Hi all,
We are days away from finalising our wedding next April in Surrey/Hampshire/Berkshire borders. Small intimate occasion (22 guests including us) which is just what we want. Late afternoon ceremony (at 3pm) at a local registry office (manor house) followed by a champagne reception/canapes from 4ish and photos at a hotel, with a sitdown meal at 5.30-6ish. We aren't having more guests for the evening, we want to keep things small, but don't want things to fall flat when the food is done at 8.30 onwards. We've got the room til midnight, the bar is just outside our private room (only a few yards), but the bar area isn't private and lacks atmosphere, it's in the main hotel reception area.
We will have an ipod playing music off a playlist most of the time we are there, and I thought this was ideal for a dinner party style intimate do. Most guests enjoy a drink, and know we are planning something lowkey and intimate. But then started to fret that after coffees it would die a death (from 8.30-9ish onwards)..... any ideas ??
We could retire to the bar area (not private though), or stay in the room - but does anyone have any entertainment ideas that would work with such a small group. Saw some ideas of jukebox and roulette/blackjack tables with chips we can give our guests. We could have tea/coffee served in the bar, then go back into the room after this is set up... as a surprise for people, but not sure if this is too small a group for something like this...
We don't want further room hire fees, and/or invite more folk for the evening - as this would change the whole wedding style (not to mention budget!) - but want to make sure the (intimate) party continues and that people stay for a few drinks and remain entertained/enjoying themselves. Most people are staying in the hotel, but don't want people getting bored and going bed early.
I need your help..
Mel xx
