Get Guests Grooving: Tips For Wedding Dance Floor Fun

A packed dance floor is a sure sign of a great wedding reception, while an empty one can be a mood killer. But how do you get people to leave their seats and hit the dance floor?

One way to ensure your guests are up on their feet is to hire a live band that can play a wide variety of songs. A band with a diverse repertoire will ensure that guests of all ages and musical tastes are catered to. Another tip is to allow your guests to make song requests in advance, which may make them more inclined to stay on the dance floor. It's also a good idea to let the DJ or band control the playlist—they're the experts, after all!

If you're worried about how to dance at your wedding, there are a few simple tips to keep in mind. First, choose the right song—something that's meaningful to you and your partner. Keep your first dance short and sweet, and consider taking a few basic dance lessons beforehand. Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself!

Choose upbeat music to get people dancing

Music is a key factor in getting people dancing at a wedding. Here are some tips for choosing upbeat music to get your wedding guests moving:

Choose a Variety of Upbeat Songs

Select a range of fun, upbeat songs that will appeal to your guests. Include a mix of old and new songs to cater to different tastes and age groups. For example, "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, and "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey are classic dance floor fillers. For more modern hits, consider "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston, "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, or "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee.

Consider the Energy Level

As a host or DJ, it's important to read the room and adjust the music accordingly. If the energy is high and the dance floor is packed, continue with upbeat songs. However, if the crowd needs a break, don't be afraid to slow things down temporarily.

Take Requests

Encourage guests to make song requests in advance via your wedding website. This not only makes them feel involved but also gives you insight into their musical preferences. During the reception, be open to taking requests, as it shows that you're considerate of your guests' tastes and creates a more interactive and engaging atmosphere.

Let the Professionals Guide You

If you've hired a band or a DJ, trust their expertise and allow them some freedom in song selection. They are experienced in reading the crowd and choosing songs that will get people dancing. Provide them with a list of "must-play" songs and a "do-not-play" list, but give them the flexibility to adapt to the energy and dynamics of the crowd.

Avoid Too Many Slow Songs

While it's important to include a few slower songs for variety and to give guests a chance to rest, avoid playing too many slow songs consecutively. Upbeat, faster songs are more likely to keep the dance floor packed and maintain the party atmosphere.

Don't interrupt the flow of the dance with other activities

One of the most important things to consider when planning your wedding reception is how to keep your guests entertained and the dance floor packed. While there are many ways to achieve this, one key piece of advice from music professionals is to avoid interrupting the flow of the dance with other activities. Here are some reasons why you shouldn't interrupt the dance session and how to structure your wedding reception to maximise the fun:

Firstly, it's important to understand that breaks in the dancing can kill the momentum. Once your guests are up and moving, you want to keep them there! Uncle Bob might be showing off his best moves, but if you break for cake-cutting or a slideshow, you risk losing that energy on the dance floor. Traditions like the bouquet and garter tosses are also dance-floor clearers. If you really want to keep the party going, consider skipping or reshuffling these activities.

The best way to structure your reception is to serve the entire wedding meal, including toasts and speeches, and then move straight into an uninterrupted dance session. This way, your guests can eat, socialise, and prepare themselves for a night of dancing without any disruptions. It's also a good idea to take your wedding portraits before the reception so that you can be present on the dance floor and mingle with your guests during cocktail hour and dinner.

If you're worried about guests being hesitant to start dancing, there are some clever tricks you can use. One idea is to call for a group photo, bringing everyone to the dance floor and then dropping into a fun song to get the party started. Another option is to choose an upbeat song that guests can't resist after the first dance or parent dances.

While it's important to keep the dance floor lively, it's also crucial to offer alternative activities for guests who might not be interested in dancing. You can set up lawn games, a photo booth, a portrait studio, or even a relaxation nook with hammocks and sofas. Just try to avoid scheduling these activities during the dance session to maintain that energetic atmosphere!

By following this advice, you can create a seamless and enjoyable wedding reception, ensuring your guests have a fantastic time on the dance floor without interruptions.

Start the night with an upbeat song

The first dance song is crucial to getting the party started. It's the tune that welcomes guests to the dance floor, usually after the first dance or parent dances, so it needs to be a good one!

If you're after a real crowd-pleaser, "Shout" by The Isley Brothers is a great option. As Bobby Reynolds of Hey DJ in Virginia Beach says, "That's a great song that will drag just about every human being onto the dance floor".

For a more modern choice, "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk The Moon is a popular option. It's an upbeat track that will have everyone on the dance floor in no time.

If you want to go with a classic, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder is a fantastic choice. It has a great opening hook and cross-generational appeal.

Another fun option is "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. With its infectious beat, catchy melody and timely lyrics, it's sure to get everyone smiling.

Or, if you want to go with a real classic, "Old Time Rock n' Roll" by Bob Seger is a great choice. It's a favourite of Paul Churchill of Bozeman DJ Entertainment, who knows a thing or two about getting people on the dance floor!

So, there you have it! Five fantastic options to get your wedding reception started with a bang. Now, let's get this party started!

Play a variety of music styles

Music is a key component of a wedding reception, and playing a variety of music styles is a great way to get people on the dance floor. Here are some tips to consider when selecting your wedding music:

Let the Professionals Guide You

If you've hired a band or a DJ for your wedding, they are the experts and can help you craft the perfect playlist. They know how to read the room and will be able to select songs that will get your guests moving and grooving. Provide them with a few must-play songs and a "do not play" list, and then trust them to do the rest.

Know Your Crowd

The size of your guest list will impact the dance floor vibe. A smaller group of 60 guests may not fill the dance floor all night, whereas a larger group of 200 is more likely to keep the party going. Consider your guest list and their musical preferences when selecting songs. Take requests in advance through your wedding website, which will make your guests feel involved and more inclined to dance.

Mix Up the Tempo

While slow songs are great for couples to dance together, too many can clear the dance floor. Keep the slow songs to a minimum—between one and three per evening. Instead, opt for faster-paced songs that will get everyone moving and create a lively atmosphere.

Choose Songs that Resonate with You

Your wedding music should reflect who you are as a couple. Add songs that hold special meaning for you, remind you of why you love each other, or evoke memories with loved ones. These songs will make your wedding celebration even more personal and memorable.

Transition Smoothly

To maintain the momentum on the dance floor, avoid interruptions in the dancing. Serve the wedding meal, including toasts and speeches, and then move into an uninterrupted dance session. Traditions like the bouquet and garter toss can also break the flow, so consider skipping them if you want to keep the party going.

Start with a Bang

The first song that welcomes guests to the dance floor is crucial. Choose an upbeat tune that will energize the crowd and set the tone for the rest of the night. Some popular choices include "Amazed" by Lonestar, "Old Time Rock n' Roll" by Bob Seger, or "Shout" by the Isley Brothers.

End on a High Note

Instead of abruptly ending the music, consider a "soft close" at the end of the reception. Stop the raucous music a few minutes early, giving your guests time to wind down, say their goodbyes, and savour the last moments of your special day.

Position the band in front of the dance floor

If you want to encourage your wedding guests to dance, one of the most important things to consider is the placement of the band or DJ. Positioning the band in front of the dance floor is a great way to create a focal point and encourage guests to dance. Here are some tips to make the most of this setup:

When planning the layout of your wedding venue, ensure that the band or DJ has a dedicated space in front of the dance floor. This will make it clear to guests that this is the designated area for dancing. It also allows the band to feed off the energy of the crowd and vice versa. If the band is performing on a stage, ensure the stage is low enough that guests can still see the musicians when they are seated.

Discuss with your band or DJ beforehand to ensure they are comfortable with this setup and can bring the necessary equipment. They may need to adjust their setup to ensure the sound reaches the back of the room and doesn't create feedback by pointing speakers directly at walls.

Consider the flow of the room and how guests will move from their tables to the dance floor. Ensure there is enough space around the dance floor for guests to move freely and join in without feeling cramped. You may also want to consider the placement of the bar and encourage guests to move towards the dance floor when they get a drink.

Lighting is also an important factor. Ensure the band is well-lit and consider adding some atmospheric lighting to the dance floor, such as spotlights or a disco ball. This will create a clear distinction between the dance floor and the rest of the room.

Finally, ensure the band has a good view of the crowd. They will need to be able to read the energy of the room and choose songs that will get people on their feet. If the band can see the guests, they can also give them some encouragement to join in and create a fun, inclusive atmosphere.

By following these tips and positioning the band in front of the dance floor, you can create an inviting atmosphere and encourage your guests to dance the night away.

Frequently asked questions