Professional bridesmaid Jen Glantz is back to bring groomsmen up to speed on their most important job at the wedding.
Groomsmen: As a member of the wedding party, you have a job to do, and it isn’t just swilling whiskey on the rocks or playing beer pong. Obviously you need to be there for your friend through thick and thin, even if he becomes a groomzilla and demands you get this specific haircut or spritz that particular cologne—but that’s definitely not your biggest responsibility on the wedding day.
Unless you are the Best Man, your most important job is to start the dance party at the reception and keep. it. going.
Even if you’ve never been one to get down on any dance floor, ever, you must put aside your dislike for moving your body. As a groomsman, you’re responsible for inspiring the other guests to boogie, one side shuffle at a time. If dancing isn’t naturally your thing, use these four tips to get people moving and grooving on the dance floor.
1. Make the Dance Floor Your First Stop
The best way to rep team “party-starter” is to head to the dance floor right when the reception starts. Grab anyone you can and bring them with you. Maybe you were eyeballing that open bar. Perhaps you’d planned to park yourself for the whole night (lame). You can always sneak away for a shot or cocktail once you’ve gathered a good crowd, but hang out on the dance floor first.
2. Make An “In” With the DJ
Make sure the DJ or band is playing music that will make people put down their dinner roll and head to the dance floor. See, when everybody is lingering near their tables or crowding around the exits, the newlyweds will notice. That’s when you pass the DJ a few suggestions (say, from this list) that will instantly make the dance floor cool again. But you can’t just roll up with a list. Bring them a drink, offer assistance, and be cool. If it’s a band, ask them if they know any _________(insert artist) for future reference. Fish for the hits.
Once the boogie reboots thanks to your suggestion, take a victory lap. You wdid it. You saved the reception.
3. Rally the Troops
This is too much responsibility for any one person, and the job doesn’t fall on your shoulders alone. A lot of guys check out after the recessional. Don’t let them off the hook. Find a way to help your fellow groomsmen understand how important the dance floor is to this wedding. Or, just grab a round for everyone from the bar (this been known to encourage dancing). Plus, you’ll feel less awkward out there if you’re surrounded by a group of people.
4. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching (Because They’re Not)
Weddings aren’t dance competitions. Unless you call attention to yourself like you’re auditioning for Step Up 9: The Wedding, nobody is judging your moves. As long as you’re off your chair, in the center of the action, moving your body in literally any direction, you’re doing it right. Don’t be afraid to get down, get loose, or as the Fresh Prince recommends, get “jiggy with it”. You’re at a wedding after all, have a little fun.
Jen Glantz is founder of Bridesmaid for Hire and author of the Amazon best-selling books All My Friends are Engaged and Always a Bridesmaid for Hire.