Nothing kills the vibe faster than an empty dance floor. After 17 years of planning weddings, here are my tried-and-true ways to keep guests moving until the lights come up.

Play multigenerational hits: From Michael Jackson to The Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire to Sinatra — songs that span decades are guaranteed to get everyone, from grandma to your college crew, out of their chairs.

Open the dance floor with intention: Don’t just announce it. Kick things off with an upbeat first dance, a surprise performance, or a high-energy track everyone knows

Keep the bar close! If guests have to wander across the property to grab a drink, they’re less likely to come back to the dance floor. Position your bar nearby so energy stays centered.

Add interactive moments: Group sing-alongs, conga lines, or even a floor-wide photo op keep energy levels high and the crowd engaged.