7 Ways To Get Your Wedding Guests Dancing

Everybody can get a little shy on the dance floor, but a wedding with an empty funk floor, groove ground, boogie zone (go ahead, stop me now) is just sad. Don't let this catastrophe befall your wedding night. If you are wondering how to get your wedding guests dancing (and keep them dancing) all night long, here are seven tricks that will guarantee everyone is out on that dance floor having the time of their lives. You're so very welcome.

As beautiful as a wedding ceremony is, and as delicious as wedding cake is, it really is the partying that makes a wedding memorable. It's supposed to be the happiest day of your life, and that sentiment is always reflected by how much fun you're having on your big day. And guess what? If your guests aren't having fun, then you're probably not either.

It doesn't matter if somebody has two left feet, or is a Beyonce-in-training, everybody should fill the dance floor, and have a ball while doing so. While having a killer reception playlist is always a good idea, you may need a few more tips to get the crowd moving and grooving. From taking song requests to dimming the lights, these easy ideas can take you and your guests far when it comes to hitting the dance floor.

1. Take song requests

Everybody and their mom has a song they can get excited about. Let them make requests to help get the crowd enthused. The second a guest hears "his song" come on, it's only a matter of seconds before he's leading the way onto the dance floor.

2. Have a live band

DJs are OK, but a live band will have your friends and family up on their feet in an instant. There's just something about live music that a DJ can't match. Call it energy, call it presence, call it whatever you like... just make sure it's there.

3. Keep the drinks flowing

An open bar can help fill an open dance floor. Sometimes, it takes some magic juice to get the limbs feeling loose, and the self-conscious attitude thrown out the back door.

4. Throw in "The Cha Cha Slide"

This song is perfect for filling the dance floor, because it literally tells you how to dance. You can't get nervous about dancing when you're getting instructions on how to do it.

5. Dim the lights

Just like how some people like the lights dimmed in the bedroom, some people like the lights low on the dance floor. It helps take away the idea that everybody's watching you (even though they're not... they never are).

6. Bring on the glow sticks

The most fun I ever had at a wedding was when the bride and groom brought out hundreds of glow sticks for everybody on the dance floor. Giving people a physical prop helps them get more "into it."

7. Make sure you have the right sized dance floor

A dance floor that is too big will feel empty, even if there is a fair amount of people dancing. A dance floor that is too small will keep people from joining in. Find that perfect ground when you're picking out a reception location — it really is key.

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