A free tip from behind the decks
5 tips for a packed dance floor
The dance floor makes or breaks the reception. Here are five things that keep yours full all night, learned across more than 500 weddings.
Hire someone who reads the room, not one who presses play
The energy on the dance floor is dynamic, and it takes someone who can recognize when it is time to turn up and when it is time to switch up the style to keep your guests engaged.
Have good logistics
Keep the DJ centered to the dance floor, on a stage, or at least as close to the dance floor as possible. The energy from the floor feeds the DJ's energy and helps with the first tip, reading the room, which is hard to do when guests are far away. Keep the bar near the dance floor, at least in the same room, so guests can grab a drink and head straight back to the party. And a bonus: put a few cocktail tables or some furniture near the floor so people can hang close by without going all the way back to their dinner tables.
Have props!
Some guests do not know how to dance, but they can wave a glow stick. It lets them join the fun without breaking a leg. You can even set out sandals for the ladies so they can switch their heels for something more comfortable.
Hire a DJ who actually knows how to mix music!
When a DJ cannot transition between songs smoothly, it interrupts the beat your guests are locked into. That break in the flow creates confusion and distaste, you know, that “ugh” cringe face.
Be on the dance floor!
Your guests came to see you. The more time you spend on the dance floor, the more it pulls people in. You can even have someone bring drinks to you on the floor so you never have to step away.
The rest is in the details
Want your dance floor handled?
These five get you most of the way there. The rest comes from a DJ who plans the night with you and reads the room when it counts. If you are getting married in Southern California, let’s talk about yours.
Planning your songs too? See the wedding music suggestions, real playlists from past weddings, organized by moment.