If there’s one thing that we’ve missed the most in weddings from the pre covid world, it has been the free-spirited dance floor! The pandemic changed the dynamics of the dance floor and limited our dancing moves, but with the world slowly getting back to normal, we are 100% ready to dance again! In the new world shadowed by COVID-19, the rules for the dance floor are different but we all want to celebrate and dance the night away. The entertainment factor is accompanied by safety measures that set new paradigms for the dance floor!
So let’s uncover some of the biggest and best kept secrets of filling the dance floor post-pandemic with Tim Reynolds, Founder of Next Level Music from UK. This award-winning live entertainment company has an ever-growing roster of incredible vocalists, musicians and world-class performers for weddings, corporate events, award ceremonies, sporting events, festivals and more.
Memories are made on the dance floor. Everyone has been apart for so long – let’s make this moment count and remembered forever. Here are few tips for filling the dance floor post-pandemic.
Surprise Entry Of The Band To Set Up The Mood
After the first dance, everyone cheers and celebrates. Time for the party band to kick in, maybe even being revealed from behind a curtain. 1, 2, 3, 4 – we explode straight into a huge floor filler like “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire – a song certain to light fires under even the dustiest dancing shoes.
With all the guests already on the dance floor from the first dance, this is the perfect time to launch the party atmosphere! It’s definitely time for the guests to hear a familiar song – they’ll need some reassurance after the pandemic lockdowns, so recognizable Soul and Motown floor fillers are a great way to make people feel comfortable, confident and secure so they can let their hair down and have the time of their lives on the dance floor. As the evening progresses and the elders retreat to their hotel rooms, bring out a few newer songs especially for the younger guests.
Interactive Entertainment
“A personal favorite of ours at Next Level Music is to have the singers come out into the crowd and start a limbo dance competition with the guests. It’s always a HUGE hit with people of all ages, from all corners of the globe – nobody can resist the limbo – see our promo video to catch some limbo footage! We love to keep things going with the interactivity by starting dance-offs – either ladies vs gentlemen, bride’s supporters vs groom’s gang – it’s a hilarious and very memorable time of the night and definitely great for photos and video!”
Guest Performances
Remember how that one teenager is always so eager to perform a solo dance or that Uncle who likes to sing his heart out? With COVID, everyone is waiting to have their fair share of entertainment, so why not give them a chance to fulfill this wish? Tim suggests that it a fabulous opportunity if the family is big on performances. A huge crowd-pleaser is to invite them on-stage to sing or play with the band, giving them the limelight and creating a uniquely memorable memory for all the guests to treasure.
Insider’s Tips On Songs & Choice Of Music For Each Wedding Occasion
Music — it’s such a magical way to express the emotion behind your wedding day, the mood you want to set for your guests, and it can convey a true glimpse inside the bride’s and groom’s personalities. Choosing the right vendor is the first step toward musical bliss from the first notes of the father-daughter dance to the dance beats serenading the last of the night’s revelers.
Wedding Ceremony – If you close your eyes and imagine walking down the aisle, there’s a certain song that instantly kicks off in the back of your head. Yes, that’s your personal favorite song which has made its mark long back in your head, maybe when you heard it for the very first time. Hence, Tim recommends something personal to the couple for the ceremony song that reflects the character of the happy couple and the energy of the relaxed celebration you want to convey. It’s a subtle way to remind people that they should be happy today, a silent room can feel daunting and classical music can make guests feel that they need to be on their best behavior.
“When the ceremony proceeds, we highly recommend a gospel choir. These soulful voice singing the couple’s special song softly in lush 4 part harmonies creates a superbly romantic atmosphere that’s second to none – often the guests will softly join in the song spontaneously, it’s a very moving and beautiful moment.”
When the ceremony ends, we recommend “Move on Up” by Curtis Mayfield – this is a magic track to elevate the celebration once again, setting the tone for a joyous celebration for the remainder of the day. As guests exit the ceremony room, keep the energy high with similar tracks until all guests have made their way to the next part of the day.”
First Dance – When it comes to wedding music, your first dance is one of the most personal choices you and your partner can make. Although, you may not have ‘a song’ (don’t worry, a lot of couples don’t), it’s important to think carefully about your choice here.
“I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I think the best first dances are those done to the original record.” Suggests Tim.
Comfort – You’ve been practicing your first dance for months, but you’re still a little bit nervous, you don’t want anything throwing you off during your big moment, so having the exact same recording to dance to can give you a strong sense of confidence whilst trying to remember your steps.
Focus – This is YOUR moment. Enjoy it! Let your loved ones see you in all your glory on the dance floor, enjoying your first dance. A band playing is a distraction from your moment in the limelight.
Let your loved one join you after a minute or two if the song is long to dance to for just the two of you.
Drinks, reception & dinner – With the right music selections, you’ll set the tone for a chilled-out cocktail hour, a groovy night of dancing, or however, your celebration is playing out. There are 3 main routes to take with music in drinks receptions & during dinner, each bringing their own unique energy and qualities:
Elegant Background: A perfect atmosphere for a sophisticated start to your soiree, featuring a jazz band, saxophonist or pianist playing jazzy versions of classic feel-good songs that subtly create a luxurious refined ambiance during your drinks reception.
Jovial, Fun & Interactive: For a more light-hearted atmosphere, a roaming band (aka strolling band, walking band, traveling acoustic band) is the perfect way to bring joy to your guests, with hearty sing-alongs and outrageously cheeky banter along the way – brilliant fun & very entertaining! Typically including an all-singing group who play double bass, acoustic guitars, percussion and saxophone, these roaming bands can really make an impact!
Wildcard, Spectacle, Show: For those couples looking for a WOW moment that’s very different – what about a Gatsby-style speakeasy band? Nothing says “let’s get this party started” like a prohibition-era jazz & jive band.
So here you go! Everything you need to fill up the dance floor in a DWP exclusive with Next Level Music!
Based in London, Next Level Music is available worldwide to curate bespoke acts covering all genres of music. They have some of the UK’s finest talent, a hand-picked roster of only the very best bands, instrumentalists, singers and DJs from London and beyond.
If you’re looking for the best wedding bands, corporate entertainment, string quartets and DJ Live acts for an incredible event anywhere in the world – look no further, we’ve got the perfect performers for you to hire.
Website: www.nextlevelmusic.co.uk
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