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Updated Oct 14, 2024How to Plan a Rave Wedding: Ideas That Are Off the Chart
We're waiting for the beat to drop.
Light shows, electronic music, vibrant colors—yes, it's a rave but it also happens to be your wedding. Whether you met at Coachella, share a mutual love for EDM or just enjoy a night out dancing, a rave wedding may be the ultimate way for you to say "I do." Swapping out "September" for Kygo's cover of Whitney's "Higher Love" on your reception playlist and bringing in neon lights and glow sticks can make for an amazing rave wedding after-party if you want to keep the reception itself a little more traditional for the grandparents.
But what separates a rave wedding from your typical wedding? It's all about what happens on the dance floor, from the lights to the music. And, of course, the way you personalize your wedding with extra touches like disco balls and colorful bouquets. Here's what you need to know to throw a rave-themed wedding.
In this article: Definition | Venues | Ideas | How to Plan
What Is a Rave Wedding?
A rave wedding forgoes a more traditional wedding reception for a rave wedding reception or an all-night dance party, prioritizing music over many other wedding aspects. They're "classy ragers," as wedding planner Michelle Phu of the eponymous Michelle Phu Events likes to call them. She says they're becoming more popular as couples aim to create an unforgettable wedding for their guests. They often include EDM music, vibrant lighting and energetic dancing, all of which she says make for a memorable wedding experience.
Ideal Rave Wedding Venues
So what types of venues would be good for a rave wedding? "Stand-alone venues with plenty of space are perfect for rave-style weddings because they offer more flexibility with noise," Phu says. You'll want to make sure the venue has enough room for a big dance floor, which Phu says is key to keeping the party going all night long. If you want an outdoor vibe, she suggests a large tent, which offers flexibility with guest capacity.
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When venue shopping, make sure to ask the venue about its proximity to businesses or homes as well as the venue's noise restrictions. Noise ordinances, neighboring properties and sound limits are crucial to determining if a venue is well-equipped to handle the vibrant energy of a rave wedding, Phu says. "If the venue is attached to or near businesses or residences, the noise from a rave-style wedding could cause disturbances," she explains. "For example, nearby restaurants might still be open late, leading to potential complaints or restrictions."
Many different types of wedding venues fit the bill, from nightclubs to warehouses. You can find your rave wedding venue by heading to The Knot Vendor Marketplace and entering your location. From there, filter your search by venue type, price range and more according to your needs.
Rave Wedding Ideas
Every rave-themed wedding needs good music, but it's also not complete without the right kind of decor and style. Let these 11 rave wedding ideas inspire you.
Iridescent Invite
Set the tone for your rave wedding with an iridescent invitation. The hexagonal shape and "Love & Light" proclamation on this one really scream some serious rave vibes.
Escort Card Shoe Wall
This DIY escort card display is one of the most creative we've ever seen. Customize a pair of sneakers for each guest in a rainbow of colors not only to help them find their seat but to get them ready for a comfortable night of dancing to the beat.
Neon Entrance Sign
Nothing quite says rave like a neon sign. Use one to light up the entrance to your reception and double as a photo backdrop. Paired with disco balls and party-esque words, it's the perfect intro to the evening.
Pink Veil
Spice up your wedding day style with a hot pink veil. This Madison Chamberlain one features three ruffled hearts, for a look that's both romantic and rave-y.
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Disco Ball Ceiling
No rave wedding is complete without some disco balls. Trust us, you'll need more than one. Hang them at varying lengths to cast the dance floor in that dazzling disco glow all night long.
Rainbow Cake
This colorful cake reminds us of a rave for its vibrant orange, green, blue and red tones and the way they're hand-painted as vertical brushstrokes—the effect almost mimics sound waves, a subtle nod to the music.
Neon Table Number
Think neon for an eclectic table number option. It'll tie in with your neon entrance sign and bring a fun vibe to the tablescape. This one contrasts with moody black linens to really pop.
Glam Sunnies
A pair of bejeweled sunglasses will elevate the groom's look out on the dance floor. Better yet, set a basket of sunnies on a table so all the guests can partake in the fun—just make sure the groom's pair stand out from the rest.
Vibrant Lighting
Lighting is an essential part of any rave, so go big on the colorful uplighting and don't be afraid to get creative with it. This industrial reception space basks in a violet glow, but the real centerpiece is the modern neon light sculpture hanging from the rafters.
Bright Bouquet
Think of the colors of the rainbow when it comes to your bouquet. Turquoise, tangerine, lemon, amethyst—all the hues are present in this wild bunch. We love that it includes feathers, for that final rave-esque touch.
Led Light Photo Booth
Don't overlook the tiny details. You may be so focused on lighting the reception room that you don't think of what else could use some attention, like your photo booth. Choose one with LED lights so that guests will always remember they were at a rave wedding.
How to Plan a Rave Wedding Reception
"To plan a rave wedding reception, focus on creating a high-energy atmosphere with dynamic lighting, a powerful sound system and a spacious dance floor," Phu says. Hiring a wedding planner can really help elevate it so you truly feel like you're at a "classy rager."
If you're not sure where to begin, here's a general guide on how to plan a wedding. From there, you'll want to really prioritize a few key vendors. Phu recommends the ones below.
Find a DJ
Music is what makes or breaks a rave wedding. Phu advises choosing one who specializes in EDM wedding songs. Just keep in mind that every DJ can deliver the atmosphere you want, so be sure to ask them all the right questions to determine if they fit your vision. You can find rave wedding DJs at the Knot Vendor Marketplace, selecting your location and then filtering by music genre, which includes EDM.
Get a Lighting and Sound Technician
Lighting and sound technicians can help maximize the DJ's work and create special effects so you and your guests can truly feel like you're at an EDM concert. "CO2 guns and machines can add an extra layer of excitement when the beat drops," Phu says.
Consider using uplighting or color-wash lighting to set the foundation for a vibrant rave-like vibe. Build from there with additions like neon lights or even strobe lights. To find a lighting specialist or designer, ask the coordinator at your reception venue for a recommendation and ask to see pictures of the space under various lighting arrangements. If you're working with a wedding planner, they may also have someone in mind.
Hire a Great Photo and Video Team
Of course, any wedding calls for a great photography and video team. But you'll really want one for a rave wedding to capture all the vibrant moments, Phu says. Since a lot of your reception will be spent on the dance floor, you'll want to find a photographer who specializes in fluid, candid moments. You can find one on The Knot Vendor Marketplace, where you can filter by location, price and photo and video styles—"documentary" or "artistic" might be good selections here.
