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Alcohol DJ Save the Date Wedding Reception Wedding Tips

How to Ensure That Your Guests Have Fun at the Party!

Many brides-to-be dream of hosting a perfect and beautiful day. They sometimes forget that their wedding day should and could be fun too. Ensuring that your guests have fun at your reception can be a daunting task. They key is to plan something unique but easy for guests to partake in. Here are five ways to ensure that your guests can have fun and you can host an unforgettable event!

Set up a Home Made Photo Booth
wedding-photo-boothPhoto booths can be very expensive to rent. Brides on a budget do not have to forego this fun family and friend activity. Set up an oversized ornate frame at a designated corner in your reception hall or a section outside if you are exchanging vows in an outdoor area. Place a digital camera on a stool for guests to pose on and place a number of props nearby (boa, sunglasses, hats, masks). Set directions near the “booth” and allow your friends and family to click away. Print out each image and send it to them as a keepsake in your thank you notes!

Boast a Cake Topping Bar

Guests also find it fun when they get to design and dish up their own desserts. Set up a topping station so guests can embellish their piece of wedding cake or individual cupcake. Toppings like sprinkles, candy, fruit, and whipped cream are affordable and fun to add to plain pieces of cake, made to your guests’ liking.

Host a Dance Off

Nothing puts guests in a dancing mood more than a dance off-with prizes! Fill several bags with items like gas gift cards, massages, pedicures, and bottle of wine or liquor. Have everyone take part in cheering on their favorite dancers and ask your DJ or band to announce the winners of categories like, “Most Original Moves”, “Worst Moves,” “Drunkest Dancer,” or “Best Dance Moves.” It will break up the night and make your guests laugh and eager to get involved in the name of good fun.

Play a Song for Groups of Guests

Have some songs that are special to friends or family members? Maybe certain tunes help you remember your spring break with the ladies, a special moment with your siblings, or simply a fun time with family and friends. Throughout the night, ask the DJ or band to play these specific songs and announce who they are for to get everyone up dancing and reminiscing. It’s easy to do and completely unique.

Make a Signature Drink

blog-how-to-ensureIf you are getting married at your own home or a friend or family member’s estate, you have more flexibility when it comes to selecting what to serve and offering specialties at the bar.  Consider inviting your guests to create or mix their own drinks. It not only saves on a bartender for brides who are pinching pennies, but also allows your guests to get their creative juices (or spirits) flowing!

Making sure your guests have a good time is just as important as hosting a beautiful wedding. Consider trying some of the simple yet affordable suggestions above to help ensure a good time for all in attendance!

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Alcohol DJ Wedding Etiquette Wedding Reception Wedding Tips

Chicken Dance or None of That Ilk?

Let’s face it. There is nothing funnier than watching those you love the most (grandma?) bust a move on the dance floor in honor of your sacred and celebratory union. You want to make sure you get the entire crowd up and moving to kick off your reception with a bang. The Chicken Dance has been a classic group dance that has been popularly (and annoyingly) played at weddings since the 80’s. Should you have your band or DJ play this notoriousblog-chicken-dance tune? Or, are you going to pass on tradition? Here are some pros and cons of the infamous dance to help you decide if you want your guests to flap, clap, and waddle!

Pros:

  • The dance is enticing and catchy. You can’t help but smile when you hear the accordion’s playfully quick beat.
  • The song complements informal, outdoor, or retro themed weddings.
  • Elder members in your family are familiar with the song and they will be more inclined to dance to “oldies but goodies.”
  • You are sure to chuckle when you see the video of your wedding party dance to this tune after cocktail hour and the champagne toast (plus it makes an awesome blackmail).

Cons:

  • The chicken dance has been associated with lacking prestige, so if you want a very formal affair, pass on playing it.
  • Chances are if you play this song, you’ll be egged on to dance to the song as well, and your photographer is certain to catch this unflattering, cringe-worthy moment on film!
  • Your band or DJ plays for a limited time. This song is long and will take the place of other tunes you genuinely want to hear.

Do the pros outweigh the cons, or vice versa? Be sure to think about the type of event you are putting on and the demeanor and age of your attendees before you flap, clap, and waddle!