Wedding DJ Advice

“Each of our couples can submit a playlist to us of priority songs, so first, I go through that list for songs that I know will fill the dance floor and make the couple happy. If a list isn't submitted, then I'll play songs that have worked at prior weddings for similar groups. Once I've gotten them on the floor, I vary the songs by tempo to keep them dancing.”

“Breaking the ice is the most important part of opening up a dance floor. The first few songs you play will set the tone for the rest of the night. We love to rely on a play-list from our clients as much as possible. It gives us insight into what will make a particular wedding unique. Of course, non-cheesy but energetic announcements leading up to the dance hour really help your guests feel at home.”

“Finding the right song to kick off a wedding reception can be tricky. During dinner hour I survey the crowd, trying to find out if people want to ease into the dance hour or if they are ready to go full steam straight into dancing. In order to keep the flow of the night going I find that if I can mix together songs from a variety of genres, in ways that people don't generally expect but are songs they enjoy, that keeps people on the dance floor.”

“The reception is the part of the wedding that people seem to remember the most. It can make or break the entire wedding. To pack the dance floor, I make sure I plan ahead. Talk to the bride and groom, get a feel for them and also what their friends and family are like. When we get to the party area, it's all about knowing and reading what the crowd wants. I take them on a journey with my music.”

“If a dance floor is empty and I know the couple that hired me wants people to dance, I will sometimes get on the dance floor, and try to get things going. I will play a popular new song that I know everyone loves. Sometimes I have to back up, and play some slow songs to get the reluctant dancers on the floor, and then move through the decades to get a mixed crowd going. It's really reading the crowd, answering reasonable requests, and moving with the flow of the reception.”

“I like to invite everyone out onto the dance floor, turn on some fun dance floor lighting to set the mood. I then play fun hits that I think the crowd would enjoy and put my signature DJ Kimmy K spin onto the dance floor.”

“The first key is to understand the bride and groom's goal and desire for their event. At the end of their special event, what do they want their guests to remember? Talk about? This is a critical piece that will shape how the DJ goes about executing the event. We often start with an Ice Breaker song to get the dance party going. When the bride and groom love to dance, those are the best parties!”

“One thing we do for sure is break the ice. We like to warm chatter prior to dancing so we get to know some of the audience and a few of their music taste. We also have clever ways to get lots of people involved by shouting them out on the mic, dancing with them a little, and of course there is always group/line dance songs.”

“I don't ever like to use tricks or games or anything corny like that to get people on a dance floor. A wedding is an adult party and guests don't want to feel like they're at a Bar Mitzvah! I try to scope the crowd as soon as I see people walking in for ceremony and get a vibe from them. If I ever really need help getting those stubborn ones on the dance floor, I'll play a slow song and ask all of the couples to come dance and then play a banger right after.”

“One way to effortlessly get everyone on the dance floor is to provide dance floor entertainment like glow sticks, multicolor foam batons, a fog machine, confetti, etc. If you are concerned about your guests not dancing, allow your DJ to play songs that have a line dance associated with them. Most people love to participate in line dances like The Cupid Shuffle. Lastly, if your venue allows it, one sure fire way to get your people dancing is to have your bartenders pour a round of shots after you cut the cake.”