Picture this…it’s finally your wedding day, a day that you’ve been planning and organizing for almost a year. You’re filled with emotion – happiness, joy, nerves, but most importantly, excitement! You’re ready to marry the love of your life and party like you’ve never partied before! So, how will you create and maintain that epic party atmosphere and leave your guests with memories that will last a lifetime? The answer is to keep your dance floor packed!
Keeping your guests on the dance floor doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are 10 tips and tricks that are sure to keep almost anyone dancing the night away!
Make Sure Your Band or DJ Knows How to Read a Crowd
Any seasoned wedding professional not only knows how to read a crowd but also knows when to start. Contrary to popular belief, crowd-reading doesn’t begin when your guests hit the dance floor. It starts as early as cocktail hour or dinner. This is where your DJ or band gets an opportunity to test certain songs or genres, which allows them to gauge what makes your guests tap their feet or nod their heads. This is information that can then be translated onto the dance floor later in the evening.
Ask Your Guests What They’d Like to Hear
It’s no secret that your guests will want to dance to songs they love! Don’t be afraid to ask around as you’re planning your wedding and relay the most requested songs, artists, and genres of music to your band or DJ. This way, they can incorporate the music that you know your guests will want to hear.
Dim the Lights
Not everyone is confident in their dancing skills, so it’s never a bad idea to bring the lights down a bit. Not only will this help encourage those guests who aren’t as confident as others, but it will also set the tone for dancing and allow your band or DJ to better incorporate stage and/or dance floor lighting into their performance.
Finish Your Formalities First
The best way to keep your guests on the dance floor? Don’t ask them to leave! Once the dance floor opens, it’s best not to interrupt the party with formalities, such as speeches, toasts, cutting the cake, or parent dances. This interruption can be too abrupt and harsh, which can leave your guests feeling ready to move off of the dance floor.
Start with the Right Song
The song that opens the dance floor can be make or break! Keep in mind that it doesn’t need to be your favorite dance tune! Rather, it should be a very popular and recognizable song for the biggest portion of your guest demographic. The more recognizable the song, the more likely your guests are to dance.
Encourage Your Guests
Remember, your guests are there to celebrate YOU! That means that you may have more influence than you’d imagine. Don’t be afraid to let them know that you’d love to dance with them, even beckon them onto the dance floor. Once they start dancing, they’ll be much more likely to continue.
Share Your Music Preferences, but Allow for Some Wiggle Room
Many couples make the mistake of thinking that their wedding means their music. Of course, you’ll want to incorporate your own favorite songs and genres into your big day, but don’t forget that you’re trying to keep your guests on the dance floor, too! Remember to cater to some of their favorite artists and genres, and you’ll be much more likely to keep them all dancing.
Limit the Slow Songs
Slow songs definitely have their place, but if you’re looking to keep a party atmosphere, they should be used sparingly or with purpose. For instance, if certain guests are more comfortable with slow dances, slower songs can be used to bring your guests to the dance floor. Once the slow song ends, a seasoned wedding entertainer will know how to keep those guests from heading back to their seats.
Get Yourself on the Dance Floor!
Oftentimes, your guests will look to you for guidance during your wedding or event. After all, you are the reason they came! If you’re on the dance floor, your guests may naturally gravitate toward doing the same in an effort to spend time with you and make you feel celebrated.
Schedule Band or DJ Breaks Appropriately
If your band or DJ is experienced, they will know how to appropriately schedule their break(s) to fall during slower periods of the evening, such as during dinner. This will ensure that there are no breaks during high-energy moments, like dance sets, which will allow them to keep their focus on packing your dance floor.
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