Reception And Dance Floor Question

[rmfowler09]

So I'm just looking for everyone's opinion.

The resort we are getting married at includes a private reception with a variety of places to choose . The beach and gardens are included however any sort of poolside/terrace /restaurant reception is at an additional cost. We'd really like to keep our costs down and not spend too much , especially since it'll only be around 20-25 guests.

We decided we like the idea of a beach reception but when it comes to dancing, we are wondering if it is necessary for a dance floor? We can rent one (at another additional cost). I wonder how many people will actually dance too if we are such a small group. I'd like to do 1st dance, etc.

The resort also has a disco/club we can go to after as well.

 

What are everyone's thoughts and what are you doing?

[calgarybride2015]

Congrats!

 

Personally if you want anyone to dance and/or do plan to promote that people dance, I think you need a dance floor.

It would be difficult to dance on the sand I would think and it may deter people from doing so.

I find it hard to walk on the sand, so dancing would be harder.

 

If you don't care if people dance or not, then maybe not splurge for it.

 

We are having our reception on a hard surface so I don't feel it's necessary for us, but had I have been in your situation I would probably have spent the money. That said, I am hoping it's a big dance party so it would be more important to me.

 

Hope that helps some.

[kmk2016]

Are you having a DJ? Or an IPod docking station? What type of music are you putting on the playlist? If you have a DJ then you need a dance floor since it's implied that you will be dancing.. And doing so on sand would not be great. If you are doing an iPod reception then you can dictate the mood and just have background music aside from your first dance- then after dinner go to the disco.

 

We are definitely having a dance floor- but we are 85+ people and are having a DJ.

[cfinkenbine]

We have hired a DJ, but we are not getting a dance floor. Dance floors are only so big and I do not want to limit number of people that can be dancing at one time. Also, since we are having a beach reception, I wanted to be able to dance in the sand…that is what I am paying for right?! LOL. Plus, the dance floor would be almost 1,000 dollars extra. That is the main reason we opted not to get one!

[cometgirl]

We aren't opting for a dance floor as we will only start the dance party there and then head to the disco on the resort. We aren't  even doing a DJ - just an ipod with songs we know will get the party started then move on from there. 

[rmfowler09]

Thanks for everyone's feedback! It just seems like things can start adding up so fast and the dance floors are very small (10x10). As you stated above you don't want to limit the number of people dancing either. We aren't sure about dj vs ipod yet but thinking dj. I'd rather spend the money on photos or a longer stay at the resort than a dance floor. When I think about it, most of our guests have never been to a destination wedding and won't really have any preconceived ideas of what it will be like. My mom was surprised to even hear that we could have private reception. So even having music/private reception may be surprising to some guests! No matter what, getting married and having our reception on the beach will be amazing!

[cfinkenbine]

Thanks for everyone's feedback! It just seems like things can start adding up so fast and the dance floors are very small (10x10). As you stated above you don't want to limit the number of people dancing either. We aren't sure about dj vs ipod yet but thinking dj. I'd rather spend the money on photos or a longer stay at the resort than a dance floor. When I think about it, most of our guests have never been to a destination wedding and won't really have any preconceived ideas of what it will be like. My mom was surprised to even hear that we could have private reception. So even having music/private reception may be surprising to some guests! No matter what, getting married and having our reception on the beach will be amazing!

I agree! I would rather afford to have a DJ period versus a dance floor. Or pay to stay longer instead of a dance floor.

[jeffandrobyn]

Sounds like you need a dance floor. If you are hiring a DJ then I'd ask them what they charge to rent one. Theirs was cheaper than the resort when I inquired.

[veryvalentine]

I'm so torn about this as well. 

 

We are having a beach reception - so I initially thought that the cost for dance floor was ridiculous $1500 but now after reading this I'm thinking that maybe it would be a good idea.  I imagine most people would be dancing with flip flops by that point or barefoot.

 

The danceflloor would totally set the tone that we want some dancing though.  this might be a game time decision that we will leave up in the air. 

[jeffandrobyn]

@ $1500 is way overpriced for a light up dance floor. The Local DJs charge in the $600