Planning a party that fills the dancefloor

Get the timings right

Parties usually run four to five hours. Food in the middle, not at the start, keeps energy up. If there is a buffet, expect a twenty-minute dip afterwards — that is normal and easy to build back.

Room set-up matters more than people expect

A dancefloor in the corner behind a pillar will not fill, no matter what is playing. Put it where people already are, and remove some seating rather than adding more.

Check power positions and whether the venue has a sound limiter before you finalise the layout.

Music for a mixed-age crowd

Milestone birthdays usually mean three generations in one room. Start broad and recognisable, then narrow as the older guests leave. Trying to please everyone at once is what empties a floor.

The details worth confirming early

• Venue access and set-up time
• Finish time and any curfew
• Whether speeches or a cake moment are planned
• Any songs that absolutely must be played
• Any songs that must not be played