At most wedding receptions, the meal is traditionally down-time. You don’t want the music so loud during a meal that guests cannot easily talk to each other. On the other hand, you want your wedding to be fun and having a half hour or more of dead space can bring down the fun vibe of the wedding party. Yes, party. After all, a wedding reception is meant to be a big party! So, how do you keep the party going, while still allowing for a peaceful meal?
- Look at your tables. Which guests are most likely to have problems talking with even moderate background noise? Guests with any degree or hearing loss may find background noise troublesome when they are trying to make conversation. Seat them at tables furthest away from speakers, so that they have the least interference from background noise. Likewise, you may want to seat any children closest to the dance floor, so that when kids are finished eating, they can be free to get up and dance, giving adults a little free time to savor their meals.
- Figure out what else will happen at dinner. Is dinner going to be time for the traditional toasts or any important announcements? Let your DJ know what you want to happen during dinner, so he can keep the flow going for you and help you figure out the timing. If there are toasts, you don’t want them occurring while some guests are still being served or just getting to visit the buffet table. Some couples want the cake cut right after dinner and before dancing starts again, while others want a break between the diner and cake. Let Chris know exactly how you want your dinner to flow, so he can arrange it for you.
- Work out your downtime songs. You don’t want to play your favorite songs during the meal, but you also don’t want things to get dull. Chris is happy to work with couples, using their favorite songs as a baseline, to develop a playlist that keeps people dancing in their seats, during the meal, and then ramp the party back up when dinner is through.
- Get the guests back up. Want to send a signal it’s time to get back up and dance? Send a signal to your guests. Depending on your age, likes, and the average age of your crowd, that signal may vary, but Chris can help you figure out the music that will get your guests back to the dance floor, whether it is a top 40 dance hit, a classic song, or a group dance.
Want more tips on how to keep the party going during the meal? Chris Marino (DJ/Owner) or any of the wedding professionals at Limelight Entertainment would be happy to chat with you about how to keep the party going while still giving your guests a quality dining experience. While we pride ourselves on offering high-quality and affordable DJ, photography, and photo booth services for weddings and other events, what drives our reputation and made us one of Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice wedding vendors is our commitment to customer service. Call 888-900-0042 or Contact Us Today to find out why couples love to add a little Limelight to their weddings!
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Chris Marino
