Creating A Wedding Dance Floor: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding? If you're looking to create a dance floor for your special day, there are several options to choose from. From modular tiles to plywood, here's a step-by-step guide to building your own dance floor.

First, decide on the size of your dance floor. As a rule of thumb, plan for 30%-40% of your guests to be dancing at any given time, with each couple needing about 9 square feet of space. Pick a level location that can accommodate your desired size, keeping in mind that not all guests will be dancing simultaneously.

Next, gather your materials. For a plywood dance floor, you'll need plywood sheets, joists, mending plates, nails, and a nail gun or hammer. Alternatively, you can use pallets as a subfloor and nail them together. If you opt for modular tiles, simply purchase enough tiles to cover your desired area.

Now, it's time to build the frame. Create rectangles out of your joists, nailing them together to form the base for each plywood sheet. For added support, especially if using plywood, create a box structure with two extra struts inside each rectangle.

Once your frames are built, nail them together to form the base of your dance floor. Ensure all seams are flush and secure, using mending plates to reinforce the structure.

Finally, attach the plywood sheets to the top of your frame. Paint the dance floor if desired, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. And there you have it – your very own wedding dance floor!

Choose a flat, safe area for your dance floor

When creating a dance floor for a wedding, it is important to choose a flat, safe area. The ground you select should be inspected for any holes, bumps, or divots that could cause someone to trip and injure themselves. If the area is uneven, you can use plywood or ground protection mats to level it out.

If you are setting up your dance floor on grass, mow the lawn to ensure it is extremely short. This will help you catch any debris that could be hiding in the grass, and it will make your guests more comfortable. If you are using a tent, you can place the dance floor on top of the grass inside the tent.

If your wedding is on the beach, you can simply let your guests dance in the sand. Just be sure to check the area for any rocks or garbage.

If you are hosting the wedding at your home, your backyard or front yard is probably your best option. You can also use a deck, but be careful not to overload it or risk structural damage.

Remember to choose a relatively flat area for your dance floor to prevent people from tripping while dancing.

Consider the type of shoes your guests will be wearing

When planning a wedding dance floor, it is important to consider the type of shoes your guests will be wearing. This will ensure that your guests are comfortable and can fully enjoy themselves on the dance floor. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Inform your guests about the dance floor surface

It is a good idea to let your guests know in advance if the dancing will be on a hard surface like concrete or grass, especially if it is an outdoor wedding. This will help them choose the right type of shoes to wear. For example, if you are having a beach wedding, let your guests know that they may want to go barefoot or wear flat shoes instead of heels.

Offer alternative footwear

If you are concerned about your guests' comfort, you could offer alternative footwear options such as flip-flops or flats. This is especially useful if you have a diverse range of guests with different footwear preferences. You could provide a basket of these shoes in various sizes by the dance floor, so guests can easily change into them if needed.

Choose the right type of dance floor

The type of dance floor you choose can also make a difference in your guests' comfort. For example, a wooden dance floor is a good option for guests wearing heels, while a carpet or rug can provide a softer surface for those in flat shoes. If you are having a rustic or backyard wedding, you may want to consider a dance floor made of recycled wood pallets, which can be more comfortable than dancing on grass.

Encourage comfortable and stylish options

When choosing wedding guest shoes, it is important to find a balance between style and comfort. There are many stylish options available that will allow your guests to look and feel their best on the dance floor. For example, block heels, wedges, and platforms can offer height and elegance without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, flat shoes such as sandals, ballet flats, loafers, and mules can be both stylish and comfortable for those who prefer not to wear heels.

Consider the season and venue

The season and venue of your wedding can also impact the type of shoes your guests will wear. For example, spring and summer weddings call for open-toe sandals and bold colours, while fall and winter weddings are better suited for closed-toe shoes and darker colours. If your wedding is outdoors, consider whether your guests will be walking on grass or sand, and choose shoes accordingly.

Plan your layout with the dance floor in a highly visible area

When planning your wedding layout, it's best to design your event around the dance floor. The dance floor should be placed in a highly visible area, with the rest of the layout planned around it. This way, you ensure that your guests will notice the dance floor and be encouraged to dance.

A good strategy is to put the seating on one side of the dance floor and the DJ or speakers on the other side, preferably near the exit or bathrooms. This way, your guests will have to walk past the dance floor, making them more likely to join in. Less essential items, such as a photo booth or coffee bar, can be placed on the edges of the layout.

When determining the size of your dance floor, it's recommended to set aside 3 square feet (0.28 square metres) for 30% of your guest list. Typically, around 30% of guests will be actively dancing at any given time, and each dancer needs enough space to move around. If you anticipate a lot of dance enthusiasts in your crowd, you may want to set aside enough space for 40-50% of your guest list. For example, a wedding with 100 guests should allocate at least 90 square feet (8.4 square metres) for the dance floor.

When choosing the location for your dance floor, ensure that the ground is safe and relatively flat. Remove any debris, such as rocks, sticks, or broken glass, to prevent injuries. If your wedding is at your home, your backyard or front yard is a good option, and you can also use a deck if it can accommodate the weight.

To make it clear that the area is designated for dancing, you can use a sign, stanchions, or string lights to mark it off. This will ensure that your guests know what the space is for and eliminate any confusion.

Set aside 3 sq ft (0.28 m2) for 30% of your guest list

When creating a dance floor for a wedding, it's important to consider how many people will be using it at any given time. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 30%-40% of your guests to be dancing simultaneously. Each couple will need about 9 square feet to dance, which equates to 4.5 square feet per dancer.

If you're inviting 100 guests, you should expect around 30-40 people to be dancing at once, requiring a dance floor space of about 180 square feet. This can be achieved by using plywood sheets to create a dance floor with dimensions of 12' x 16'.

To set aside 3 square feet for 30% of your guest list, you can calculate it as follows:

First, determine 30% of your expected guest list. For example, if you have a total of 100 guests, 30% would be 30 people.

Next, multiply the number of expected dancers (30 in this case) by the required space per dancer (3 square feet). This calculation gives you the total area needed for your dance floor to accommodate 30% of your guests:

30 dancers x 3 sq. ft. per dancer = 90 sq. ft.

Therefore, you would need to set aside an area of 90 square feet to comfortably accommodate 30% of your guest list, allowing each dancer 3 square feet of space.

By following these calculations, you can ensure that your dance floor is appropriately sized and that your guests have enough room to dance and enjoy themselves during your wedding reception.

It's also important to consider the shape and layout of the dance floor to maximise the space and create a pleasing aesthetic. You can choose between a square or rectangular shape, depending on the available space and the surrounding area. Additionally, if you're having a band, it's best to position the dance floor front and centre in front of the band stage for optimal visibility and accessibility.

Decorate the dance floor with signs, string lights, or tiki torches

Dance floors are a great way to get your wedding guests moving and grooving. Here are some ideas to decorate your dance floor with signs, string lights, or tiki torches:

Signs

Custom neon signs are a fun way to highlight your dance floor and create a lively party vibe. You can also incorporate meaningful words or quotes by having a vinyl decal made to decorate the dance floor. For example, a "Peter Pan" quote on the dance floor adds a whimsical touch.

String Lights

String lights can be draped or hung vertically to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere. For an outdoor wedding, string lights can be used to mark the perimeter of the dance floor or hung above to provide lighting for your guests. For an indoor wedding, consider hanging string lights behind a sheer fabric backdrop, such as organza or tulle, for a subtle glow.

You can also create a dance floor canopy with string lights, drawing attention to the dance floor and inviting guests to join in the fun. For a unique touch, mix-and-match bulbs with long cords, such as old-fashioned Edison bulbs, for an industrial, contemporary feel.

Tiki Torches

Although not mentioned in the sources, tiki torches can be a great way to light up and decorate the dance floor area, especially for outdoor weddings. They can be placed around the perimeter of the dance floor or used to line the pathway leading to it.

Frequently asked questions