Wondering how to convince your guests to join you out on the dance floor at your wedding? We have some tips and tricks to get the party started so all you need to worry about is having a blast on your big day.
1. Dance Floor Size
This is one you may not have thought of, but it’s probably one of the most important. Remember those weddings where it seemed like 8,000 people were crammed on a dance floor the size of a postage stamp? Not exactly comfortable, especially when you’re sweating buckets in your fanciest outfit. What about the weddings where there were only 3 people dancing on the biggest dance floor you’re ever seen...Felt weird to get up and join them, right? Both these scenarios could have been solved with the right size dance floor. You want to make sure your guests have enough room to dance comfortably, but not so much space that they feel awkward joining in the fun. Try to estimate how many of your guests will take to the dance floor (think about guests’ age, health, typical fun levels, etc) and plan for at least 3 square feet of dance floor space for every two dancing guests.
2. Hire a DJ or a Band
We know you read our posts on our favorite wedding songs, and you have the perfect playlist ready to go, but do you really want to be worried about the music all night? Take our word for it- hiring a DJ or band that you love will make the night SO much more enjoyable, both for you and your guests. Definitely make sure you talk to whoever you hire about your favorite songs and genres and make a “DO NOT PLAY” list for any especially hated tunes. Your DJ (or band) is a professional room-reader, so let them do their job and you stick to yours- having the time of your life on your wedding dance floor.
3. Your Seating Plan Matters
Another one that you may not have thought of- seat your dance loving guests closest to the dance floor so they have quick and easy access to help get the party started. And make sure to seat those who would rather chat the night away (most likely any older guests) on the periphery and away from the speakers! Their ears will thank you. Make sure your non-dancers still have a good view of the dance floor- they will still want to watch and be a part of the fun, even if they’re not on their feet the whole night.
4. Dance Floor Placement
You want the dancing to be the highlight of the wedding fun, right? So, put the dance floor front and center to let guests know that you mean dancing business. Make sure you communicate your desire to have the dance floor prominently featured to your venue and/or wedding planner. Definitely something you don’t want to be disappointed by on your wedding day…
5. Start the Party with your First Dance!
Use your first dance to set the tone for the rest of the party. Even if you’re dancing to a slower, more romantic song, find a way to segue to the fun! Brainstorm ways to invite your guests to join you at the end of your first dance...your first dance instructor can help you with ideas. There are lots of creative ways to connect your first dance to the start of the party in a way that feels organic to everyone, even couples that think they have two left feet.
No matter what, the most important part of your wedding is that you’re having the time of your life. The weddings people remember most are the ones where the bride and groom are having a blast. If you’re having fun, nothing else matters. Make sure you get out on the dance floor early and stay out there as long as you can. You have plenty of support to take care of anything that’s not dancing- make sure you let your wedding party and your wedding planner (if you have one) know that the dance floor is important to you. They can help field any issues and get any reluctant guests out and having as good of a time as you are. Now you just have to find some comfortable shoes...