Swing dancing at the reception

Yes, yes, yes!

Though I am another ballroom dancer, so maybe take my opinion with a grain of salt.

We are going to do one though, too! I think we will do it during cocktail hour though. Our instructors have already offered to teach for us.

Yes! I am not a dancer but I would love this!

I took years and years of ballet, tap, and everything else. That is the only ballroom dance I would be even interested in learning.

Eh, I could take it or leave it. I would probably participate if it was offered though.

What would people who aren't participating do during the lessons? I love to dance so I would be on the floor with FH, but I think if everything stopped for someone to do an activity I didn't like/have an interest in, I would be a bit bummed to just sit and wait for it to finished. I think if you can time it right, it could be fun.

I would enjoy that so much! I am a dancer though. I think it's definitely a know your crowd deal, because I can think of a handful of people on my guest list that would not be so receptive to it.

There would definitely be a bar available so people can drink and socialize if they aren't participating. Do you think that would be sufficient as an alternate activity?

I would - although I'm also a Ballroom dancer. But a friend of mine did a bollywood class, another did a ceilidh and the lessons were brilliant, got everyone (including all non dancers) talking and dancing.

Ya that would be so fun!!!

I'm also a ballroom/ salsa dancer and this idea sounds great! My only reservation is that some guests may wear high heels, which are not fun to do swing in if you are a beginner.

Usually I would not recommend something "showy" like this at a reception, but since you two met that way, I think it is cute and appropriate and your guests will understand why you're doing it. I would just say, be prepared for there to possibly not be a lot of participation. There could be, who knows, but I wouldn't want you to be disappointed if not that many people were into it.

Dancer here!

I'm seriously considering giving quick lessons...or at least giving lessons to the bridal party so they can get people on their feet.

We're also going to be playing a lot of line dance songs.

Hell to the no. Do not force your guests to do this. Maybe if it is off in a corner. This is the same level as forced games.

Also, I will note that I am actually having a 19 piece big band play at my reception. People have suggested FI and I learn a special swing dance, but I think it's poor hosting to lock down guests' attention for long periods of time. We we likely have a quick foxtrot and invite everyone to join very quickly.

What type of music will you have because I do not see a DJ working well here.

I would love it!! But I do worry about what people who weren't into it would do during that time

Omg, yes this sounds like so much fun definitely do it!!!

I would! Fh and I took one swing dance leason, but FH felt so awkward we didn't go back.

I'd love to do a ceilidh TBH, when I lived in Scotland i had so much fun at them

I would like it but my FH would be absolutely miserable lol

It's definitely not going to be a forced thing. Strictly optional, and it will not be a huge drawn out expansive experience. Our DJ has experience doing social dance events.

Per everyone's suggestions, I will definitely try and think of other things guests can do if they aren't interested!

I went to a wedding where they had this last summer. There was a lesson as the beginning and they only played swing music at the reception.

Here are the observations and suggestions I have: A) during the lesson, the dance floor wasn't big enough for everyone who wanted to participate to do so. Only about 1/4 of the guests fit on the dance floor. Make sure there's room for everyone to participate and see the instructors. B) very few people danced the rest of the night and the ones who did were mostly the kids. If A had been different, this may have been as well. C) think about alternating swing music with other, popular dance music.

I think the idea can work, but be aware your dance floor may be more sparse than it otherwise would have been. People may feel uncomfortable and awkward with a new style of dancing, causing them to not dance. Not saying it can't be done well, just a few considerations.