7 Tips for a High-Energy Dance Reception
Your wedding day has arrived! The months of planning are finally over. And now you are ready to dance the night away with your guests.
Here are seven tips that will help ensure the dance floor stays full all night.
Hire great entertainment.
As obvious as this may seem, not all bands and DJs are created equal. Make sure to do your homework and find performers that are well reviewed, fit your taste, and demonstrate genuine excitement for your big day. You don’t need to break your budget to hire amazing talent. But don’t cut corners and get stuck with a disappointing product.
Open the dinner ballroom with a mini dance set.
A lot of weddings transition from a cocktail location into the dinner ballroom. This is a great time to have your music vendor throw a mini dance set - 10 to 15 minutes max! It gets the guests into the ballroom before your grand entrance, lets them briefly cut loose after standing during the social hour, and assuming you hired great entertainment, it’s an exciting teaser for what’s to come.
Don’t keep your guests sitting too long.
There are so many elements to a reception between the grand entrance, welcomes, dinner, speeches, photos, and special dances. These are all important and special moments. But often, something during the seated portion of the reception takes way too long and guests get antsy. Make sure your planner keeps things moving and has communicated clearly with the venue, caterer, photographer, and speakers about timing, execution, and expectations.
With that said, sometimes things simply take longer than expected. When that happens, give your guests a 10-minute breather after dinner to get a drink, use the restroom, and socialize before starting the dance reception.
Ask your bridal party to start the night on the dance floor with you.
Most of the time, wedding guests are ready to party when the reception starts. But occasionally, they need some encouragement. Asking your good friends and members of your bridal party join you on the dance floor to start the night helps set the tone. The energy is contagious and even shy uncle Gary won’t be able to resist showing off his moves!
Don’t forget about the stage.
While a band or DJ can often set up on the venue floor, having a stage is crucial for three reasons. First, so that all of your guests can clearly watch and enjoy the entertainment, not just those in the front. Secondly, it prevents anyone on the dance floor from accidentally (or drunkenly) stumbling into a performer or their equipment. And lastly, people truly enjoy the interaction, energy, and dynamics of entertainers on a stage. We’re wired for it and I’ll just come out and say it… a live performance without a stage is weird.
Keep the beverages near the stage.
When I arrive for a wedding, nothing gets me screaming “oh no!” in my head more than when the venue’s bar is in a separate room or far away from the dance floor. A thirsty guest shouldn’t have to walk away from the vibe to get a drink. Make water, alcohol, and late night snacks closely accessible.
End the night with a last dance.
Ask your band or DJ to end the night with a fun or meaningful last dance. Whether you pick a ballad that is romantic and sweet, or a high-energy sing-along, a last dance is a great way to cap the night with those closest to you.