Get Guests Grooving At Your Afternoon Wedding

There are many factors that can influence whether your wedding guests will dance or not. The time of day, for example, can play a role, with people generally preferring to dance in the evening or at night. The day of the week can also make a difference, with Fridays, Saturdays, and days before a public holiday being better options than a Tuesday evening. The size of your guest list will also have an impact, with larger weddings naturally having more people on the dance floor.

One of the most important factors is the presence of the newlyweds on the dance floor. If you expect your guests to dance, you should join them as much as possible. Similarly, the bridal party should also be encouraged to dance and have a good time.

Another key element is the music itself. A good DJ or band can make all the difference in getting people on the dance floor and keeping them there. It's important to choose music that appeals to a range of tastes and ages, with a mix of genres and tempos to suit everyone. Taking song requests from guests in advance can also help get them more involved. However, be cautious of playing too many slow songs, as these can kill the vibe.

Other tips include: ensuring there is a dedicated dance floor in a suitable location, providing a late-night snack, and creating a party atmosphere with lighting and effects.

Ensure the bride and groom dance

Ensuring that the bride and groom dance throughout the night is one of the most effective ways to keep the dance floor busy at a wedding. Here are some tips to make sure the newlyweds are dancing the night away:

Lead by Example

The bride and groom should spend a lot of time on the dance floor. Their presence on the dance floor will encourage others to join them. Even if they are not keen dancers, the newlyweds can still have fun and lead by example. If one of them is not a dancer, they can still go to the dance floor and dance with others, while the other can mingle with the guests.

First Dance

The first dance is usually done after the guests have settled and before dinner, but many couples choose to dance while dinner is ongoing or after. The first dance can be a unique routine designed by a professional choreographer, or it can be a slow dance. The couple can also perform a simple line dance and request that everyone learns it and dances together.

Open Dance Floor

The newlyweds can lead into an open dance floor after their first dance, inviting guests to get up from their seats and crowd around the dance floor to watch. This will make it more likely for guests to start dancing after.

Dance with the Wedding Party

After the first dance, the best man and maid of honour can take the stage to show off their moves, followed by the groom dancing with the maid of honour and the bride with the best man. All the groomsmen can then pick a bridesmaid and dance with them. This will ensure that the newlyweds are surrounded by their closest friends and family on the dance floor, encouraging others to join in.

Dance with Parents

The traditional order of dances at a wedding includes the parents dancing with the couple. The father-daughter dance is one of the most special and anticipated events at a wedding. The mother of the bride can also dance with the groom, and the groom's father can dance with the bride. This dance is a way to welcome the bride and groom into their new families.

Dance with Guests

The couple can also dance with their guests. One tradition is the money dance, where guests offer the newlyweds money to dance with them, helping them raise money to start their new life together.

Encourage Guests to Dance

The bride and groom can also encourage their guests to dance by creating a playlist with songs that will get their guests moving. They can also ask their guests to suggest songs when they RSVP, and play those songs to get their guests on the dance floor.

Hire a skilled DJ

One of the most important factors in ensuring your wedding guests dance is hiring a skilled DJ. A good DJ will know how to read the room and choose songs accordingly to get people on the dance floor. They will also be able to mix songs together and prevent any dead air, keeping the energy high and the party going.

When selecting a DJ for your wedding, look for someone with experience performing at weddings and who understands your musical preferences and those of your guests. Communication is key – be sure to discuss with them the type of music you want, any specific songs or genres to avoid, and any other expectations you have. It is also a good idea to provide them with a list of songs that you definitely want to be played.

Additionally, consider allowing your DJ to take song requests from your guests. This can increase guest engagement and make them more likely to dance. However, it is important to review these requests beforehand to ensure that the songs are appropriate and will contribute to a fun dance environment.

Hiring a skilled DJ who can read the room and adapt their song choices accordingly will help ensure that your wedding guests stay on the dance floor and have a great time.

Play music that appeals to all guests

The music you play at your wedding will have a huge impact on whether or not your guests dance. Here are some tips to help you choose music that will get everyone on the dance floor:

Know your guests

The music you choose should depend on the age and music preferences of your guests. If your guests are mostly older, they might prefer slow dances like the twist or disco. If you have a lot of young people, they'll probably be into hip-hop or top 40 hits. Try to find a balance that will appeal to everyone.

Take requests

A great way to get your guests excited about dancing is to take their song requests. You can include a section on your wedding website where guests can submit their requests in advance. That way, you can review and approve the songs before passing them on to your DJ or band.

Avoid slow songs

Slow songs can kill the vibe on the dance floor. It's best to avoid them or use them sparingly and strategically. For example, you can play a few slow songs during dinner to get people in the mood, but once the dancing starts, stick to upbeat tunes.

Start with a group dance

A great way to get everyone on the dance floor is to start with a group dance, like a traditional circle dance or a simple line dance that you can teach your guests. This will help break the ice and get people moving.

Hire a good DJ

A skilled DJ can make all the difference in keeping your dance floor packed. Look for someone who can read the room and choose songs that will appeal to all your guests. It's also a good idea to meet with the DJ beforehand to discuss your music preferences and give them a list of songs you definitely want to hear.

Keep the couple on the dance floor

As the newlyweds, you set the tone for the party. If you're on the dance floor, your guests will be more likely to join you. So make sure to spend as much time as possible dancing and encourage your wedding party to do the same.

Create a dedicated dance floor space

Creating a dedicated dance floor space at your wedding is a great way to encourage guests to get up and dance. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a fun and inviting dance floor area:

Utilize the Space

If your venue is one large open room, you can use the tables and seating arrangements to create a natural boundary for the dance floor. Arrange the tables and chairs around the perimeter of the room, leaving a spacious area in the centre for dancing. This way, your guests will have easy access to the dance floor and won't feel cramped.

Lighting and Decor

Enhance the dance floor area with creative lighting and decor to make it stand out. You can use string lights, disco balls, neon signs, or even projection lighting to create a fun and inviting atmosphere. Consider adding a personalised touch with a monogram or custom decal on the dance floor. You can also hang decorations, such as paper lanterns or balloons, in your wedding colours to add a pop of colour.

Dance Floor Surfaces

If you want to go beyond the typical wooden or tiled dance floor, there are plenty of creative options. For a rustic vibe, lay down rugs or use dark wood tiles, especially if your wedding has an outdoor or woodland theme. For a unique look, consider a checkered black-and-white dance floor, or mix it up with a graphic black-and-white geometric design. You can even dance on water by using an acrylic dance floor placed over a swimming pool!

Keep it Flexible

Remember that the dance floor doesn't have to be a static space. If you start with a smaller dance floor area and find that more guests want to join, you can always adjust by moving some tables and chairs. Keep the setup flexible so you can make changes as needed throughout the event.

Encourage Guests to Dance

To ensure your guests make use of the dance floor, consider the following:

• Lead by example: The bride and groom should spend time on the dance floor. Guests often follow the couple's lead, so if you're dancing, they'll be more likely to join.
• Choose the right music: Select songs that are popular, upbeat, and familiar to a range of age groups. A good DJ who can read the room and play to the crowd is essential.
• Avoid interruptions: Try to minimise breaks in the dancing. Traditions like cake-cutting or bouquet tosses can disrupt the flow, so consider doing these earlier in the evening or at natural lulls in the dancing.
• Keep the bar close: Ensure the bar is easily accessible from the dance floor. If guests have to walk too far, they may get sidetracked or lose their dancing momentum.

By following these tips and creating a dedicated dance floor space, you'll be well on your way to a fun and lively afternoon wedding celebration!

Avoid interruptions to the dancing

One of the most important things to ensure that people keep dancing is to avoid interrupting the flow of the dance session. This means serving the wedding meal, including toasts and speeches, and then having an uninterrupted dance session afterward. Avoid breaks in the dancing, such as cutting the cake or playing a slideshow, as they can crush the momentum. Traditions like the bouquet and garter tosses can also quickly clear the dance floor.

If you want to include other activities, such as games or group photos, it's best to do them before the dancing starts. That way, once the dancing begins, your guests can focus on having a good time without any distractions or interruptions.

It's also a good idea to avoid slow songs or use them sparingly and strategically. While they can be nice to include, especially for romantic moments like the first dance, too many slow songs can disrupt the energy and vibe of the dance floor.

Additionally, make sure the dance floor is in an area with minimal distractions. Avoid placing it near the bar or lobby, as people may get pulled into conversations or other activities and be less likely to join the dancing.

Finally, ensure that the newlywed couple spends a significant amount of time on the dance floor. Guests often follow the couple's lead, so if they are dancing and having a good time, their guests are more likely to join and keep the party going!

Frequently asked questions