- As a professional wedding plannerI have some tips to keep the dance floor busy all day or night.
- Be sure to dim the lights and choose a song or two that is special to certain groups of guests.
- Encourage guests to join in by getting on the dance floor and showing them how much fun you’re having.
Good music is a must at many weddings, but keeping the dance floor packed all day or night is easier said than done.
From choosing a song to selecting a DJ, many factors go into it. ensuring your guests a good time. Here are eight dance floor tips I’ve learned in seven years as a professional wedding planner.
Tell people that good music is a priority
Be sure to communicate what kind of music you want.
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Wedding vendors often assume what clients want rather than pester an overwhelmed couple with even more questions. That means it’s up to you to give the green light to certain options, including decisions on the dance floor.
Be clear with your DJ or whoever is in charge of the music about what genres do you want and don’t want. Encourage creativity and share any specific songs you should listen to or avoid.
If you don’t have a DJ, designate someone to fill this role, even if it just means they’re responsible for a music-playing device during the reception.
Turn off the lights
Not all places have the ability to dim the lights, but if yours does, use it. A darker dance floor generally creates a better atmosphere because people are less embarrassed to shake their tail feathers in front of strangers.
If you are hosting a reception that will last into the evening, plan to have the dance floor open after the sun goes down.
Select one or two songs that have special extra value for certain guests
Some guests have special memories tied to specific songs. Think about that album you listened to on repeat in high school, the favorite tune for college parties, or a wedding song for a special couple who will be attending.
Don’t be afraid to play those songs, even if they’re not the ones you’d normally hear at a wedding. If you really like them, play more than once.
Come out and encourage guests to join
the biggest mistake What couples do when it comes to the dance floor is that they miss out on the fun. Your guests go where you go, so if they see you having fun on the dance floor, they’re more likely to join you.
If you don’t like dancing, you can always de-prioritize this aspect of your wedding and maybe even give up a dance floor in total (yes, that’s okay).
Remember that there are ways that everyone can enjoy music
If you have guests who cannot hear the songs, include them in the joy by using interpreters, lyric books, or percussion music that has a rhythm they can feel.
When in doubt, ask what would make the dance floor a safe and fun place for them to enjoy.
Consider hiring live musicians
hire a band it may sound expensive but they often perform many of the same functions that a DJ or other wedding music professional might.
Live musicians are also more responsive to a crowd than someone with recorded music. One of the best wedding music moments I’ve ever seen was a live band because they could keep going depending on the energy of the guests.
Don’t be scared of music that not all your guests can recognize
Don’t be afraid to choose songs that are special to you.
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Even if some guests You may not recognize songs that may have specific cultural value to you, your partner, or certain wedding VIPs, play them anyway. If they bring you joy, incorporate those folk songs, traditional dances, or familiar chants.
If you’re afraid that not everyone will get the hype, remember that it is not necessary. People often get the vibe of the music and join in.
You can also help explain what’s going on by offering a brief explanation at a wedding show, on a sign, or into a microphone.
Surprise musical guest stars are indeed a thing at weddings.
I have planned several weddings where we host special appearances by musical stars, sometimes as a surprise for the guests as arranged by the couple.
Other times, it was a surprise from one couple to another or even a gift from the guests to the people who were getting married. One of the best surprise musicians was a mariachi band who made a girlfriend’s grandmother dance all night.
