31/10/2024
Avoid These DJ Disasters! Andy’s Ultimate Tips for a Legendary Wedding Dance Floor!
Hey there, future Party People. I’m here to spill the tea on how to turn your wedding reception into an epic night that’ll have everyone talking (and nursing sore feet) for days. So let’s dive right into the must-dos and the absolute don’ts to make sure your big day ends on a high note, pun totally intended.
Do: Give Your DJ a Vibe, Not a Bible
We get it, you’ve got music taste! But remember, handing me a 100-song playlist is like handing me a musical prison sentence. You hired a DJ to make your life easier and your party better, so trust us to keep the night jumping. Tell me the kind of vibe you want: “We’re thinking ‘90s throwbacks” or “A mix of pop and classic rock that’ll get Aunt Edna and my college friends on the same dance floor.” Then, sit back and let me work the magic.
Don’t: Book a Cathedral for 40 People
Imagine this: your DJ’s cranking out Mr Brightside, but there are only 40 people scattered across a venue that could host the Olympics. Sound weird? That’s because it is weird. Huge venues swallow sound, and even the best DJ in the world can’t create a lively atmosphere if there’s enough space for a football game between the dance floor and the bar. A cozy venue, on the other hand, makes the energy electric!
Do: Don’t Skimp on the Pros, Hire That Photographer and Videographer!
Sure, Uncle Bob has a “nice camera,” but believe me, you’ll thank yourself later if you go for the pros. A professional photographer and videographer know how to capture every amazing moment, from your friends tearing it up on the dance floor to that impromptu conga line led by Grandma. These are the memories you’ll want to relive in crystal-clear detail, not as blurry blobs on someone’s phone! And trust me, once the night’s over, you’ll regret not having those incredible photos and videos to look back on.
Do: Allow for Some Surprises
Yes, you’ve chosen your song for the first dance, the father-daughter song, and maybe even a party starter or two, but give your DJ some room to read the crowd! You’ll be surprised how much a well-timed throwback hit can make even the grumpiest guest forget they’re holding a drink and just go for it. That’s the beauty of a pro DJ we know when to drop that guilty-pleasure tune that’ll get everyone moving.
Don’t: Turn Your DJ Booth into a Free-For-All Jukebox
Sure, your guests mean well when they keep suggesting “Play Sweet Caroline!” (spoiler: we will play it eventually). But too many requests turn your DJ into a musical order-taker, not the master of ceremony you hired us to be! If you want to encourage song requests, go ahead, but set a few boundaries, or you’ll end up hearing every “unique” song suggestion from here to Tuesday.
Do: Light Up the Party – Literally!
Adding light-up batons, glow sticks, or fun props like party shades can crank the atmosphere up by a mile! These small touches are absolute game-changers on the dance floor. Imagine your guests waving colorful glow batons during I Gotta Feeling, it turns a good party into a legendary one. And who doesn’t look fabulous in oversized shades? Plus, these props loosen up even the most shy guests, so before you know it, everyone’s letting loose and lighting up the night!
Don’t: Kill the Lights Too Soon
Mood lighting is your friend, and while those chandeliers may be dreamy, a little low lighting goes a long way. When people can see everyone else on the dance floor, they’ll feel shy about letting loose. But dim the lights just right, and bam they’re much more likely to go wild. Plus, I look even cooler with my DJ lights flashing in the dark.
Do: Be Open to a Little Cheese (Trust Me)
Look, there’s a reason why songs like YMCA and Don’t Stop Believin’ are crowd-pleasers. They bring people together, young and old. Even if it’s not your vibe, your grandma will light up when she hears a bit of ABBA, and before you know it, she’s showing your cousin’s date how to properly twirl to Dancing Queen. Trust me, a sprinkle of cheese is like salt it makes everything tastier.
The Serious Party Pooper: Drunk Guest Drama
Alright, here’s a serious tip: Don’t let your party be hijacked by that one drunk guest. You know the type, maybe it’s your cousin, maybe it’s your college buddy, or maybe it’s a complete wild card. They start out requesting a song or two, but before long, they’re giving me cut-throat gestures from the middle of the dance floor, demanding I stop the song they don’t like. It’s awkward, it’s distracting, and, yep, sometimes it can even get a little…threatening!
Look, I’m all for the energy and enthusiasm, but if this guest becomes too much, I’ll have no choice but to pause the party until they’re escorted out my booth area. I’m here to make sure everyone has a good time, and that means I can’t have one person spoiling the mood. Let’s keep the fun rolling and leave the drama for the soap operas!
Bonus Pro-Tip: Feed Your DJ (Hey, I’m Human!)
This may sound trivial, but a fed DJ is a happy DJ. If I’m well-fed, I’m more likely to stay energized and throw my all into those last few hours. Plus, a hungry DJ isn’t exactly the life of the party. So toss a little love my way, and I’ll make sure every second is unforgettable.
In summary: Trust your DJ, embrace a little spontaneity, keep things cozy, add some fun props, handle that one guest, and whatever you do don’t hand me a list longer than my arm or give me a dance floor in a different postcode from the bar. Follow these tips, and we’ll be lighting up that dance floor in style!
Mobile Party DJ covering Lancashire and Cumbria. DJ Andy Richardson dj-andy-richardson mobile-disco-preston mobile-disco-blackpool mobile-disco-bowness mobile-disco-windermere mobile-disco-kendal
