Category Archives: chicago wedding djs

Wedding DJ services

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding DJ Services

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Choosing the perfect wedding DJ services can make or break your special day. The right DJ doesn’t just play music; they set the tone, manage the flow of events, and keep guests entertained all night long. At An Enchanted Evening, we understand how crucial it is to select a DJ who can transform your wedding into an unforgettable experience. Here are some essential tips for choosing the perfect wedding DJ services.

Choosing the Perfect Wedding DJ Services

Understand Your Needs

Before you start your search, it’s important to understand what you want from your wedding DJ services. Are you looking for someone who can provide a high-energy dance party, or do you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere? Do you need a DJ who can also serve as an MC and handle announcements? Make a list of your requirements to ensure that the DJ you choose can meet your expectations.

Research and Reviews

One of the best ways to find reliable wedding DJ services is through research and reviews. Start by asking friends and family for recommendations. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights into a DJ’s reliability and performance. Websites like The Knot and WeddingWire offer extensive reviews of local DJs, making it easier to narrow down your options.

Meet in Person

Schedule in-person meetings or video calls once you have a shortlist of potential Wedding DJ services. This face-to-face interaction can give you a better sense of their personality and professionalism. Discuss your vision for the wedding, including the type of music you want, any special requests, and how they handle transitions between different parts of the event.

Experience and Expertise

When selecting wedding DJ services, experience is crucial. A seasoned DJ can read the crowd, maintain high energy levels, and seamlessly transition between songs and events. Ask potential DJs about their experience with weddings, as this can differ significantly from other events. A seasoned wedding DJ will be familiar with common wedding traditions and timelines, ensuring a seamless flow throughout your big day.

Equipment and Backup Plans

Quality equipment is essential for great wedding DJ services. Ask potential DJs about the type of equipment they use, including sound systems, microphones, and lighting. Ensure they have backup equipment available in case of technical issues. Additionally, inquire about their contingency plans for unexpected events, such as power outages or inclement weather.

Music Library and Customization

Every couple has unique musical tastes, and your wedding DJ should be able to accommodate yours. Discuss the DJ’s music library and their flexibility in accepting song requests. Many top-notch wedding DJ services offer customized playlists that reflect your preferences, ensuring that the soundtrack to your wedding is precisely what you envisioned. Don’t forget to discuss the “do-not-play” list to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Pricing and Packages

While cost should not be the sole factor in your decision, it’s important to understand the pricing and packages offered by different wedding DJ services. Compare quotes from multiple DJs, keeping in mind that cheaper isn’t always better. Consider the value provided in each package, including the quality of equipment, level of experience, and additional services such as lighting or photo booths.

Contact Our Experts at An Enchanted Evening in Chicago

Selecting the perfect wedding DJ services involves careful research, thorough interviews, and a clear understanding of your needs and preferences. 

At An Enchanted Evening, we are dedicated to providing stellar DJ services that will make your wedding day truly magical. Contact our team in Chicagoland by calling (847) 490-1000 to explore our services.

Event lighting

Why Event Lighting Matters: Transforming Your Wedding Venue

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When planning a wedding, couples often focus on the big-ticket items: the dress, the venue, the catering, and the music. However, event lighting is one crucial element that can truly transform your wedding venue and elevate the entire experience. At An Enchanted Evening, we understand the power of well-executed event lighting and how it can make your special day even more magical. Here’s why event lighting matters and how it can transform your wedding venue.

The Importance of Event Lighting

Creating the Perfect Ambiance

Event lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and ambiance of your wedding. Whether you want a romantic, intimate atmosphere or a vibrant, party-like vibe, the right lighting can effortlessly achieve this. Soft, warm lighting can create a cozy and inviting environment, while dynamic, colorful lighting can energize the space and encourage guests to hit the dance floor. By carefully selecting and placing lighting elements, you can control the overall feel of your wedding and ensure it aligns with your vision.

Highlighting Key Features

Every wedding venue has unique features that can be highlighted through strategic event lighting. Focused lighting can accentuate architectural details, floral arrangements, and décor elements, drawing attention to these beautiful aspects. Uplighting, for instance, can emphasize columns, walls, and drapery, adding depth and dimension to the venue. Pinspot lighting can spotlight centerpieces and cake tables, ensuring they stand out in photographs and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Enhancing Photography and Videography

Great lighting is essential for capturing stunning photos and videos. Professional photographers and videographers rely on adequate lighting to produce high-quality images and footage. Event lighting can help eliminate harsh shadows, provide balanced illumination, and beautifully highlight the bride and groom. With well-planned lighting, your wedding photos and videos will look more polished and professional, preserving your memories in the best possible way.

Creating a Cohesive Theme

Event lighting can tie together all the elements of your wedding theme, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. By using lighting to complement your color palette, you can enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For instance, if you’re having a winter wonderland-themed wedding, cool blue and white lighting can evoke the feeling of a snowy landscape. On the other hand, warm amber and gold lighting can enhance a rustic, autumnal theme. The possibilities are endless, and with expert guidance, you can achieve the perfect look for your special day.

Safety and Functionality

Beyond aesthetics, event lighting also serves practical purposes by improving safety and functionality. Well-lit pathways, exits, and outdoor areas ensure guests can safely navigate the venue. This is especially important for evening weddings or venues with uneven terrain. Additionally, functional lighting in dining areas ensures that guests can enjoy their meals comfortably, while appropriate lighting on the dance floor keeps the energy high without compromising safety.

Customizable Options

One of the greatest advantages of event lighting is its versatility and customizability. From string lights and chandeliers to LED uplights and gobo projections, there are countless lighting options to choose from. The ability to personalize your lighting design ensures that your wedding is uniquely yours and reflects your personal style.

Contact Our Team Today

At An Enchanted Evening, we specialize in providing exceptional event lighting solutions that will make your wedding day truly enchanting. By prioritizing event lighting, you can ensure that your special day shines brightly in every way. Call (847) 490-1000 to schedule a meeting with our team in Chicago, IL. 

wedding services

Four Wedding Services You Can’t Do Without

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Staying on budget while planning a wedding creates a challenge, but prioritizing the wedding services you truly need to create an unforgettable matrimonial moment makes things easier. When planning your wedding, there are some must-have services that you simply do not want to overlook. Here are the top four wedding services you do not want to overlook.

1. Photographer

Hiring a photographer tops the list of needed wedding services because this individual or team of professionals documents your engagement, wedding, and reception. Some photography companies offer packages that include coverage of your wedding shower, bachelor party, and bachelorette party. According to Wedding Wire, 90% of couples hire a wedding photographer.

2. Florist

A florist or floral designer provides one of the most memorable wedding services because everyone experiences it. Most couples choose to match their flower colors to those of the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s cummerbunds. The sights and smells of these floral arrangements create the ambiance that underlies and reinforces the romantic setting. A florist often brings the vases, planters, stands, and other decorative elements as a part of their overall design scheme. Some of these wedding professionals provide archways or other entry points covered with vines or flowers.

3. Baker/Caterer

Following your magical wedding, turn to a caterer who also bakes wedding cakes for the food at your wedding reception. Finding these combined wedding services does not take as much research as some might think. When contacting caterers initially to determine availability and menus, ask if they bake wedding cakes. Many caterers do hire staff bakers so that you can combine the two needs and contract just one service provider for both needs.

4. Professional DJ

Create an unforgettable reception by hiring a professional disc jockey (DJ) to spin records at your wedding reception. The wedding services provided by professional DJs extend to emceeing the event and entertaining guests with rapport and humor. DJ services typically include a professional digital sound system, as well as dance floor lighting, disco lights, and uplighting that transforms the reception venue. Some DJ services provide initial lighting or write your name in lights at the reception venue as a part of the dance floor décor.

Book an Award-Winning Professional DJ in Chicago

Since 1998, An Enchanted Evening has performed at more than 6,000 events in the Chicagoland area. Those standout performances have earned us over a dozen industry awards in the past decade, including The Knot’s Hall of Fame Award and Wedding Wire’s Couples Choice Award. We’ve won The Knot’s Best of Weddings Award nine times in the past decade!

No matter where you plan your wedding in the Chicagoland area, it is essential that you choose the DJ services that provide more than music. Our top-quality wedding services engage guests, encourage fun and dancing, and help create a celebratory atmosphere for your marriage. Call us today at 847-490-1000 to plan the music and entertainment for your wedding reception and book our DJ. Our team has various services that can help transform your wedding and ensure your guests remember it for years to come.

Chicago event

How to Make Your Next Chicago Event a Memorable Experience

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Individuals, families, businesses, schools, and non-profits plan parties, gatherings, and fundraisers every day in The Windy City, but how do you make your next Chicago event more successful than any other? In just four steps, you can create a fabulous and unforgettable special event that Chi-Town will never forget. Read on to learn how to do it.

1. Choose the Right Chicago Event Venue

Skip the backyard barbeque or school gymnasium as your venue. Make your next Chicago event a hit with everyone by choosing the perfect location, such as the Metropolitan Club Chicago or the Hyatt Downtown Chicago. Both of these venues regularly host major events and personal celebrations, so their staff has the experience needed to help you create a memorable event, regardless of what you are celebrating. Because these venues offer many room sizes and configurations, you can rent a suitable space for your event needs.

2. Entertain Guests With a Professional DJ/MC

Nothing helps bring together the attendees of your Chicago event like a professional emcee. Hiring a professional disc jockey (DJ) provides you with more than someone to spin records. These entertainment professionals serve as event hosts and emcees, entertaining the crowd with humor and music. They also engage the crowd at your event, getting them involved in ongoing icebreakers, interactive booths, or experiences and encouraging them to take to the dance floor, creating an authentic party atmosphere.

3. Serve Food and Drink at Interactive Stations

What do we mean by an interactive food station? Eventbrite defines an interactive food station as one at which the attendees get to create their own meal instead of having a pre-plated meal served to them. Enliven your next Chicago event with a hamburger bar, an ice cream sundae bar, and a make-it-yourself coffee bar. Other ideas include a stir-fry bar, Mongolian barbeque, or you-design-it pizzas. These options and others like them transform a meal into a fun, interactive experience that encourages laughter, talking, and an exchange of ideas.

4. Provide Fun Photo Booths

Help everyone memorialize the day using social photo booths. Hosting a photo booth lets each person or family sit down for a series of photos in private. Instead of waiting for a photographer to post party pics to a website, the attendees of your next Chicago event walk away with a strip of fun photos to scan, share, and frame. Like interactive food stations, social photo booths help attendees engage with one another. These fun booths offer a way for friends old and new to goof around and create a permanent memory of the soirée.

Getting Started With Your Next Chicago Event

Instead of trying to plan your upcoming Chicago event alone, enlist the assistance of An Enchanted Evening. We offer DJ services, event lighting, and three options for photo booths. Since 1998, we have helped residents and businesses in Chicago and the surrounding communities celebrate their lives and organizations’ special moments. Let us help you do the same.

An Enchanted Evening provides more than music and disco lights. We’re specialists in entertainment and event planning. When you meet with us for a consultation, we’ll introduce you to our online planning software to help you assemble a show-stopping event in Chicago. Call us today at 847-490-1000 to make your appointment and create the plan for your next Chicago celebration.

Wedding in Chicagoland

Things to Consider When Picking Your Wedding Venue

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There are so many things to consider when choosing a wedding venue for your big day. Whether you have a vision in mind or not, your wedding venue is only as good as you make it. There may be so many questions going through your mind as you tour venues. How much will this cost? How will the lightning hold up? How will the music sound? All of these can influence the choices you make. 

At An Enchanted Evening, no matter what wedding venue you choose, we will be sure to make it stand out. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your wedding venue. 

What Is Your Vision?

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a venue is what you and your partner want. Ask yourself what your wedding looks like and what you want people to see, taste, and experience. You should also consider what your non-negotiables are as well as your must-haves. When you have the answers to these questions, you will have more clarity in your search. 

While some people may want the wedding of the century, others may want an intimate gathering. While some may wish their night to be fairytale-like, others may want their wedding reception to feel like a nightclub. Consider the type of lighting, music, and activities you would like to include in your wedding, and then call An Enchanted Evening to fulfill your needs. 

What Is Your Budget?

Budget is a large factor when it comes to choosing a wedding venue. In 2023, the average cost of a wedding venue in Chicago is between $7,000 and $9,300. While these numbers are average for the area, your perfect wedding venue will fit your budget. There are several ways to decorate your venue, no matter the cost, that will make your wedding night as memorable as you want it to be. 

How Big Is Your Guest List?

In many cases, your guest list will determine the venue you choose. Obviously, for a larger wedding, you will need more space for seating and a dance floor. While a smaller wedding, you might be able to get away with less. When you determine how many guests you have, you can begin to look at venues that will accommodate your guest list. The last thing you want is to feel cramped when trying to enjoy your night. 

Make Your Wedding Venue Stand Out With Event Services From An Enchanted Evening

No matter the venue you choose, An Enchanted Evening can make it stand out from the rest. With DJ services, lighting, and photo booth rentals, An Enchanted Evening has everything you need to make your day special. 

An Enchanted Evening is a full-time, professional production company that has been delivering a good time to the Chicagoland area since 1998. We are committed to providing our clients with a stress-free and fun-filled wedding experience. Contact us today to find out how we can help you enhance your special day!

wedding dj

How to Select Music for Your Wedding DJ

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When planning your wedding, it can be easy to get lost in all of the tangible aspects of your event, such as your venue, attire, caterers, decor, and more. However, one important component that should never be overlooked is your music. Your wedding DJ knows that the type of music you play can either make or break the entire mood of your big day. So, how do you pick the right music and make sure everything goes smoothly? As a trusted premier provider of wedding music in Chicago, IL, our team at An Enchanted Evening shares some tips below:

Choosing the Right Music for Your Wedding

Get Inspired and Dig Deep

When thinking of what songs or types of music to ask your wedding DJ to play, get together with your partner to figure out what best suits your “vibe” as a couple. Open up your music streaming app and explore playlists together as you reminisce about what was on the airwaves when you two first met or even share about the kind of music you listened to growing up. By taking inspiration from music that has been a part of your life, you can provide your wedding DJ with a beautiful, natural foundation upon which to really make your story come alive.

Think of Your Most Important Songs

Was there any particular song you heard that made you realize they were “The One”? Did you perhaps share a glance or even a dance together to something sweet that was playing at your now-favorite bar? A list of all of your musical milestones can fill your wedding DJ with just as much contagious delight.

Break Down Your Playlist

After you’ve got an idea of what kind of music to play at your wedding, now it’s time to break it down into the specific flow of activities on your big day. A wedding is kind of like a movie or theatric performance; it has a build-up and a climax, with several highlights and downtimes along the way. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Arrival of Guests – At the start of your wedding, you’d want to play some light tunes or instrumentals to set the right mood for your guests.
  • Ceremony – Ceremony music is typically more emotional, romantic, and serious– but of course, it all depends on what you want it to be. 
  • Reception – During your reception, you can expect to play around with a mix of slow songs and fun grooves your crowd can engage with or dance to.
  • Wedding Dance – Known as the highlight of your wedding reception, your first dance as a married couple should be to a song that epitomizes your love and journey together and sets the right tone for your future ahead.

Collaborate With Your Wedding DJ

Of course, when in doubt, it’s always best to consult with the professional services of a wedding DJ. At An Enchanted Evening, our wedding DJs have several years of experience covering hundreds of weddings all around the Chicago area. We’ve heard just about every song there is and know what type of music works for every moment at every type of function.

Hire an Award-Winning Wedding DJ in Chicago, IL

An Enchanted Evening is your go-to source for the best wedding DJ in Chicago, IL. If you’re ready to get started planning your playlist today, contact us now for your complimentary consultation.

wedding DJ

Your Wedding DJ Might Be the Most Important Vendor

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Your wedding is arguably one of the most important days of your life. Some people spend months or even years preparing for this one day. Suffice it to say, every detail of the day must run smoothly after all the time and money put into it. The DJ you choose for your wedding can be one of your best or worst decisions. You may not realize it, but while the DJ is often overlooked in the planning process, they are one of the most important vendors for your big day.

Your DJ Does More Than Just Play Music

The DJ Sets the Tone throughout the Night

Have you ever been to an event where the music begins to change, and everyone just seems to know that it is time to wrap up the night? This is the work of a great DJ. Your wedding DJ is the person who sets the tone of the reception. They are the ones who introduce the couple for the first time, play the music that keeps people on the dance floor, and adjust the music to fit the energy of the room when things seem a bit dull. In addition, the DJ is one of the main people who enforces the timeline of the event. 

The DJ Creates Picture-Perfect Moments 

Some of the most memorable moments of a wedding night occur when everyone is up dancing and having a great time. A good wedding DJ works with you to create a playlist that helps capture your and your partner’s personality and style. They create the background music for the most special parts of the night. These moments include:

  • The Grand Entrance
  • A couple’s first dance
  • The Father-Daughter Dance 

In addition to sound, high-quality speakers, and microphones, your wedding DJ might also offer lighting for your event. In cohesion with the music for the event, your professional DJ will know just how to adjust the lights to set the perfect ambiance for your special moments. 

The DJ Helps The Night Run Smoothly

There can be slight variations to the schedule on the big day. Things may go off track, but a pro DJ can help keep things running smoothly so your guests won’t even notice. If a part of the program is not ready to ready, your wedding DJ should be able to pivot seamlessly. Let’s say dinner is running a few minutes behind, or the bride and groom have not arrived yet. The DJ is responsible for keeping the guests entertained in the meantime.

Award-Winning Wedding DJ in Chicagoland

At An Enchanted Evening, we understand the significance of your special day and strive to ensure everything runs as planned. Our wedding DJs in Chicagoland know what it takes to make your big day memorable. We offer DJ and lighting services to help make your day as special as it should be. To discover more about how we can help create a beautiful event for you and the people in your life, contact us today!

wedding dj

How Important Is a Wedding DJ?

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It’s the age-old question when planning a wedding: should I hire a band or a DJ? While you can certainly choose both if you have the resources for it, there is one option that’s significantly stronger than the other. Let’s be real, live music is great, but it can be expensive to hire. Plus, there’s so much more to managing a special event than just going up on stage and playing music. You have to think about the program, activities, transitions, and any unexpected things that might occur on the day of your wedding that your host has to be able to handle. A wedding DJ does all of this and more.

What Happens If You Don’t Hire a Wedding DJ?

If you do choose not to hire a wedding DJ for your big day, there’s a great chance that many things won’t go exactly as planned. This can be especially true if you’re planning a wedding of a pretty large scale. By investing in a talented wedding DJ that can handle all the aesthetic, technical, and hosting aspects of your program, you’ll be in a better position to avoid unfortunate mishaps and awkward situations that can potentially happen at your reception. After all, an emcee isn’t called a “master of ceremonies” for nothing.

What Do Wedding DJ Services Include?

Hosting Services

By hiring a wedding DJ, you can skip having to find a separate host for your reception if you were to go with a band instead. Your wedding DJ will act as your own personal emcee, ensuring that your whole event flows as smoothly as the music from the high-quality digital sound system.

Professional Equipment 

While some DJ companies may differ, at An Enchanted Evening, your wedding DJ will have everything needed to ensure your event’s success. This includes professional sound and speaker systems, wireless microphones, and even modern lighting systems to help create the perfect mood.

Back-Up Services & Equipment

At An Enchanted Evening, our professional team of wedding DJs and event staff is always equipped to handle any unexpected changes. By using our event services, you won’t ever have to worry about your DJ not showing up or equipment not working properly on the day of your wedding; our services include coverage for any unforeseen issues such as these.

Find the Best Wedding DJ in the Chicagoland Area

If you’re planning a wedding in the Chicagoland area, we invite you to check out An Enchanted Evening today. Our professional wedding DJs will ensure that your party guests have a great time dancing to the music you’ve requested. Our event company has been in operation since 1998, and our full-time, professional DJs and performers have participated in over 6,000 events. We’ve also received more than a dozen prestigious awards over the last decade, including the Hall of Fame Award and Best of Weddings Award from The Knot and the Couples’ Choice Award from WeddingWire. Schedule a personal consultation with us now by contacting (847) 490-1000.

chicagoland dj

What You Can Expect From a Chicagoland DJ

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A DJ can make or break your special night. 

They do far more than just play good music to dance to. With the right DJ, you can create an amazing event experience that your guests will remember forever. 

Don’t risk disappointing your guests with a Chicagoland DJ that falls flat.

Here’s what you can and should expect from a quality Chicagoland DJ. So you and your guests have a night to remember!

How Much Does a DJ Cost?

Disc jockeys in Chicago can range in cost depending on the package you are interested in along with the amount of time booked.

For example, extra uplighting and state-of-the-art equipment could cost extra. The location of your event can also cause the price of your DJ to go up by $100 in downtown Chicago versus elsewhere.

Wedding DJs’ prices in Chicago range from $1,200 to $3,585, depending on the company and the package you choose. Generally, a DJ’s rate is $100 to $150 an hour. Keep in mind they tend to charge more for weddings versus other events.

More Than Music!

Some DJs include professional wedding photography, photo booths, room decor, video montage production, your monogram in lights, and many other lighting and sound options.

This could be a more affordable option if you pay for everything included in one package deal. It also makes it easier when coordinating everything through one company.

Keep the Party Going

Disc jockeys do more than play music. They are an essential part of keeping your event running smoothly. Whether it’s a wedding or other important celebration, it can be difficult to keep everything on schedule.

The best disc jockeys in Chicago want to know your timeline so they can make announcements to keep everyone on track.

This could be to direct everyone’s attention to the cake cutting or quiet the room for an important speech. Your DJ also provides a sound system and microphones so everyone can easily hear the speaker.

Light Up the Night

Some disc jockeys also offer lighting options. While companies specialize in lighting for more extensive needs, some DJs also offer uplighting options as part of their services.

These are placed on the floor and pointed upwards to add ambiance to the dance floor or around the room. The right lighting can transform any room at night into an enchanting wonderland!

Crowd Pleaser

The right DJ knows how to keep your guests happy. This could be setting the mood by playing background music during dinner or hyping everyone up to get them on the dance floor.

Your DJ should want to know your expectations and what mood you want to set throughout the event. If you want a peaceful vibe instead of a rager, then they should respond accordingly.

DJs do way more than just play music, they’re your master of ceremonies (or emcee). They set the tone for your event and read the crowd to make sure everyone is having a good time.

Music Connoisseur

Your DJ should be able to help you pick the right music playlist for your event. This includes mashups and song cuts to keep the dance floor hopping all night long.

Not only does your DJ have an extensive library of music to choose from, but they can also edit songs to fit your plans for the night.

For example, if you want to switch from a slow dance to your favorite Lady Ga Ga jam – Your DJ can make it happen. They can also cut a song short if you don’t want the full-length ballad droning on too long for, say, the cake cutting.

Best Chicagoland DJ For You

You want your event to impress and delight your guests. That’s why choosing a DJ is such an important part of the event planning process. 

If you’re unsure of which Chicagoland DJ to choose, then we might be the right fit! Our team of experts is ready to assist you in creating the perfect ambiance and experience for your wedding or event.

Contact us today to receive a personal consultation. We also provide a live demonstration of our professional-grade audio equipment!

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Fun Wedding Reception Dances & Tips

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There are so many fun wedding reception dances and so many ways to take those dances to the next level. Best yet, there are so many ways to customize those dances and make the reception reflect your style as a couple. (Don’t forget to bring your wedding DJ into the mix when you plan out your fun wedding reception dances. They can give you ideas, help you capture those moments on camera, and make it extraordinary.)

Choreograph your wedding reception dance.

Your first dance is an opportunity to show your true personalities and your style as the couple. If you are planning a wedding with a retro theme, consider choosing a song and dance that reflects the decade. A wedding planned around a movie is the perfect chance to dance to one of the movie songs. If you don’t have a theme, the sky’s the limit for first dances and fun wedding reception dances routines. If your fiancé isn’t into choreographed dances, ask your parent to get in on the fun.

Practice, practice, practice.

If a choreographed dance isn’t your thing, or you want something more traditional, consider a more classic dance and head to a local dance studio. You can choose whatever dance fits you, and wow everyone as you glide across the dance floor with a classic dance favorite. Or, for an unexpected twist on wedding reception dances, come up with a new take on a traditional dance.

Get your wedding party in on the fun.

Want to make a big statement? Ask your wedding party if they want to have fun with a choreographed (or semi-choreographed) routine. While this may take a bit more scheduling and coordinating, the result is sure to make a big impression on guests. Plus, if you get your wedding DJ in on the fun, they can make a dance feel like the event of the year.

Throw a surprise into the mix.

The unexpected can make guests howl with laughter or sit in awe (or both). It’s fun to imagine the look on your guests’ faces when an unexpected guest shows up (such as a favorite relative or celebrity) or confetti falls from the rafters. There are so many ideas for wedding reception surprises, and so many ways to customize the surprise to fit with your wedding reception theme and/or atmosphere.

Add table games for non-dancers.

A great wedding reception goes beyond fun wedding reception dances and includes everyone. Table games are a great way to include non-dancers and give guests some down-time fun when they need a break. Plus, table games can become a group activity when your wedding DJ doubles as a game show host. (Ask your wedding DJ if they have experience with table games, plus these other wedding DJ questions, when hiring them.)

Personalized trivia about the couple can leave guests in stitches, or become a conversation starter as guests compare what they know about the couple. You can also take trivia onto the dance floor with fun games like the shoe game. (Make sure you hire a DJ with the experience to lead your dance floor games.)

End your wedding reception with a bang. (Not a literal one.)

If your venue allows it, make a big bang with an awesome firework show at the end of the night. Make sure you tell your DJ so they can discreetly direct guests to the windows or outside to view the show. (Don’t forget to put out late night snacks, like flavored popcorn, cotton candy, or another themed refreshment, for guests to enjoy during the fireworks.) It’s a great send off idea, or a way to hang out with your guests after the fun wedding reception dances are over.