How Can We Get People to Start Dancing at Our Reception?

After all the formalities (you know, walking down the aisle and taking seemingly endless pictures), it’s time to get to the fun part of your wedding: The dance party! With the right band or DJ, a little mood lighting, and a glass of champagne, it’s the perfect place to spend your reception, surrounded by your friends and family. The only hard part? Getting people to start dancing! Here are a few tips from our experts to let guests know all the traditions are over and it’s time to get down.

As you’re moving from dinner into dancing, a great way to transition is to schedule those remaining traditions back-to-back. Open with your first dance, followed by your father-daughter and mother-son dances. Then, head off to the side to cut the cake — a little bit of sugar will get you in the mood for dancing! As soon as you’ve shared that celebratory slice, have your band or DJ invite everyone onto the dance floor to join you.

Want to kick the party off on a high note? Choose a song the two of you love, whether it’s “Footloose” or Pharrell’s “Happy,” and boogie down right away. The sight of you having a blast and totally grooving will inspire your guests to do the same. Are they reluctant to join you in the spotlight? Don’t be afraid to grab someone’s hand and pull them onto the dance floor! More will follow as the gang gets bigger.

See more: 15 Wedding Shoes Made for Dancing

If you really want to make sure the dance floor starts off packed, work with your caterer to time when the cake will be cut and served, and when any late-night snacks will come out. Try to schedule around 10 minutes between the cake cutting and when slices are available, which is enough time for three or four songs that will set the tone for the evening. When it comes to late night snacks, schedule them for the band’s break or for about half an hour to an hour later, when energy may start waning. Nothing keeps a dance party going like extra fuel!

And of course, the most important thing to remember is that if you two are dancing, your guests will dance. So get out there and feel the beat!