Weddings without a happening dance floor can make the night end quicker than expected. If you would like guests to stick around and shake a leg, here are some ways to make sure your dance floor stays poppin’!
RSVP’s & Song Requests
Plan for a night of dancing way before the event even happens. Ask your guests to help build a Playlist by including one or two song choices on their RSVPs. This doesn’t mean you HAVE to include the song, but it will perk up someone’s ears when they hear their requested song blasting from the speakers.
Invite Guests to Join the First Dance
This is a special moment for you two newlyweds. All eyes are on you for a dance to the perfect song you choose together. However, plan with your DJ to have everyone circle round the dance for your dance, then for the last minute of your song have him ask folks to grab their partner and join you! With everyone already standing and embracing the moment it will more than likely give couples an encouraging push to join you.
Anniversary Dance
There is no better way to get couples of all ages out on the dance floor than this one. Have your DJ invite couples to grab their partner and hit the dance floor for the anniversary song. The DJ will count starting from 1 HR (bride and groom) to 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, and so on until the longest married couple is the last swaying on the dance floor. It not only is fun and engaging for all couples, but it gives a great recognition for marriages that have stood the test of time.
Coastal Wedding Song Recommendation: Allen Jackson, I’d Love You All Over Again
Money Dance
No better way to round up some funds for your honeymoon than a money dance. How it works? The Bride and Groom hit the dance floor while the DJ makes an announcement of the Money Dance. Gentlemen dance with the bride and ladies with the groom. The guest pays whatever amount to dance with the newlywed and continues until the next guest intercedes with their donation and dance moves.
Bridal Party Backup Dancers
Bridal parties and groomsmen SHOULD BE notorious for helping where there is a need. One of their fun jobs is to help get the dance floor bustling with wedding guests. Whether it’s shaking a leg or encouraging others to join in, this is a great job for your bridal and groomsmen teams.
Dim The Lights
Simple enough, set the mood. In some circumstances, this may not be an option with the venue you choose. However, planning to start the majority of the dancing when the sun has set is a great rule of thumb to follow.
Traditional Line Dance or Group Dance
Choose a song such as the Cha Cha Slide, Macarena, or the Wobble. Folks may roll their eyes at first, but we guarantee it will fill the dance floor faster than with most songs.
Mix up the Genres
For most, you will be inviting a mix of guests to your wedding. Yes, it’s important to play music YOU like at YOUR wedding. But try and mix it up with some genres such as country, hip-hop, oldies and rock-and-roll.
Coastal Wedding Tip: To help keep the energy high, try to include only three slow songs throughout the night.
Hire A Live Band
DJ’s are a great option, but a live band can also be a great way to engage the crowd and keep them on their toes, literally.
Provide The Right Temperature
This is obviously venue and circumstance dependent, but to the best of your ability try to keep your reception and dance floor not too hot nor too cold. Finding that sweet spot in-between will keep folks comfortable, making them linger and stay for a good night of dancing.
Offer An Onsite Babysitter
If kiddos are joining their parents to help you tie the knot, consider staffing a babysitter so that parents can enjoy some adult time on the dance floor with you. With that said, dancing is fun for all ages and children can keep smiles on adults faces as they bust a move.
Bride and Groom Dance The Night Away
Plan to make your rounds well before the dancing starts. This way, at the dancing point you can let your hair down and join wedding guests in dancing to your favorite playlist of songs.
Other Coastal Wedding articles you may be interested in:
First Dance: 25 of The Greatest Songs for Your Wedding – Coastal Wedding
