We are thinking about not having a DJ at our wedding w/ dancing because it is a daytime affair (12-5) - but something more along the lines of a string trio or piano player.
I am worried guests will not know what to do with themselves.
For DJs/Musicians, have you ever done a wedding where there was no dancing? What did people do? Did people leave early? Did people seem bored? I don't want to do all this planning and spend all this money not to have a nice wedding that people will enjoy!!!
A. Stan Wiest Music
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Re: NO DANCING? Suggestions Please...
Dear Bride 082003, One recent bride at the Westbury Manor wanted no dancing for religious reasons. I played non dancing jazz for her reception and it was a delight. Another client just had a string quartet for their reception at the Fox Hollow. The guests commented on how much they enjoyed a different type of reception. It can definitely be done tastefully and successfully. Stan Wiest A.STAN WIEST MUSIC www.stanwiest.com (631) 754-0594
Just because your event is during the early part of the day, it doesn't mean that there would be no chance of having your guests interested in dancing. I'd recommend considering someone like George Nichols to provide live music (vocals and keyboard). If the crowd is not into dancing, he can provide background music but also has the versatility to pump things up for dancing with his added midi tracks which cover other instruments as well (percussion, bass, etc.). A choice like this will keep things affordable and leave open the option for dancing should you and your guests desire. George advertises on this board... www.gnmusic.com.
Wild Rose Video
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Re: NO DANCING? Suggestions Please...
Hi!
No Music. Well, I would think that from 12-5 is a pretty long time for your guests to just eat and chat. Are you having some other form of entertainment? Dancers, anything? Having a pianist is a wonderful idea. But..........not for that long of a period.
My opinion would be..........go for the DJ. If your reception was only a brunch, a couple of hours, that would be another story. But............I think people will start to leave and get bored after a couple of hours.
Having a DJ gives them some sort of entertainment. They can sing along to a favorite tune, dance, remember certain songs, etc.
Good Luck with your decision! Marie
An Invitation Sensation, Inc.
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Re: NO DANCING? Suggestions Please...
Dear Future Bride:
As a professional vocalist in a LI band, having an affair from 12p.m. - 5 p.m. does not mean your guests may not enjoy some dancing. There are a couple of things to consider:
If you having a cocktail hour from 12-1p.m., and than sit down dinner from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. that is probably going to be a lot of sitting for your guests. I've have noticed that even when brides request a 'quiet' affair with soft background music, many of the guests are fidgeting in their seats for something to do at day or night events.
Having a small trio, 4 piece band or DJ can quickly adapt by changing modes for upbeat dance music if you feel the party is moving to 'slow.' Usually after dinner is served is when the fidgeting begins! Also, I have noticed, specifically, that during day events, even if guests are not dancing they really enjoy listening to the band.
If you having a cocktail party type of affair or buffet dinner where guests will be walking around talking throughout the affair, you may want to have a string quartet, caricuture artist, or some other form of entertainment to keep everyone busy. Also, sometimes affairs are held in unique places such as museums or mansions where the guests can roam throughout the facility. So sometimes it depends on the location of the event.
Either way, remember it is your special day, and you can do whatever you want, but based from my experince many people love music, and it is nice for them to have the opportunity to dance.
Good luck in all your planning!
Cathy
Photography by Verdi
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Re: NO DANCING? Suggestions Please...
Hi! We've also had affairs that for religious reasons no dancing was provided. I agree with Marie in that it seemed to me that it was a long time to just sit and eat. Close relatives didn't seem to have a problem with it as they have a lot in common and often don't see each other for awhile and like catching up on things. But, not all guests are relatives or, are close friends for that matter. It seemed that at co-workers tables and friends tables it was a long time to drum up conversations about things. People kind of strolled around the room and outside looking for things to do. They had had background music playing from a cd, I think but the tables were purposely put all on top of the dance floor to stop anyone from dancing. If you are just afraid of people not dancing because of the day thing, I wouldn't worry about that. People will dance, just not as much or as crazy as say a Sat. night, but they will get up. In my opinion, it makes for a better party and you don't want them leaving early on you, which in this case, they did. Hope this helps.
A. Stan Wiest Music
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Re: NO DANCING? Suggestions Please...
If you are concerned about dancing because it is an afternoon reception - eliminate that worry. If the performer (band/dj) you contract comes in with the approach of reading the crowd and going with the flow of the afternoon- you will have no problem with your guests dancing in the afternoon. I agree with the other vendor comments that it can become a long afternoon without dance music. Everything depends on your guest list and you will know best. I have played for many afternoon weddings where the dance floor was constantly filled with dancers. Again - it is totally in the the way the music is approached by the band or dj. If you decide against dancing it might be a good idea to let your guests know in advance. For the jazz wedding I mentioned in my above post the bride arranged for the tables to be placed on the dance floor- but the guests were aware of her wishes for no dancing in advance. The same with the wedding with the string quartet- the guests knew in advance it would be listening music. One aspect is be very aware of if you eliminate dancing - that after the cake cutting you take the chance of guests leaving - instead of staying to the end of the reception. Hope this gives you another way of looking at the planning. STAN WIEST A.STAN WIEST MUSIC www.stanwiest.com (631) 754-0594 Stan Wiest WebsiteEmail
