wedding query - dancing at weddings fun or annoying?

floola

Hi, just looking for some wedding related advice.

We are having a small wedding abroad and then a big party when we come back. It's just an evening thing with fingerfood, a bar etc. The thing is, we're not sure if we want a dance-floor / DJ / etc.

I mean, do people really enjoy dancing at weddings or do you get that sinking feeling of "oh god, i suppose I'd better join in and dance"?

Basically, will people feel cheated if we skip the whole dance thing? Or would they just be relieved to be left to get on with socialising? Does the fact that it's not the actual wedding make a difference?

Really would appreciate people's views, either way. Thanks!

chelseavera

Think you nailed it really. Fills people with dread I think, certainly me and most people I know. lots of pressure on people to look sociable and heaven forbid more of the 'other side' would be on the floor. There are a lot of cliches involved in weddings and fair play to you if you drop this one. Just my opinion.

floola

Thanks Chelseavera. It's not just me going mad and cynical after too many weddings then!

smelltheglove

I think it really depends on the crowd and the music. I have been to weddings where the dancefloor has been empty and other weddings where the place is jumping from the first song. When I attend a wedding as a guest and I notice the dancefloor is bare I always insist on getting up to dance as I know for a bride the worst thing is to see a bare dancefloor, you want your guests to be enjoying it. Not having a dancefloor though could go the other way where people may not get into high spirits.

richardbradley

There is a good half way house here.

In my (limited) experience its all about the room and the band.

A good band will make those of us who enjoy a dance start to get twitchy and want to dance. A good venue (fairly tight, small dance floor which isn't the focal point of the room) will make people feel comfortable if they're having a few drinks and chatting with the band playing - then after a good few drinks more will dance. This tends to stop the sometimes awkward moment when the disco lights light up and the music starts but the majority just aren't ready to dance yet.

BC

It depends on the crowd and the age group. My aunts and uncles LOVE dancing and would be really upset if there was none. My friends are split down the middle, I know some of them love to dance whereas others couldn't care less as long as theres a bar.

How Strange

IMO if you get the wrong band people feel obliged to dance but if you get a really good band who have a good play list then most people will want to get up and dance.

We discussed this before our wedding and we decided to go for a band. The band at our party was fantastic and the floor was packed for the night with the people who like to dance. The people who didn't like dancing were at the bar or standing around chatting.

You need to decide whether you want a band or a DJ. There are pros and cons to both but whoever you choose check them out first to make sure they would suit your event. The last thing you want is an unimaginative band or dj. Also don't be afraid to go through their playlist and make changes. Not every song will suit you or your party.

IMO, a band or a dj and a dance floor would be an essential part of a party.

aldeniro

would imagine most people like the dancing and band or d.j would be a great idea, those who dont dance...well...dont.

Selfheal

Hi

We had no band at our wedding as neither of us really enjoy dancing. Also it was a fairly small wedding (40 people) and the venue wouldn't have had space anyway. A band immediately kills conversation for a start and you find yourself shouting yourself hoarse. I have to say, I don't regret it at all, and several people said to us how nice it was not to have had a band, as many of the guests hadn't seen each other for years and just wanted to chat and catch up with each other. Go with what feels right for you.