Get Your Guests Grooving at Your Champaign IL Wedding
- Janelle Hermann
- May 27
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Unleash the Dance Floor Magic: Tips for Getting Your Guests Grooving at Your Champaign IL Wedding
One of The Gathering Place's favorite DJ's, Nate Jones, made a social media post this week, that inspired me to write on this topic! Based on years of experience, and observing many wedding receptions throughout Champaign, IL and surrounding communities, he is encouraging newly married couples to BE where ever they wanted their guests to be.
If the couple wants more people dancing, then they need to be on the dance floor. If they want their guests to gather around a bonfire, then that's where they should be. This inspired me to think about what else couples can do to encourage guest participation for a memorable celebration. Below you will find some key strategies to add to your day to make sure your wedding guests keep the energy alive all night long!
Choose the Right DJ or Band
The choice of DJ or band can make or break the music experience at your wedding. I can't stress how important is it so find professionals with a strong reputation, an online presence, and solid reviews. Read those reviews!
Here at The Gathering Place, we provide our clients with a vendors list of DJ's we know are quality and will ensure that your wedding reception runs smoothly.
After you have contacted the DJ or band, discuss your preferences openly. Share at least 10 must-play songs that reflect you as a couple, along with a no-play list to avoid songs that might bring down the mood. A quality DJ will listen to your requests while also creating his or her own flare to blend various music genres that appeal to all age ranges of guests.
Craft a Welcoming Atmosphere
Let's dance the night away under the lights! Consider different lighting that affects the mood in the room: dimmable lights, twinkling light strings, disco balls, black lights, or colorful LED lighting. Often times, DJ's are able to supply the mood lighting if couples communicate ahead of time what vibe they're looking to create.
Table arrangements matter too. Position tables and chairs near the dance floor to create an unobstructed area for movement. Aim for no more than 60% of your venue space to be occupied by seating, leaving ample room for dancing and mingling. At The Gathering Place, if space is maxed out with tables, we encourage couples to remove tables that are not being used after dinner, to create space for a larger dance floor area.
Start with Special Dances
Start the evening with your couple’s first dance, then follow with the parent dances. This can build excitement before inviting all guests to join in on the fun! We all know the dance steps to the Cha-Cha Slide or the Macarena! Kicking off your dance party with these songs that create momentum is an excellent way to encourage participation.
It is important, as you plan, for these special moments to happen pretty quickly, perhaps within the first 30 minutes to 1 hour of your reception. This sets the fun vibe that makes it easier for everyone (even kids!) to join in on the celebration after they're done eating.
Use Fun Props
Adding unique props to your dance party can help break the ice and energize your guests. Consider items like glow sticks or glow wands, feather boas, or funny hats that guests can wear while showing off their best moves.
One of our most memorable wedding receptions at The Gathering Place included a dance party on our outdoor patio with all the guests waving around glow wands as they danced the night away! These unique additions certainly sparked laughter and encouraged even the shyest guests to have fun!
Create Dance Floor Challenges
While researching these strategies, I found something I've never heard of before - dance challenges. Ask your DJ to prompt a dance-off to encourage guests to showcase their best dance moves. Every wedding has guests that love to be the center of attention, why not foster this and add a next level of fun?! Even the guests observing will enjoy a good dance competition! Remember, the goal is to sustain an atmosphere where every guest feels included in the celebration.
Play the Classics
While today's upbeat hits can get the crowd moving, classic songs hold adifferent kind of powerful factor. These songs may remind your guests of their own wedding day, or their years as a young person. By including these classics, guests of all generations will resonate and connect with these well-loved classics.
I'm talking hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's & 90's that get everyone singing along. Songs like "Sweet Caroline" or "Twist and Shout" are always fan favorites that bring generations together to join in on celebrating.
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Keep Refreshments Flowing
Keeping your guests hydrated and happy is so important. The bartenders on our vendors list at The Gathering Place offer a wide range of drinks, including classic options, signature cocktails, and mocktails.
Work with your bartenders and prepare your drink list ahead of time. Keep the bar well-stocked to make sure the drinks flow all night, as an uninterrupted flow of beverages keep the energy levels up, ensuring there never a dull moment on the dance floor.
Capturing The Moments
A wedding reception should be full of so much fun! Encouraging guests to participate in dancing often lays the groundwork for such a fun wedding reception. When you secure the right entertainment, create a welcoming atmosphere, and make conscious choices in how to share the vibe with your guests, you can unleash all the fun on the dance floor at your Champaign, IL wedding reception.
So get your creative juices flowing and turn your special day into an unforgettable event as everyone shares in dancing together!
Thank you so much for reading our blog today! We pride ourselves on supporting other local business owners and enjoy adding those special touches that only small business's can bring! There is so much value in choosing to support local when considering wedding planning; from a higher level of hospitality, to our intentional communication that aligns with our desire to make your day as seamless as possible. We in turn, value supporting small business venue owners from around the U.S., and are thrilled to give a shout out to this weeks featured venues:
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