Studio Ostendo operates in multiple creative fields including photography, design, and education.
The DJ dimmed the house lights as he started to introduce the bride and groom’s first dance. He played a sweet, slow song they had chosen because of the memories that flooded in their minds as it played in the background. They swayed back and forth as everybody’s eyes were fixed on them. The song was came to an end, the music started fading, and the groom dipped his bride to kiss her.
The father-daughter and mother-son dances followed before the dance floor opened up for everyone. We think back to almost every wedding we’ve shot, and most reception dances started that way.
We may be biased, but we always say that our wedding was the best dance party we’ve ever been to, and if you know Kaleb and I, you know we thrive on taking freestyle dancing to a whole new level. We also have “built-in longevity” on the dance floor because we come from a family and friend group that LOVES to dance. You can’t keep us off the dance floor! But how do you keep the party going when your guests aren’t as dance-crazed as ours?
A dance party can make or break a reception, so we compiled our best tips for keeping your party going!!
More guests will dance if the bride and groom are hitting the dance floor. People want to celebrate you and join in your fun!
Everybody has a song they know and love that they can dance to. Talk with your DJ or band about taking requests. Some couples even include a spot for song requests on their RSVP cards.
Ask your close friends and family to join you on the dance floor to get the party started. Not many people want to be the first ones on the dance floor, so help them feel more comfortable by getting people out there.
Lots of weddings start with familiar songs that have dance moves that most guests know. It keeps guests from feeling awkward by starting with something more structured and familiar instead of freestyle dancing.
One of our favorite starter activities is called a snowball dance. It starts with the bride and groom (with or without the bridal party) on the dance floor. Every 15 seconds or so, the DJ stops the music and everyone on the dance floor has to go and get someone else to bring to the dance floor. The dance floor gets crowded quickly, people feel comfortable dancing, and it’s a fun way to transition to a fuller dance party!
Consulting your DJ or band is a must. You hired them for their expertise, so use it!
Wedding photography is my heartbeat. For me, it holds the perfect tension between creativity and authenticity, observation and connection. In front of my camera clients transform to friends, and behind it you'll usually find me tearing up, cheering you on, or holding my breath because of the raw goodness of the moment at hand.
Get in Touch
