Dancing at reception - Yes or No?

[KellyJo18]

We are having our reception at the Living Seas and we are starting to worry that our count might be too high to keep space cleared for a dance floor (about 85-90 people?). Our ceremony is at 2:30, pre-reception at 3:30, and the reception beginning at 4:30. I'm worried that without dancing we will have too much time before we leave for the dessert party at 8-8:30 and people will get bored. Any advice? I get mixed reactions from people when I say we might not have dancing. I like the fact that it would save us money since we wouldn't need to hire a DJ and I'm not a huge dancer but I don't want people bored and sitting around starring at each other after dinner is over. Did anyone not have dancing? How did it turn out? Those of you that did have a DJ, would you have been okay without one?

 

[LuckDragon]

What about getting a caricature artist to help occupy the time? It would be a great favor for your guests to take home and give them something to do if they're bored. If you don't want dancing, then don't do it - it's YOUR day! By the time you eat, celebrate, make speeches, etc., you'll be leaving to go...

 

[Moonpie]

What about getting a caricature artist to help occupy the time? It would be a great favor for your guests to take home and give them something to do if they're bored. If you don't want dancing, then don't do it - it's YOUR day! By the time you eat, celebrate, make speeches, etc., you'll be leaving to go...

You are right! It's your day, and if there is no dancing, then that's okay.
Don't worry about your guests being bored. They've got people to mingle with, and most people want more time to walk around and talk with people they haven't seen in a while. If you want, you could schedule a slide show during that time, and I really like the idea of a caricature artist!

 

[sarah_n_brian2006]

How much is a caricature artist? I would love that!!!!

 

[StephSFL]

I agree, it is your day and you will dance if you want to or not! I think people will enjoy your location so uch you could definitly get away with it!
How about a slide show/movie of pics of y'all?

I looked into the characitures, too! They had to make sure they allowed enough artists and time for everyone to get done. For 114 guests our estimate was over $3,500 without gratuity and taxes!

 

[LuckDragon]

Here's a search thread about caricature artists...some people have paid as little as $425 for two hours. I guess it depends on how long you want them there, etc.

http://www.disboards.com/searchbt.php?search=caricature&order=1&user=&scope=4&cat=1&frm=55

 

[happylalagirl]

We just had our reception at the Living Seas and I couldn't have imagined it without music. I had always envisioned my first dance with my husband and the dance with my father. I couldn't have done without those. The other thing to think about is not all 90 people are going to be out on the dance floor. Look into your options... you could try bringing in someone from the outside for just 2 hours or so... might be worth the money... good luck on whatever you decide. It's your day.

 

[JonetteA]

We had a DJ. Quite honestly, I have been to few weddings with dancing. I really decided that this was something that I wanted though. Our DJ was great and even had my 87 yr old Grandmother dancing some. Charles kept us all moving and dancing. I know DJ's are expensive, but imagine it being quiet when you cut the cake and do other items. The good thing about your venue in the Living Seas is that like the CG, you will not have extra costs for lighting. Check the price with your planner.

 

[KellyJo18]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it. I have never been to a wedding without dancing and am not sure if I like the idea or not. If we don't have a DJ I would definitely hire someone to play the piano that is in the Living Seas so we would have some sort of background music, I can't imagine not having anything at all. I guess it depends on if our count allows room for a DJ or not. I would love to be able to the traditional dances, even if it is just with a piano player.

For those of you that have had your reception in the Living Seas - how many people did you have there? I'm worried it is going to seem crowded but we loved the venue, it is actually the reason my DF agreed to have a Disney wedding, and I'd hate to have to change locations.

 

[Moonpie]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I really appreciate it. I have never been to a wedding without dancing and am not sure if I like the idea or not. If we don't have a DJ I would definitely hire someone to play the piano that is in the Living Seas so we would have some sort of background music, I can't imagine not having anything at all. I guess it depends on if our count allows room for a DJ or not. I would love to be able to the traditional dances, even if it is just with a piano player.

For those of you that have had your reception in the Living Seas - how many people did you have there? I'm worried it is going to seem crowded but we loved the venue, it is actually the reason my DF agreed to have a Disney wedding, and I'd hate to have to change locations.

Personally, I'd much rather hear piano music than a DJ. I think live music makes a really nice impression.

 

[Luvndisney]

oh i can help with this one
we had 85 guests and a dj and we loved having our dj...our dance floor was packed but not too much. i am nto sure if you are adding two lower tables or not but there are tech. two areas to dance in. even if you add the other tables you would have room i think. And like the other posters said not everyone dances at the same time. here are some images so you can see how it was....i loved it and no one complained. HTH

let me know if you want more info.

 

[KellyJo18]

Luvndisney - Thank you so much for posting the pictures from your reception. That makes me feel so much better knowing that you had a similar count and were able to have a dance floor. It looks like you and your guests were having a blast. Seeing it makes it hard for me to imagine not having dancing... guess I'll have to wait and see how the budget turns out and what our count officially ends up as. Thanks for the help!