Biggest tip I can give is right here !! Bride and Groom lead the way ! Most brides and grooms want to see their guests on the dance floor having a great time. One way to create that energy is to lead and set an example. When the newlyweds set the tone by dancing, guest will follow. Ask a favorite relative to dance. Family will join in, Guests will join in, and the camera's will go off giving you memories of a lifetime. When the bride and groom actively participate in the dancing, the energy level of the reception dramatically increases. When choosing your dance music choose songs that you know you will dance to, this will help your DJ out and make your night even more memorable because you helped create the magical evening.I've seen some parties go 8 hours because of the lighting, sound levels were moderate(comfortable), music selection and the bride and groom participation.
1. Place your DJ right next to the dance floor.
Your DJ's location is a critical factor in creating a high energy reception. Avoid placing your DJ in a corner far away from the dance floor. Sound and lighting will be compromised. Also, your DJ should have a complete view of the room in order to MC your reception effectively. If you tuck your DJ away, your reception's energy level will suffer because your DJ will have difficulty seeing and hearing anything. Your DJ must have control.
Also, avoid seating guests between the DJ and the dance floor. Guests who are forced to sit directly in front of the DJ speakers will inevitably complain about how loud the music is even before the dancing begins. Your DJ can provide his best service and maintain the energy of your reception when he is located next to the dance floor.
The DJ's setup location described above assumes that the dance floor is both centrally located in the reception area and is the proper size for the number of guests.
2. Dim
the lights when it's time for dancing
Dimming the lights
after dinner creates a more relaxed atmosphere and
will motivate your guests to dance. Determine the
desired lighting levels during dinner and for
dancing when you meet with your reception facility's
coordinator. Consider lighting levels that will
compliment any candles you plan to use. Ask that
your lighting preferences be included in your
contract. This is an important but often overlooked
aspect of your reception.
Lighting in the room that is too bright will
discourage your guests from dancing
and compromise your DJ's light
show. The best resorts and country clubs know
how to do it right while lesser facilities pay very
little attention to the lighting. A hall with only
fluorescent tube lighting presents a challenge in
that such lighting cannot be dimmed, only turned on
or off. If your DJ has sufficient effect lighting
all lights should be turned off.
3.
Planning your Grand Entrance
The Grand Entrance
sets the tone and energy for the entire reception.
Work closely with your DJ to stage a Grand Entrance
that reflects your style and personality. Plan how
you will enter your reception. Clarify
pronunciation of names, determine appropriate
introductions for blended families and, of course,
select the perfect entrance
music. All of this planning is usually
completed when you meet personally with your DJ a
few weeks before your wedding. Your DJ can offer
suggestions and will take charge of the Grand
Entrance at your wedding reception
4. Don't
try to select every song your DJ will play
Choose the song
for your first dance and songs for specific
reception events like the cake cutting and bouquet
toss. Tell your DJ what artists and styles of music
to feature or avoid, but don't micro-manage your
DJ's performance. A professional wedding DJ can read
the crowd and knows what to play and when to play it
to keep the party going. More importantly, your DJ
knows which requests will clear the dance floor and
spoil the energy of your reception. You're paying
for your DJ's knowledge and experience. Take
advantage of it
Most professional wedding DJ's will hesitate taking on your wedding if you intend to present them with a complete and precise playlist for the reception. On the other hand, most skilled wedding DJ's will have no problem accommodating your reasonably sized list of must play songs. If you're planning to burn your own CD's and just have the DJ play them, don't waste your money on a professional wedding disc jockey. Just rent some equipment and have a friend press the play button. Would you go to a nice restaurant, hand the chef a bag of groceries, and tell him that's what he must cook for you?
Choose some songs that you like and believe your guests would like to dance to. Don't expect your DJ to play all of them but give your DJ something to work with.
5. Sound
level or loudness
It has been
suggested by several wedding website planners that
loud music kills the crowd. They know what they are
talking about, when the DJ is too loud people will
leave early especially the older generation. Please
respect the older generation and allow your DJ to do
what you pay him/her to do. Your DJ should have the
music just loud enough so you can hear it clearly at
the back of the room. Remember this is not a dance
club but a wedding reception.
If you have to shout in someone's ears to talk to them it's too loud period.
6.
Lighting for my party
Lighting plays a
big role for dancing, possibly more
important than sound. The right lighting effects can
make a big difference in no dance or all dance.
Consider this when choosing a DJ. Does your DJ have
up to date Lighting ?
