wedding reception ideas

[avlena]

I need some ideas on wedding receptions. I'm not really sure I want the classic dinner and dance thing, because: 1) our wedding will likely be during the day for financial reasons, and having a dance in the middle of the day seems odd, 2)from experience, wedding receptions tend to play lame un-interesting music in an effort to keep all generations happy, 3) i really REALLY do not want to dance the chicken dance, marcarena, or any of the bazillion and one other traditional cheesy-arse dances.

just having a meal and nothing else seems to be lacking, and i do want my guests to enjoy themselves. ideas?? what did you married folk do for your wedding reception?

[revil]

nothing says weddings like strippers and cheap booze

[ray]

just having a meal and nothing else seems to be lacking, and i do want my guests to enjoy themselves. ideas?? what did you married folk do for your wedding reception?

Avlena,

Head over to DJChat (http://www.djchat.com/boards/index.php) and ask some questions over there. I used to visit there for DJ equipment questions and I would say 95% of the community there is comprised of DJ's and even some Wedding Planners who have decades of experience working at weddings. Those guys will be able to give you a handful of suggestions and some may even offer their services to you ;) If you needed any recommendations on a wedding DJ, I could definitely pick a few names from those boards.

My username over there is: lilbigblue

[exigent_chick]

I never had a reception or a big wedding for that matter. I used my money to buy a house and had a housewarming two months after the wedding. We showed everyone a video of the wedding and gave out wedding pictures in a small frame for everyone to keep.

[oblongmelon]

I need some ideas on wedding receptions. I'm not really sure I want the classic dinner and dance thing, because: 1) our wedding will likely be during the day for financial reasons, and having a dance in the middle of the day seems odd, 2)from experience, wedding receptions tend to play lame un-interesting music in an effort to keep all generations happy, 3) i really REALLY do not want to dance the chicken dance, marcarena, or any of the bazillion and one other traditional cheesy-arse dances.

just having a meal and nothing else seems to be lacking, and i do want my guests to enjoy themselves. ideas?? what did you married folk do for your wedding reception?

I've been to very elegant yet simple "day" weddings that were out of this world...one of them was a snacking kind of event-different cheeses, wines, and small cocktail sandwiches etc..those kind of things-with a 4 piece string quartet that was hired from the local university..it WAS formal, and was held in one of those "good ol boy" exclusive mens clubs, and was absolutely smashing because it was more of a gathering and not so "traditionally" planned like most weddings.
But I've also been to THEME weddings..the last one I went to was in the fall, and it was a rennaissance theme..it was so much fun. We drank mead, had the turkey legs, etc like they do at the fairs-most of the reception was held outside and the weather was beautiful....dressing for the event was optional but everyone dressed in theme. It was fun.
Two years ago when my niece got married on the day before Christmas Eve, they rode in a horse drawn carraige to the church at dusk-it was snowing, and the service was in candlelight-she had a reception for 150 people, and the menu included our traditional italian 7 fish christmas eve dinner..they played holiday music instead of getting a dj or a band-we had a great time. It was like a big expensive Christmas party but only better!

Now the sad news..unfortunately, while the reception should be for your enjoyment, it's traditionally geared towards the guests-the foods, the decorations etc..and while you may not want lame things like the chicken dance and the electric slide and polkas, this is the stuff that makes weddings fun..people actually look forward to a rousing chorus of YMCA to get the party moving...naturally, you'll want to do the bridal dance for the wedding party, but do some stuff that will keep your guests happy while you are walking around thanking everyone for coming..my family has a few customs that we NEVER miss at weddings, one is where all the Male members of the family from great uncles to small boys gather around the bride to sing a hideous rendition of THATS AMORE! completely in italian-and the "couples dance" where couples stay on the dance floor for how many years they are married..you know..where the dj says..everyone who's been married 5 years or less-please leave the floor at this time..it goes in increments until you only have one couple standing on the dance floor-usually grandparents-they finish off the dance and give a toast to the bride and groom wishing them all the happiness..blah blah blah..you get my drift....ya gotta make your guests have a great time-you'll be exhausted, but you wont even remember hearing half the music that is played -trust me.

[kimchicowboy]

one friend mentioned that her friend had two receptions: one for the older people and one for the younger generation. the one for older people was a more informal reception that was buffet style. the younger one was held at a hotel and had all the dancing and stuff. apparently, it was cheaper than having one big one. :)

[Airencracken]

I DJ weddings all the time, the DJ you hire should play want you want them to.

A good alternative may be a band, one that plays a style of music both you like...

[ray]

I DJ weddings all the time, the DJ you hire should play want you want them to.

A good alternative may be a band, one that plays a style of music both you like...

What kinda equipment you got?

[Airencracken]

What kinda equipment you got?

Um, speakers...and a mixer...and an amp....and some music....:D

[yippiekiyeh]

My friend had an afternoon reception with a little dancing. It was fine. Just being able to share the moment with them made it all the worth while.

[WhiskeyPapa]

Back when I was younger, I used to DJ for weddings. Not to brag, but I was good at getting people involved and having fun. I have over 500 weddings under my belt, including a few afternoon gigs.

DO NOT hire a DJ for an afternoon reception. Almost no one will dance and you'll waste your money. Go with Obby's suggestion of an elegant affair complete with the string quartet. That's more appropriate for an afternoon.

BTW, we had a early evening wedding, followed by a reception, then over to the dance hall for a kick-ass wedding dance where I payed these guys (http://www.mp3.com/artists/3700/biography.html) $100 to play. No, they didn't play "The Zamboni Song" at my wedding dance...

[Kenas]

I never had a reception or a big wedding for that matter. I used my money to buy a house and had a housewarming two months after the wedding. We showed everyone a video of the wedding and gave out wedding pictures in a small frame for everyone to keep.


Damn, exigent_chick!! Too bad you're married now, I'd marry you just for being so rational! :)
Seriously though, I think this is the best way to go about marriage, you have invested the money, rather than wasting it on one day of "fun" for everyone you know.

[attgig]

my friend's sister forced the guests to prepare a talent show =). GREAT idea =) but...I'm sure the guests loved it :P

[exigent_chick]

Damn, exigent_chick!! Too bad you're married now, I'd marry you just for being so rational! :)
Seriously though, I think this is the best way to go about marriage, you have invested the money, rather than wasting it on one day of "fun" for everyone you know.

Thanks Kenas.

[kimchicowboy]

my friend's sister forced the guests to prepare a talent show =). GREAT idea =) but...I'm sure the guests loved it :P
i'm gonna steal that idea. hahaha.

[brain]

i'm gonna steal that idea. hahaha.

Who says you're gonna get married?

[kei2]

You should get this guy to play your wedding.
http://i.cnn.net/thewb/trailer/quicktime/SY105-RateAnAct_trombone.mov