Whether you’re planning a wedding or a corporate shindig, these are our tips for making your party a smashing success based upon our years of DJing at events!:

1. Let Guests Contribute the Playlist

For a recent wedding gig, the bride included a line on guests’ RSVP cards where they could indicate song requests for the reception. Brilliant. Not only did it take forming a playlist off of the bride’s to-do list, but it made guests feel like they were an important part of the event, which led to one of the boisterous receptions we’ve ever seen.

2. #Hashtag It

We asked friends at a local digital marketing firm for their take on using social media for special events. Since most guests will undoubtedly check their social accounts at some point in the evening, Moonraker (www.moonrakermarketing.com) suggests turning all that phone scrolling into an opportunity. Rather than getting upset that guests are distracted by their phones, prominently display a hashtag unique to your event, so that guests can share their own candid shots from the night. You’ll end up with some great pictures that the photographer didn’t even capture.

3. Flip-flops

Why women still teeter around on stilts for all special occasions is curious. Though they might complete the outfit, they’re massively uncomfortable, and after a few hours they’ll make your feet throb. Thank you to whoever came up with the genius idea to hand out flip flips at weddings and other events. People seem to have loads more fun when they aren’t thinking about how much their feet hurt, and it’s more tasteful looking than just going barefoot.

4. Photo Booth

The photo booth has been trendy for a long time, and we love the zany props and loads of laughter local vendor Say Cheese brings to the party. People love pictures of themselves, especially when taken from the shelter of a photo booth, where they are free to make the craziest faces and dumbest poses. At a wedding reception, the photo booth not only provides guests with a momento from your big day, but can double as a guest book as guests paste pictures of themselves in an album.

5. Thoughtful Seating

Most people don’t appreciate getting seated with a table full of strangers at an event. If you’re doing assigned seating, make sure you thoughtfully seat friends and acquaintances together. Increased comradery from well-planned seating will likely result in more momentum to get people up and dancing.

6. The Late Night Munchies

Even if you’ve served your guests loads of food already, they’ll likely be down for another late night snack after burning all those calories scooting around the dance floor. Even cooler is a late night snack delivered via food truck. Our favorite Austin vendors to cure the munchies are Peached Tortilla, P.Terry’s Burger Stand, and Amy’s Ice Cream.

7. Don’t Waste Your Money on Favors

Favors are one of those last minute things that always causes the bride stress, because they have to come up with something really cool, but cheap, as they near the end of their wedding budget. Most guests are happy with great food, free booze, and the opportunity to celebrate with you, so don’t feel like you have to go out and drop money on favors. As DJs, we are always there with the clean-up crew and can’t tell you how many favors get forgotten or discarded while still at the venue. Not worth the money! Use it towards something else instead, like the late night munchies or the photo booth.

8. Food Stations

While plated dinners scream refined and elegant, guests really love food stations. Having a variety of food options for your guests makes the dining experience more adventurous and laid back. Even better, arrange to have several food trucks assembled to offer the best of local cuisine to your guests for a refreshingly unfussy spin on traditional event food.

9. Arrange Sober Rides Home

Nothing cries party foul like drunk driving. To get all of your guests home safely, and reduce your liability as the host, consider giving out Uber or Lyft coupons to your guests. Or, if several of the guests are staying at one hotel, you could rent out a bus to shuttle them safely to their accommodations. Letting your guests know ahead of time that they don’t have to drive sets a different mood for the party and keeps everyone safe.