game person, and we often play games with our friends. I don't know if you're drinkers, but we often play a game in which any time someone says a certain word then they have to do a shot. Our most common words are, for example, if they say a number, or if they say 'yes' or 'no', or if they say anyone's name. It keeps people on their toes and often gets a lot of laughs. 

 

For first dance, I would just do it in front of your small group. I am sure that they will not be bored! You could always edit your song to make it shorter if you're concerned about it lasting too long. 

 

 

I do like idea posted above, about going somewhere special for the night. I've heard of lots of people going on late night cruises or dinner shows, and I think it's a great idea!

 

Good luck!

[mrsnova]

I agree that I no one should get bored because they are your family and friends and there to support you! But, if you want to look at some games to play here is a website that has a bunch! http://www.planace.com/disc-jockeys/weddings/resources/wedding-reception-games-and-fun. Also there is the shoe game, here is a website that explains it http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/bridal-buzz/the-shoe-game. 

[Rpc51]

Thank you. I decided to get a super lively DJ, haha. Hoepfully that works. I may incorporate some games also because my in-laws may not be able to dance (FIL has a bad leg). I want them to be able to enjoy themselves also even though they may not be able to dance.

[JA2012]

For the first dance I think it would be cute if the guests could almost like gather around the couple in a circle. Then they have a close up view of the dance....not sure if you'll find that weird for you guys or not. Lol.

 

Another idea is to start the dance off with just the two of you and then invite all the loving couples to join you on the dance floor and have them dance with ea other as a symbol of wishing the newlyweds well as they start their journey together.

 

Lastly, I have seen sparklers for the first dance and for the entry to the reception. If ppl gather around for the first dance they could hold sparklers or candles or something like that. Would make for amazing photos.

[Rpc51]

Originally Posted by JA2012 

 

For the first dance I think it would be cute if the guests could almost like gather around the couple in a circle. Then they have a close up view of the dance....not sure if you'll find that weird for you guys or not. Lol.

 

Another idea is to start the dance off with just the two of you and then invite all the loving couples to join you on the dance floor and have them dance with ea other as a symbol of wishing the newlyweds well as they start their journey together.

 

Lastly, I have seen sparklers for the first dance and for the entry to the reception. If ppl gather around for the first dance they could hold sparklers or candles or something like that. Would make for amazing photos.

Those are some great ideas:)

[JA2012]

Glad to help. :-)

For dancing you can also start your party with something fun like electric slide. That'll get everyone up. hahaha....do it to the song "Candy".

I have been thinking about my reception party and how I don't want the "older folks" to get turned off by the music. I'm going to make sure I start with some old school tunes to get everyone up. Lotsa MJ and Lionel Ritchie. By the time they get tired and want to have a seat, the dj can break out the new music. 

[Rpc51]

Originally Posted by JA2012 

 

Glad to help. :-)

For dancing you can also start your party with something fun like electric slide. That'll get everyone up. hahaha....do it to the song "Candy".

I have been thinking about my reception party and how I don't want the "older folks" to get turned off by the music. I'm going to make sure I start with some old school tunes to get everyone up. Lotsa MJ and Lionel Ritchie. By the time they get tired and want to have a seat, the dj can break out the new music. 

 

Haha. I love it!!

[Amers]

Fo the bouquet instead of doing the toss you could have everyone on the dance floor for a slower song and then the dejay will start do call off number. One year..everyone who has been married for under a year leaves the dance floor.that keeps going until there is one couple left which would be the couple who has been married the longest and they are presented with the bouquet