We have performed at hundreds of private events and one thing that we are laser focused on is reading the room and PACKING YOUR DANCE FLOOR! Our job is keeping the party momentum going throughout your event. Too much sitting does not make for a fun night for guests, so here are five takeaways we’ve learned that will maximize the FUN at every party we play.
INTROS You want to have your ‘top of the party’ introductions be quick and efficient. We recommend that you introduce the entire bridal party at once and have them come out as a group. This can be quite fun for everyone to run out to the dance floor together and form a semi-circle on the dance floor as we introduce the bride and groom for their First Dance together.
GET YOUR GUESTS DANCING RIGHT AWAY Have your guests join in half-way through your First Dance…if a Jewish wedding, lead from first dance right into the Hora and then a short dance set. If no Hora, have guests join your first dance then have a short dance set before your guests sit for the first course. POW…instant FUN! Getting everyone involved and up and moving is the perfect primer for what’s to come during the rest of the party.
FRONT LOAD FORMALITIES Once guests sit for first course, have your speeches/toasts so that is happening as guests are eating…so once the guests are served, we give them 5 minutes to settle in and eat a bit, then we bring up the speakers. This is a very efficient use of your time.
GET BACK TO DANCING! Do your parent dances right after the toasts, then segue to a nice long dance set before the main course is served. Again, getting your guests into ‘dance party’ mode really sets the tone for the entire event.
KEEP THE PARTY MOOD GOING After dinner, it’s best to have dancing as the main theme, so cut your wedding cake off to the side and don’t make a spectacle of it – and no more toasts after dinner..let everyone surrender to the music and dancing. This gives you at least 10-15 more minutes of dancing, and in a 4 hour party, this can really make a difference. Again, less sitting and more dancing. If your guests want to eat dessert, they’ll go get it, but keeping the party alive with high energy dance music after dinner is key for a killer party.
If you’re not sure how to build a killer timeline, no worries! We can assist with this, and if your planner or venue contact is building your timeline, we are happy to review and suggest ways to tighten things up and maximize the fun!
Contact us today for more tips & tricks!