Guide to Renting a Dance Floor for Your Wedding

In many cultures dancing takes a big role at a wedding celebration. If you plan on having dancing at your reception you will need an area and a surface that are suitable for dancing. This guide will help you understand how to rent a dance floor.

What is a dance floor?

A dance floor is usually wood or laminate flooring pieces that snap or screw together to form a large smooth surface ideal for dancing. The dance floor sections come in different sizes. Four foot sections are common, but three feet and even one foot sections may be available. While most dance floors have the appearance of a wood floor (perhaps with a parquet pattern) you may be able to get all black or all white depending on what is available in your area.

Where will the dance floor go?

The first thing you need to decide is where the dancing will take place. The location of your reception will probably determine this for you. Some reception centers have big open areas that are meant for dancing. If your reception will be held outdoors you will need to decide where everything is going and where the best place for the dance floor will be. Making a drawing of the floor plan is very helpful. Make sure you get accurate measurements of the space you have. The dance floor will need to go on the flattest surface possible. If it is grass there should be no bumps. Sometimes dips can be filled with sand or a subfloor will need to be laid down. Check to see who will be responsible for this. A rental company may take care of it, or it may be up to you.

Rental companies often deliver and assemble your dance floor the day before your wedding and pick it up the day after. If the floor is going on grass you will need to realize that the lack of sunlight reaching the grass will turn it yellow. However, it should become green again in a few days.

What size of a dance floor should I get?

This is a tricky question. Every wedding is unique. The size of the guest list and whether or not you expect many people to dance will determine the size. A basic rule to remember is that you will need a four by four foot section for each couple you expect to be on the dance floor. A twelve by sixteen foot dance floor is a good starting point. You can make it smaller or larger than that depending on your event. The area you have available will be a restriction. Remember that the dance floor comes in pieces so you can make it square or rectangle depending on your needs. You won't be able to make "L" or "T" shapes because of the type of edging pieces that are used. The edging has corner pieces but only for outside corners.

Where can I get a dance floor?

Your reception center may have one available. Check to see what the maximum size is and whether or not they will set it up. If you don't have one available at the location you have chosen you can rent one. Most large cities have at least one rental company that specializes in parties and events. They should have dance floor available and will usually set it up for a fee. Most companies will charge by the square foot and will also charge a delivery fee. If your wedding is in a popular month (usually May through September) you will want to reserve your dance floor as soon as possible.

A dance floor is necessary if you plan on having dancing at your wedding. Carpet and grass are very difficult to dance on and can even be unsafe. If you have any further questions about dance floors your local rental company or reception center should be very experienced and helpful.