Empty Dance Floor Dread

Popping in to give another view on the "request" side. We allowed anyone to make requests all night and it really made the night that much more fun. My friend were requesting songs I had forgotten about that we used to love to dance to when we went out and it made the night just that much better. We also had one of those weddings where everyone was on the dance floor, and at 62 guests, a pretty small wedding.

I also had a "do not play" list that included most of those stupid "you make me wanna shout" song that make my skin crawl.

Just know your crowd, let your DJ know what your crowd will be like, and it'll be a party!

Think about your crowd...if a lot are older/conservative, that may not be the fault of your DJ! But do your best to tee it up...alcohol, good music. And most importantly: YOU dance and have a good time! I know everytime I see the bride on the dance floor, all I want to do is get out there and boogie too!

Yes. Totally my fear. I'm purposely seating some of the more party goers towards the front to avert that issue

"The DJ makes all of the difference. Don't go with a typical wedding DJ. Look for one who does proms."

Um... no.

You can't make people dance. period.

BUT... they will be a lot more likely to if you both stay on the dance floor for at least the first 3-5 dance songs. Guests ABSOLUTELY take their cues from the B&G.

Other great advice:

-photo booth, bar, etc. etc... ALL IN THE SAME room. Otherwise guests are all over.

-don't supply cigars. All the guys (and some gals) will go outside. Save cigars for another time.

-Alcohol doesn't hurt, but in my experience it's not required at all.

-Don't leave. I know this sounds silly- but if a couple leaves to go take pics, change clothes, etc... the party deflates

-Listen to your DJ. The pros will know all this already.

Hope this helps!

@FutureMrsWallace That is exactly what our DJ does. After dinner he gathers everyone together for a huge group photo (bonus!) and then kicks off the music. It sounds like it will be very seamless.

A friend of mine put a line on the RSVP for "I promise I'll dance if you play _____." She didn't necessarily play everything requested but said it was a good way to get an idea of everyone's taste/ preferences

Don't worry! Get dancing and they won't let you dance solo.

We're Scottish, so we're having a ceilidh then a DJ near the end, which always goes down well as all our relatives either know the dances or they're super easy and fun to pick up. Just make sure your band is great and gets people up!

I have this thought often

We are being very relaxed on do and do not play songs like line dances are no go except for like one or two but we've heard nothing but great things and he said he will keep everyone on the floor.

We had an emptier dance floor than I was expecting, but it didn't bother me since everyone was still enjoying themselves. My advice is not to force it. We had gaps of 2-3 songs where there were only 1-2 couples or the kids only on the floor, but then something would come on and everyone would join in again. As long as your guests are enjoying themselves, it's not something to worry about.