How to get guests to dance at your wedding
THE SECRET to epic dance floor photoS ~
FROM A DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
For many couples, some epic party shots are high up on their list of photo priorities (it’s also one of our favourite parts the day to capture) - but just how do you make sure guests will actually get up and dance at your wedding?
If you want a busy dance floor then setting the right atmosphere is key - after all, there’s only so many photos you need of people sitting around, chatting and supping the complementary champagne. And, after more than a decade as documentary wedding photographers, we’ve learnt a trick or two to help tempt even the most reluctant tiny dancer to the floor.
FILL YOUR DANCE FLOOR
Most people tend to be a bit nervous when it comes to strutting their stuff so making sure the lights are dimmed will help guests feel a little less exposed - even if it is still light outside, try to make sure you utilise any drapes, curtains or blinds to create a cozy vibe, and ask your venue to dim or turn off the main lights completely. Another tip is to make sure the dance floor area isn’t too big as it can easily look pretty empty, even if there are loads of people on it. And a sad and lonely looking dance floor isn’t overly inviting for guests to join.
Once you’ve got those party vibes going, you want to keep them going! This is where doing your research and hiring a great DJ or band who knows how to read a room comes into play. A good or bad DJ/band can really make or break your dance floor so it’s hugely important to hire someone who understands your music tastes and who can bounce off crowd reactions. If you and your guests aren’t the Macarena type then tell your DJ or band! You’d be surprised the amount of DJs who use the same stringent set list for every wedding with little to no adaption - and if that doesn’t fit the vibe of you and your guests, it will be difficult to fill the dance floor. A great DJ/band, as well as starting off with 2-3 high energy numbers after your first dance, will set the mood for the rest of the night.
So, once you’ve tempted guests to bust a few moves with your mood lighting and your epic sounds how do you keep them on their feet? Simple. Make sure the bar is situated somewhere near the dance floor and not in another room if at all avoidable. This reduces the temptation to stay by the bar chatting away all evening as once that dance floor is out of sight, it’s out of mind!
Similarly, try to avoid interrupting the flow of the evening by taking guests away from the dance floor for formalities - make sure sparklers/champagne towers, parent dances, toasts etc are either done before the dance floor officially opens, or just before/after a break for evening food service.
This leads us nicely on to serving some late night snacks to keep energy levels high. Some of the busiest dance floors we’ve seen have had light nibbles available to avoid those energy slumps. Think light bites, rather than full on meals, which are less likely to make people sleepy.
FUN WEDDING PHOTOS
Dance floor props can also help keep people on their feet as they add another level of entertainment. As well as adding a fun element to your photos, props such as colourful cowboy hats, fun inflatables, glow sticks and sunglasses can also also help less confident guests feel a little less self conscious by giving them something else to concentrate on.
Whilst all of these elements will help encourage guests to dance, there is one more thing you can do, and it’s probably the most important tip we can give…. and that’s lead by example! Ultimately, if you’re busting some moves your guests will follow suit - not dancing yourself is the main reason your dance floor won’t be popping so make sure you set the tone.
And don’t forget to book a photographer who loves to get down and party with you! To see if we’re available to capture your day drop us a line here for a quick availability check.
*All images in this blog are from Wanda + Michael’s incredible wedding at Watermouth Cove on 22nd June 2024.
Supplier team:
Venue: Watermouth Cove
Florist: Fuss Potts
Cake: Sweet Cakes and Bakes
Hair & MUA: Giselle Michel-Gendre
Dress: Aire Barcelona
Catering: H&A Catering
DJ: Sexy Toast DJ