This is what we want. A FULL dance floor, right?

Well then why do things sometimes go wrong?

1. Lack of communication between couple and DJ.

The DJ needs to know what is expected of him or her so the best possible event can take place. DJs who are inexperienced and don't know how to read a crowd can turn your wedding into a disaster! Make sure your DJ has a proven track record and REFERENCES. Check them! Explain exactly what is expected of the DJ. If you don't tell them, they probably won't know!

2. Poor bride & groom participation.

Guests want to see the bride & groom out dancing, because they are the stars of the evening. The reception is a time for the bride & groom to thank their guests for showing support and celebrating their special day with them. Even if you are not a big dancer, you should make every effort possible to participate on the dance floor. At the very least, get out there for the slow songs. Guests see you having fun and they'll want to join in!

3. Slow start.

The receiving line at the dinner and the early part of the reception should be used to greet as many guests as possible, so time can be freed up for guests to tear it up on the dance floor! Guests want to see the bride & groom having fun, too! Loosen up and forget who's watching. It's your special night! It's the DJs job to collaborate with the bride & groom to make sure the dinner moves along smoothly. Guests will sit forever if they are allowed to. Don't let them leave! The music should start as soon as dishes and tables are cleared away and give guests a reason to stick around!

4. Dollar Dance Drag.

Yes, the Dollar Dance is an important part of a wedding reception, but it will bore some of your guests to tears once they've finished their turn on the floor. Make sure the maid of honor and best man (or the money collectors) know to limit each participant's turn to about 30 seconds or the event will drag on too long. DJ should not have the music too loud, as this is another opportunity for the bride and groom to visit with their guests.

5. Prolonging Dollar Dance.

Right after the Dollar Dance, the DJ should kick it into high gear and keep it going for about a half hour! Your guests have been sitting and are itching to get out there and strut their stuff!    

What if guests aren't dancing?

Luckily, 90% of crowds will respond to a fast dance song like "Jailhouse Rock," "Pretty Woman," or "Old Time Rock 'N Roll." If they are a very tough crowd, try a participation game like the Chicken Dance, Twist, or Hokey Pokey, especially if you have a lot of kids.

Many people love to do the Twist, this will almost always get people of all ages out on the floor! Immediately after that, play a slow song which will appeal to all age groups. The next song is very important, and if handled properly, should keep guests on the floor. Try "Do You Love Me?" "Do Wah Diddy," or "Rock Around the Clock." If the crowd is having trouble getting going, a quality DJ will do anything in his or her power to ensure that people will have fun! Most people WANT TO HAVE FUN! They just need a little persuasion sometimes. If people aren't dancing, change what you're doing right away! Then try: Switching the music, a participation game or dance, DJ get out there and show 'em how it's done! Encourage people onto the floor. Ask the guests you DO have dancing to go out into the crowd and bring back at least two people! This works great, especially with the Loco-Motion!

7. Improper Requests.

The wrong kind of requests can pose problems for DJs, but if handled the right way, everyone's happy! All DJs must take requests. This is part of the customer service agreement! However, it's important to try limiting requests to those songs which work well on a dance floor. 95% of guests will make appropriate requests. Discuss this with your bride & groom to gauge their feelings on the other 5%! Most couples want danceable songs which appeal to a large number of guests. Make every effort to play as many requests as you can, and do dedications whenever possible. And, if the bride & groom want something, by all means play it ASAP! Keep in mind, though, there's only time for 75-80 songs during a typical wedding dance. It's important to play a great mix of music that will keep your guests dancing!