How can a DJ make the dance floor “the place to be”?

A seasoned DJ can pack a dance floor if he is a true professional who can read a crowd and select tracks fitting for those for whom he has been compensated to entertain.  Chemistry among the guests and an “I want to dance” attitude also play strongly into how much dancing there will be at any event.  Certain frequencies and bass volumes will subconsciously drive people to the floor, however, some guests require more work to motivate them to dance.  In this event, a good DJ will have to rely on his or her expertise to get people to dance.  Smaller crowds are usually more of a challenge when it comes to dancing, but on the contrary, I have found that during these instances, a small crowd provides me with an opportunity to connect on a more intimate level with the guests, sometimes giving me unique emceeing opportunities and simply the enjoyment of watching a few couples enjoy closeness on the dance floor because of that “special song” I rolled out. 

For wedding receptions it is ill advised to instruct your DJ not to play mixers to include the Cha Cha Slide, YMCA, etc…   Without question, you may hate these songs, but for reasons unexplainable to mankind, they have a way of moving people to the dance floor “the hook” and once on the floor, a professional DJ will keep them planted.  On the contrary, a professional DJ will gladly honor your “do not play” list and will respect your wishes concerning the play list.  When thinking about music for your wedding reception, take your guests into account and think about what they might enjoy based on the age range of who will be in attendance.  Most couples want all of their guests to get caught up in the celebration and all will want to listen to music that will appeal to them.

During a typical 4-5 hour wedding reception, a DJ will bump between 70 and 85 songs and if your DJ has a good genre of music to include the top tracks from yesterday through today,   someone is going to dance.  The DJ you retain should be willing to accommodate requests and your guests will appreciate that.  Try to avoid micromanaging every song your DJ is to play and instead, place trust in their judgment to promote a format that will please your guests.  Being a DJ may appear easy to the onlooker, but it truly is a difficult job as it is impossible to please everyone.  Permit your DJ to experiment with the crowd and discover what really gets them going.  When working with my clients, my goal is to be an extension of who they are by planning accordingly with them for this very special occasion, their wedding day.  

Hire a professional, not a novice who thinks he can get the job done.  A professional DJ will want to create an unforgettable experience for you while a “Hack” or “Novice” DJ just wants a paycheck.  Every market is saturated with DJ’s these days and anyone with an ipod and set of speakers considers themselves a DJ.  This couldn’t be further from the truth as a professional DJ wears many hats to include business ethics, salesmanship, broad knowledge of music, interpersonal skills, speaking & presentation, planning and so much more……….  Before you retain the services of a DJ for your special event, arrange a meeting with the DJ and before you sign an agreement, establish mutual comfort levels and have a strong conviction you have chosen the right DJ for your event.  After all, your DJ will make or break your celebration; period.