So you’ve decided to have a wedding without dancing? Some people might think this is an odd choice. After all, it’s pretty common to open the dance floor after the ceremony. But you’d be surprised how many couples are opting out of the dancing option.
Why Are People Hosting No Dance Weddings?
There’s lots of reasons that a couple might opt out of hosting a dance at their wedding. First off, maybe they just don’t like dancing. If you’re not into dancing, or are embarrassed about your dancing skills, you might not feel like getting up and showcasing them at the wedding. And that’s okay – because it’s your wedding.
If everyone else is having fun but you’re not – that’s a problem!
Other people might want to have a dance-free wedding because they can’t dance. Some people may be in a wheelchair or have some disability or ailment that prevents them from having the ability to dance.
We’re sure you could see how hosting a dance at a wedding might not be the funnest thing for someone who doesn’t have the ability.
Some other people might opt out of dancing for religious reasons, or perhaps they simply want to fight against cultural norms.
Whatever your reason for hosting a wedding without dancing, we say go for it! It’s your wedding – and the day can be whatever you want it to be!
Plus, dance-free doesn’t mean fun-free. There’s still tons of ways to have fun with these wedding reception activities. Here are a few we thought of a few:
Dance-Free Wedding Ideas:
Live-Entertainment
Dancing is a way of entertaining your guests but it’s definitely not the only way to entertain them. There’s lots of different types of live entertainment out there.
Acrobats, live dancers, karaoke, magicians, comedians, belly dancers – there’s lots of different ways to keep your wedding guests entertained and keep their mind off dancing all at the same time.
Murder Mystery
Prepare your guests because your night full of fun is about to turn into murder and mayhem!
“Wait a minute. You want us to murder someone? At our wedding?”
Exactly!
Okay, okay let’s not get carried away. We don’t really want you to murder someone. But hosting a murder mystery party at your wedding is a great way to provide your guests with unique entertainment and to make your wedding a memorable one!
Who will be the murderer?
Will it be the hateful mother-in-law?
The jealous ex boyfriend?
The best friend that hates the bride?
Or maybe even the jealous bridesmaid?
Only time will tell!
You can call it a “Till Death Do Us Part” wedding!
Bonfires
You don’t have to go camping to have a bonfire – but what if you did!? Why end your celebration at midnight? Have your guests camp out and go all night! Bonfires, smores, and ghost stories after the wedding!? Yes please!
Games
There are so many avenues that this idea can go. If you’re having an indoor wedding and reception, there’s tons of table games that you can play. Bingo, Connect 4, Ring Toss, Jenga, Checkers, Yahtzee, Twister – the list goes on and on. Most of these games also have “giant” versions, so you could host your own Giant Board Game night.
If you wanted to take the games outside, you could also do games like Badminton, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Horseshoes, and so on and so forth. If you really want to get your guests moving, you could even do some sports. Football, baseball, hockey, or even fishing would make for some amazing wedding photos!
Artists
If you want to give your guests something that they can take home with them, you could hire an artist as entertainment for your wedding. What type of artist you hire is completely up to your personal taste. Perhaps you hire a caricature artist to draw photos of your guests. Maybe you hire a live sketch artist. Or maybe even a graffiti artist!
Once the live art is finished, you could finish the night off with a canvas paint night where guests create their own paintings and artwork. Have each guest draw/paint a portrait of the newly-wed couple and then take them home as a keepsake to last forever!
All Things Fun
Getting married is one of the most adult things you can do. But just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you have to act like one. If you choose to forgo dancing at your wedding, you could have an all things fun night! I
t’s time to relive your childhood! We’re talking bouncy houses, ice cream, balloon artists, face painting – think back to when you were a child – what did you love the most? Bring that vibe to your wedding!
Jazz Band
Just because you’re not dancing doesn’t mean you can’t have a band. There’s lots of types of music that are soft and enjoyable, but don’t necessarily require dancing.
Jazz is one of them. A soft, sophisticated style of music, jazz is the perfect choice for background music at a beautiful wedding. You can save some money by playing soft jazz on the stereo system, or you can go all out and hire a jazz band.
Psychic
If you’re looking for something super unique to bring to your wedding, bring a psychic. Depending on how you want to do it, you could have them do a group reading or set up a booth for individual readings.
Of course, you could do a group reading first and then set up individual readings too! Either way a psychic is a great way to bring some excitement and uniqueness to your wedding.
Wine Tasting
If your wedding is mostly adults, you could consider having your own wine tasting menu after dinner. Wine is always a hit – especially with the ladies. It’s a great way for people to spend the night conversing while at the same time enjoying some elegant drinks.
If you really want to go all out with the wine theme, you could have your wedding at a winery. There’s lots of ideas that follow including a create your own charcuterie bar and make your wine bar!
Horse and Carriage
If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like a real life princess – now is your chance! If the weather permits, hire a horse and carriage for your wedding! You could offer free tours around the town, and then head off with your price on your horse at the end of the night!
Want a Wedding With Limited Dancing?
Just because you don’t want to do a wedding focused on dancing, doesn’t mean you have to give up your First Dance, Mother Son Dance or Father Daughter Dance. You can always have these important dances together, and then opt for other wedding reception activities.
If you’re planning on having a dance-free wedding, you have our full support! There are so many things that you can do at weddings that don’t involve dancing.
And trust us, if you go with one of the unique ideas above, your wedding will be a memorable one!
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.