Reception without dancing

The shoe game might be enough. Otherwise I think it could get odd with a bunch of games like it’s a shower. Outside of that game, have a grand entrance, cut the cake, have some toasts, mingle with guests, say your “thank you’s” and have a farewell sendoff.

What sexypoodle said. Our wedding was held on a Wednesday evening at our church and the reception was held in our dining hall downstairs. We had no dancing nor alcohol, garter nor bouquet toss. With 120 guest, we visited each table, fed them well with a plated dinner served by ushers, cut the cake, had a few speeches, thanked everyone that was there and had a beautiful send off. Ceremony and reception total time was 1.5 and we couldn't be happier with how it all turned out. We are widow and widower remarrying so the extra fluff wasn't as important to us. We are 55/65 at the time and did not have a need to entertain. But that goes with knowing your crowd. Everyone was home by 8pm.

Our crowd is young, mostly under 30. Half of our 50 person guest list are under 15 😯 lots of kiddos in our family. Maybe I’m just underestimating our timeline. Because it is a short reception (just fine by me).

Is it all dancing or just group dancing? Maybe they'd let you have a first dance at least. And you can do a prop table for people to take selfies if you like.

View Quoted Comment I’ll have to ask. I know I’ve seen photos of other brides having first dances there. I think it’s a silly rule considering the kids break down in the same room twice a week at least.

I think the shoe game is fine! And a first dance and maybe the mother/father dances? I would assume slow dancing is okay. But then with only 2-3 hours it'll go by fast talking and thanking everyone! I was gonna suggest the jumbo jenga game for the kids in a certain area of the room but being a church hall it might get very echo-y and loud when the pieces fall.

View Quoted Comment That’s actually a really good idea. I saw some foam ones. I know they already have some giant stacking cups in that room as well which could be pretty fun.

You could always bring some “outside games” indoors. Big jenga, cornhole, ladder golf, etc and I think that would be fun! Interactive things like a candy/ice cream bar which gets people out of their seats.

View Quoted Comment Cool! I’ve never seen the foam ones! Yeah I think that’ll be fun for sure