If you’ve always pictured a full dance floor at your wedding, with all your guests having the time of their lives, then this is for you! A full dance floor doesn’t just happen, there are a few strategic things you can do to make sure everybody has a great time – including you!
Episode breakdown
It’s all about how you start
There needs to be a clear start to the party! You can’t just start playing party music and hoping that people will get up and dance, because they usually won’t.
So here’s what to do instead:
- During your First Dance, have your guests standing around the dance floor. This way, they’ll be right there and it’s even easier for them to hop on when it’s time to dance!
- Invite your wedding party to join in for the last 45 seconds of your First Dance to break the ice.
- Then, immediately after the First Dance, play a banger that absolutely everyone will enjoy dancing to. Get your DJ or MC to announce that the dance floor is open, to avoid any awkward moments and to make it super clear that everyone is invited to dance.
Consider your music choices
We’ve spoken about those bangers, so choose songs that you know everybody will want to dance to – and play these early in the night.
Some examples:
- Shut up and dance – Walk the moon
- Shake it off – Taylor Swift
- Dancing Queen – Abba
- Raise your glass – Pink
Hire a band and DJ
This is especially important if you want the party to be the biggest focus of the reception.
Your band will get everyone onto the dance floor and will warm them all up. Then, towards the end of the night, the DJ will keep the party going!
Having both means you can appeal to different groups of people and offer a wider selection of music to dance to.
Avoid distractions
If you plan to have any other entertainment – such as a magician, caricaturist, photobooth or 360’ video booth – have those available before the dancing begins.
By having several options to choose from at the same time, you will dilute the party on the dance floor.
Those other options are fabulous if:
- Dancing isn’t the priority for you, or
- You’ve had the other entertainment available during cocktail hour instead
Consider your venue layout
If dancing and having a party is your top priority, then consider the type of venue you choose.
For example, some venues are creatively laid out so that there are different rooms for different things. This works really well if you’ve got exclusive use of a venue and you want everyone to have options (a photobooth in one room, late night BBQ outside, dancing in a different room and so on).
But if you want everyone to see the party they’re missing out on, then have the music loud enough for everyone to hear it and have the party visible so even those who are at the bar or seated at their table can get fomo.
Make it interactive
When your guests are on the dance floor you want to make it so much fun that they don’t leave!
Hire a band that will engage with the crowd and get everybody doing more than just dancing. You want them singing along, laughing and mingling with each other.
Incorporate props into the mix (inflatable guitars, glow sticks or LED wristbands).
