No Problem Without Entertainment! Learning from Newlyweds: Examples of Alternative Performances and Time Management

2022.07.04 published

殿堂記事

Performances Are Not Essential* It's Okay Without Performances ♡

"Performances" are a staple of wedding reception programs. In some friend groups, it is a tradition for everyone to perform at each other's weddings, which is truly wonderful ♡

However, it seems that more couples are opting for weddings without performances lately (especially after the COVID crisis).

While the performance time where friends of the bride and groom voluntarily showcase a video, dance, or song can be a very fun and exciting time, that excitement only comes from the effort put in by those friends.

@s.e.0805.wedding

☑ Creating wonderful performances takes time and effort

☑ Having performances might mean guests can't relax and enjoy their meal before and after

☑ Since they will be in front of an audience, performers may feel nervous before the performance and miss out on enjoying the wedding

It seems that many couples choose not to have performances due to these considerations for their guests.

@hit_me1212

If There's No Performance, What Do We Do Instead???

The flow of the reception is entirely up to the bride and groom. There’s no problem in how they choose to proceed＊

So, it's fine if there are no performances or speeches.

However, if there are no traditional performances during a two and a half-hour reception, it's worth contemplating how else to entertain the guests.

@a.mzwd

The time for each performance is generally said to be about five minutes. Most videos, dances, or songs are around five minutes long, and when you include introductions or messages before and after, it often exceeds five minutes, reaching around seven minutes.

Typically, there are one to two performances during the reception. It's usually one friend of either the bride or groom performing, or both.

Therefore, if there are no performances, the amount of empty time compared to a wedding with performances is typically around seven to twenty minutes.

How can we utilize this time to ensure that guests are entertained during that span? Let's look at brides who have had weddings without performances for inspiration on what to do instead♩

@yuih_wd

Alternative to Performances ① Bride and Groom Episode Bingo

One bride organized an event not by asking friends for a performance, but by coming up with the idea herself＊

She prepared quiz questions about the bride and groom to include in a profile book, and guests played bingo by answering these questions!

For example:

How many dates did it take for them to start dating?

What is the distance from their home to their workplace?

How many handmade items did the bride prepare for the wedding?

With a range of questions from romantic to thought-provoking, and related to wedding details, it promises to keep guests entertained.

Alternative to Performances ② Who's the Groom/Bride Game

In this game, guests answer multiple-choice questions in advance, and a lucky winner is drawn from those who answered correctly to receive a prize＊

This game is designed for guests to enjoy during waiting times at the welcome space.

Alternative to Performances ③ Dragee Service

One bride mentioned that since they didn’t have performances or speeches, they had a lot of extra time.

So, she offered a "dragee service," giving each guest a dragee and chatting with them♡

Dragee is a French confection that represents wishes for happiness, and it is a classic gift from the bride and groom to their guests on the wedding day＊

Traditionally, it was customary to cut the bride's veil and wrap the dragee in it. It carries a message of sharing happiness♡

During weddings, there’s often not much opportunity for the bride and groom to talk leisurely with each guest. Therefore, besides taking group photos during the photo round, it’s a rare chance to directly thank guests for coming with a simple "Thank you for being here!"

Because there were no performances, there’s even more time after the dragee service for a photo round, allowing for a relaxed time with the guests♡

Alternative to Performances ④ Live Show by the Bride and Groom

For music-loving couples, there are instances where the bride and groom play the piano and sing together in a live performance at their wedding＊

If either the bride or groom are opera singers or music majors, they often incorporate such musical moments into the ceremony♡

@ayumimimi__wd

Alternative to Performances ⑤ Do Nothing

It’s absolutely an option to choose not to do any special events or performances as an alternative to traditional ones!

Many people look forward to mingling with everyone they haven’t seen in a while at weddings.

Ceremonies like weddings are among the rare days when the important people who’ve helped them throughout life gather together.

Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks, reminiscing about old stories with relatives, while close friends catch up on their lives... Just that alone can provide a fulfilling time, so having no special performance is perfectly fine!

The bride and groom can also ensure they have time to enjoy their meal, aligning perfectly with the "eat, drink, and be merry" message♡

@kanako__wedding

It's Okay Without Performances ♡ Let’s Enjoy the Wedding Time Itself ♩

Watching performances is enjoyable, and it’s wonderful when they happen.

The performers are surely enjoying themselves as well, but depending on the timing, they might be too busy to help out.

Especially during the late 20s to 30s, as work gets busier and parenting begins, it becomes challenging to prepare performances and many couples choose to skip them.

@ri____mina

However, it’s absolutely fine not to have performances. There’s no need to worry, "Will it feel lonely without performances...?” or “Will guests find it boring...?"

Rather than feeling rushed, having a leisurely time is indeed a good thing♡

It’s far from boring; you can talk with friends and family you haven’t seen in ages and enjoy good food, creating fulfilling moments together.

Some have attended weddings without performances for the first time and reported they truly enjoyed it! Their satisfaction is likely higher when they can engage with the bride and groom instead of feeling disconnected at a traditional reception.

May your wedding be a relaxed and joyful occasion filled with smiles♡

➡ There are many other ways to enjoy it too＊ Check out the list of articles on weddings without performances here＊

@wd_ey_