There's almost nothing sadder than the reception that dies out early, or — worse — never really gets hopping in the first place. The music, without a doubt, is the do-or-die element for a decent-sized reception as far as most of the guests are concerned. Sure, some of your friends and relatives will sit at their tables for most of the night and talk (or drink), but most people expect to get up and dance. If that dance floor has momentum, if the music is drawing people in, if everybody out there is laughing together — then you know your reception is a hit.

Karaoke

Some couples choose to go with karaoke at their receptions, which can be a lot of fun. There's an old adage that works well in most areas of life, and it holds true where karaoke is concerned, also: everything in moderation. While off-tune singing might crack you up, it might not seem all that funny to some of your guests.

Put a limit on the amount of karaoke — say, three or four songs in a row and then back to real music for at least thirty minutes. And don't let any one guest hog the microphone. This is really your DJ's responsibility, but if you notice that your brother is gearing up to sing yet another disco hit while three or four others are vying for their time in the spotlight, tell him to move it along.

Dance, Chicken, Dance!

What about those group numbers, like the Chicken Dance? Are they hokey, or do people really like them? And what about those dances like the Electric Slide, the Cha Cha Slide, and the Macarena? Are they worn out, or can you still reasonably incorporate them into your reception?

The current thinking on this issue is that these dances are old news; however, this is your wedding. Don't be pressured by what's en vogue (or, more correctly, not en vogue). The one real piece of evidence that these numbers maybe aren't so worn is the fact that when they're played, everyone gets up to dance. You'll have to decide at your own peril whether to include them, but if you do believe that you really need the Hokey Pokey, leave the Chicken Dance and the YMCA out. Remember: everything in moderation.