Tips From a Wedding Photographer
Virginia Beach – Kent Island
Your wedding reception is a celebration of love, joy, and togetherness. It’s a time when friends and family gather to celebrate your special day, and you want the dance floor to be as lively and energetic as possible. As a wedding photographer based in Norfolk, Virginia and traveling around the Eastern Shore, I’ve seen what keeps guests grooving all night long.
Here are some tips to ensure your reception is a hit and your dance floor stays packed!
Tips: Keeping Guests on the Dance Floor
STICK TOGETHER ON THE DANCE FLOOR
Your guests will follow your lead. If you and your partner are on the dance floor, your guests will be encouraged to join. The reception flies by quickly, so make the most of it together and keep the energy high.
MAKE A QUICK SPEECH
Before opening the dance floor, grab the microphone and invite your guests to join you. An invitation can set the tone for the evening and encourage everyone to get up and dance.
PHOTO-BOOTH
Set up a photo booth near the dance floor with props and backdrops that encourage silly poses. Encourage guests to share a copy of their photos with you with a hashtag or app—then join the dance floor once they’re there. Hire a local photo-booth company or create a DIY backdrop.
DANCE GAMES & ACTIVITIES
Consider incorporating dance games to engage your guests. Activities like a dance-off with guests or a conga line can break the ice and get everyone involved, making for a lively and entertaining night. Nothing better than seeing Grandma out there dancing!
CAPTURE GROUP PHOTOS
Throughout the reception, I’ll be walking around capturing group photos, which is a great way to get guests onto the dance floor. Encourage your friends and family to join in for a photo, and they will likely stick around to dance with you afterward!
LATE NIGHT SNACK BREAK
Schedule a late-night snack break with delicious treats like fries and sliders or a dessert bar with sliced cake. This will give guests a reason to come off the dance floor for a moment but will also keep them energized to hit the dance floor with you afterward.
INCORPORATE FUN ELEMENTS
Add some excitement with fun party elements like a bubble machine, personalized sunglasses, or glow sticks. These items can create a playful atmosphere and give guests an extra reason to hit the dance floor.
Props You Can Incorporate into Your Reception to Entertain Guests:
- Bubble Machine
2. Personalized Sunglasses
3. Foam Glow Sticks
4. Inflatable Guitars/Microphones
5. Large Prints of Pet(s)
Final Thoughts
By incorporating these elements, you can ensure that your dance floor remains the heart of your celebration. Remember, your wedding day is a reflection of your love and joy, and the dance floor is where you can truly let loose and celebrate with your loved ones. Let’s make your reception an unforgettable party filled with laughter, dancing, and lasting memories!
Thanks for exploring this guide on the How to Keep The Dance Floor Packed at Your Wedding Reception. If you’re an engaged couple in Maryland, Virginia, or anywhere on the Eastern Shore, I would LOVE to help bring your vision to life. With each wedding package, you’ll recieve a complimentary engagement session, detailed timeline planning, and much more to ensure your day is perfectly captured.
Don’t wait! I’m currently booking 2025 & 2026 WEDDINGS! Reach out today to learn more about how I can help you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s start planning your dream wedding together.
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All Photos by: Karlie Whitt Photography
