Whether it’s a wedding reception, private party, casino night, or something else, there are countless decisions to be made about your event. The arrangement of the venue is a huge part of this! From table settings, decor, catering… everything needs to be well-thought to ensure a good flow. Certainly, your entertainment can make or break the success of your party, so the location of your DJ and dance floor is paramount. This is a topic that is often overlooked… let’s dive into the factors that can help determine your best plan.
Dance Floor Placement
It all starts with the dance floor! With many of the venues we work with, your dance floor location is already built into the floor plan. However, there are countless “empty canvas” and DIY locations where your decor company, coordinator, or even yourself may be in charge of these choices. The main thing to consider is “How important is dancing to my event?”. At SE Events, this is always one of our top pre-planning questions.
More times than not, a packed dance floor is both desired and expected. A centralized location will help put the focus on dancing and help draw people in. However, with some types of corporate events and more social-based receptions, the dance floor is there just as an option. In this case, a smaller dance floor that is off to the side or in a corner will help make it less intimidating for your guests.
Of course, the layout of your venue should always be considered. When possible, keep your dance floor away from rest rooms, entrance/exits, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas. This will drastically help in minimizing accidents and keeping the non-dancers safe from the “party people”!
Lanier Islands’ Peachtree Pointe in Buford, GA with a four-speaker setup and offset DJ table.
DJ Table Location
Like the dance floor, the location of your DJ and table are often predetermined by the venue, but generally has a bit more flexibility since it takes up less room. If you ask the DJ, he/she will always choose to be set up centered to the dance floor. This helps to be more engaged with your guests, read the room better, and be part of the party! If you want your DJ to be a “hype-man”, a central location is the way to go.
However, at times this just isn’t possible, whether because a lack of room, or the layout of the space works around a sweetheart or head table. In some cases, you may just prefer your DJ to simply play music and make simple announcements. That is completely OK… it’s your event! A professional DJ can make any location work, and will have no problem taking a wireless microphone to a more visible spot to speak to your guests if needed.
Wide room audio setup at Ashton Gardens in Sugar Hill, GA with centered DJ table and dance floor.
Speaker Placement
The quantity and location of speakers for an event space is so important, yet is too often misunderstood… even by DJ’s! Having a balanced sound is key. When dinner music is playing, as well as announcements and toasts are made, a good audio setup will ensure that all your guests can hear, and that NOBODY has to yell to have a conversation with someone at their table. And once the party changes gears, there is plenty of “oomph!” focused of the dance floor and not blasting people on the perimeter who want to socialize.
Again, the setup will often be dictated by the venue. If you have a dance floor and DJ table centered with the room, usually the speakers will be right next to the DJ and slightly angled left and right to fill the room. The speaker stands should be tall enough for the sound to fill the room and not hit your seated guests directly. With a medium-sized event space (say 75-150 people), this speaker arrangement can usually work even if the DJ is in the corner. However, with larger/wider rooms (or venues with an additional room or L-shaped layout), an extra speaker or two will need to be added. A DJ who cares about your event will put the extra work in!
Casino night at The Venue at Friendship Springs in Flowery Branch, GA with additional speakers to balance audio for music and announcements.
I hope that this article has been helpful in providing you the information needed to make the prefect decision for your event’s floor plan. Nothing makes us happier here at SE Events than a fun and successful party for all. See you on the dance floor!
