Previously we’ve shared wedding day advice from photographers.  Today we are sharing wedding reception tips from DJs.

Cutting the wedding cake immediately after the Grand Entrance allows you to keep everyone’s attention for this special moment.  It also allows the serving staff to prepare the desert for timely table service.  If your cake will be positioned on the dance floor, this also allows it’s early removal so dances can begin on schedule.
Schedule toasts before dinner service begins.  This will keep the attention on the toasts and not have the distraction of dinner being served or worse – guests food getting cold through the wedding toasts.
Your guests want to spend the day with you.  Have as short of a break as possible between your ceremony and reception.  Make sure your guests, especially those out-of-towners, have something to do while you take pictures.  Having a First Look session is a great way to get the pictures you want and still entertain your guests.
Joining your cocktail hour does allow you to mingle with guests, but it’s easy to get caught in conversation and lose track of your timeline.  The same holds true for your bridal party.  Consider a separate area to grab refreshments after your Romantics portrait session prior to your Grand Entrance.
Verify the required departure time with your venue.  If they require DJs, photographers and other wedding vendors to leave the facility at a predetermined time, you may need to make adjustments to your wedding reception timeline.
You will likely finish dinner service before your guests; one of the benefits of being the bride and groom.  Use that extra time to visit guests so that you can start the dancing at the conclusion of dinner.
More couples are choosing to forego wedding traditions such as the bridal party dance, bouquet toss and garter removal.  If you choose to do them, consider doing them early in the timeline so that the dancing can continue without interruption.  You don’t want to stop a party when it is in full swing!
Arrive to your wedding reception venue at least 20 minutes before your Grand Entrance to get ready for your introductions.
Think of your wedding reception as having three distinct music programs; cocktail, dinner and dance party.  Work with your DJ to program your choices for the cocktail and dinner portions, but allow him the flexibility to read the crowd for the dancing.
If space allows, position a few high top tables near the dance floor for guests to set their drinks.  A broken glass will stop the flow of your party – and possible injure your guests.
Seat younger guest closer to the dance floor.  They are less likely to complain about volume levels and this will keep them close to the dance floor.
Most importantly, dance at your wedding!  Your guests want to be where you are; have them join you on the dance floor.