As a wedding professional for over 15 years, I have participated in hundreds of celebrations. As a result of these experiences, I have developed 14 tips that will make for a better wedding reception. The more you can adhere to these tips, the more likely your reception will be a success!

1. Strongly consider an indoor over an outdoor reception

 

This first tip can be one of the biggest impacts on the success of your event. Let me start off by saying some of the most beautiful and enjoyable weddings I have been a part have been held outdoors. However I have experience numerous events impacted negatively due to hot or cold temperatures, rain, wind, and complaints of the music being too loud from venue owners and/or their neighbors. People can’t enjoy themselves if they are not comfortable. Every bride envisions their wedding day having temperatures in the 70’s, sunny blue skies with no wind or rain when in reality that isn’t always the case. In 2008, I had 5 outdoor weddings that were impacted negatively by adverse weather or sound complaints. By having an indoor wedding you eliminate a whole host of problems from these environmental factors that can negatively impact your reception. If you have a summer outdoor wedding, consider having it later in the evening when temperatures are more comfortable and the sun has set.

2. Entertainment should be a focal point of your reception

 

Don’t cram your entertainment off to the side. Entertainment should be seen by all the guests. Powerful entertainment will work to fill the dance floor and must be seen as part of the action, not just the side show.

3. Where you seat your older guests is important to their enjoyment

 

Older guests should never be seated by the dance floor or near the speakers. This should be self explanatory.

4. Too small of a dance floor is better than having one that is too big

 

It creates the illusion whether real or not that the floor is full. In doing this people are more likely to dance when the crowd is dense rather than feeling they are the only ones out there. Take it from the people who know about dancing and motivating crowds, not from venue manager trying to sell you why a large dance floor is so important. If people end up dancing on the carpet or grass, the story of how your dance floor was so packed that they couldn’t even fit on it only further reinforces my point.

5. Darker is better than lighter for dancing

 

People feel less of a spectacle, less on stage when they think they are harder to see. That is why crime increases at night. If you are having an outdoor reception in the summer, consider having it later in the evening when the temperature is more comfortable and the sun has gone down and there is less light. One great advantage of an indoor reception is you generally can control the lighting in the room to achieve this effect.

6. Keep the exit doors closed

 

Having doors open invites people to their cars. It also lets light into the room which works with the same psychology as tip #5. You want to keep the focus in the reception room as long as possible. Brides and grooms should never stand by the exit door unless they want people to leave. I’ve seen rooms drain guests rapidly one by one when the bride and groom stand by the exit door.

7. Bar & Desserts should be in the same room as the entertainment

 

These are popular draws for people’s attention and can pull from the dance floor. If possible, have the bar and/or dessert table near the dance area as part of the whole entertainment experience. Oftentimes when the bar closes, people get the impression that the party is over. We strongly encourage you to keep the bar open the full length you plan on having entertainment.

8. Happy music keeps things going

 

Avoid choosing any songs that have a negative message. Respect the musical opinions of your DJ, since we do this for a living. A fundamental rule with music is people will not dance to music they do not know. Your reception is not the place to play obscure music that can negatively impact the dance floor. Let the disc jockey exercise his tools and really work his craft that you are paying him for.

9. Consider not doing a dollar dance

 

Why? When the bride and groom are doing this, the guests realize they can’t be seen slipping out the door and can definitely stop the momentum of a great party. If you want to do a dollar dance, do it early after the main dances and limit it to three songs.

10. People remember the beginning and end of an event

 

This is why we strongly recommend having your DJ play during the cocktail hour and have him do a powerful grand introduction to begin the reception. This helps your disc jockey build a rapport early and puts him in a more powerful position to work your crowd all night long.

11. It’s best to have all traditions, speeches, and photographs of the bridal party done and out of the way before the dancing begins

 

I have seen more parties lose steam because the bridal party has pictures taken after the bridal dance. Please have all your pictures done with your photographer before dancing begins. You may have to invest an extra hour earlier in the day, but it will save you from losing momentum and potential on your dance floor.

12. Consider having your rehearsal dinner two nights instead of one night before the reception

 

Why? I have seen bridal parties that were hung over the next day. They were already burnt out and it makes it difficult for the disc jockey to build any inertia throughout the evening.

13. A party should end when it shouldn’t end

 

Ending a party before it dies down leaves everyone the impression the floor was packed all night and nobody wanted to leave. It just feels better when people leave wanting more verses being totally burnt out with just a few guests staying to the bitter end strolling out of the venue.

14. If you have to cut corners, don’t compromise on your entertainment

 

I have heard from many clients who attend weddings prior to their own where there is no DJ present and they described how dead and unorganized the reception can become. It’s not just the music, it’s also the interaction, announcements and dancing that makes hiring a skilled DJ an excellence choice. We don’t just play music. We Emcee your event and help smoothly transition from one event to another. We also offer a variety of fun activities that can enhance your event. Also consider how a DJ can enhance the experience not just for you and your guests, but also the photographer and videographer to capture some really great images of your celebration.

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Authored by Dave Meine from DJ Dave’s Mobile Disc Jockey Entertainment.

Dave Meine is a leading wedding entertainer from Boise, Idaho. He has been designing successful wedding celebrations for couples for over 16 years.

Tags: advice, reception, successful wedding receptions, tips, tips for successful wedding reception, wedding receptions