How to Get Your Party Started

Get'em Dancing

How to Get People Dancing at Your Venue

With dazzling music and a glowing attitude to match, you can ensure that your guests will remember the joy of your wedding day, even if they don't recall the details. Your DJ should be able to "read the crowd" and seek to find what works and what doesn't. It is important that your DJ takes the time to study your guests. Timeliness also plays a major role. Play that hit song too early in the night and your guest will be hesitant to get up and break the ice. What usually happens is that one of the guest will usually sneak up to the DJ Booth and request that he play it again later. An experienced DJ has many innovative ways to motivate the crowd and get them dancing. Perhaps the simplest method is by playing a party anthem or anything that's hot at the time!

Steps:

1.	Select an experienced band or DJ - that is, performers who can assess the mood of the crowd and play accordingly. Get references from family and friends, research his credentials, and be preapred to ask questions.

Work closely with the DJ or band to produce a play list. Whether you're aiming for an overall sound or selecting an assortment of tunes, have a plan. DO NOT go crazy programming your entire event; leave room for your DJ to use his judgement and discretion so that he can do his job. If he totally goes off track, be sure to let him know and request that he immediately change.

Begin the evening with "after dinner" music of classy, romantic tunes, followed by upbeat, contemporary songs. Wind things down with a soulful mix - a variety that will be sure to please the crowd. The music program has to meet the mood and structure of the event. It must be a series of peaks and valleys to create a good combination; Too slow and you put them to sleep and get them depressed, too fast and they get exhausted too quickly. The result is an empty dance floor!

4.	Pepper your selection with special dance songs that encourage group participation, including those old favorites - a wedding isn't complete without a chicken dance or two.

5.	Put your wedding attendants to work - get them on their feet and into action and have them invite other guests onto the dance floor.

Tips:

Start the dancing by getting out on the dance floor with your new spouse because your guests may feel uncomfortable dancing before you do. Use your formal dances to build momentum - you've got their attention, now get them to their feet.

Explore the many eras of music history - play a variety of tunes that will appeal to a wide range of ages.

Ask your DJ to play music that reflects your heritage and that of your new spouse.