A lively wedding dance floor full of people with their hands in the air. There are neon lights and a smiley rave sign on the ceiling. — If your wedding dance floor doesn’t look like this, you hired the wrong DJ!

What does it take to keep a dance floor buzzing all night – whether you’re deep in a London club or celebrating a wedding with your favourite people?

I caught up with MNT Member DJ Safari Phil, resident DJ at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, to talk about energy, spontaneity, and why great DJing is less about playlists and more about people. From club-tested techniques to wedding-day wisdom, Phil shares how he creates unforgettable nights that feel personal, emotional, and completely alive.

You’re the resident DJ at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. How do you structure your set to ensure people hit the dance floor?

‘‘I approach nights at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club like a series of mini mixes, each one bridged together by epic moments or era-defining tracks. Variety is essential because even when a run of tracks is getting a great reaction, there is a risk that it can go on for too long. Spontaneity is what keeps people excited and on their feet.

At the end of a mini set, I either change the vibe by mixing in something unexpected or drop a big track where the first notes are instantly recognisable and people forget what was just playing.

As the night progresses, I increase the tempo to build energy. If I play something that is a little rogue, I will have a popular track ready to go next, one that everyone will know. Towards the end of the night, I lean into big dance records before finishing with pop to bring people together.’’

Is this the same approach you would use when working with wedding couples? If not, what do you do differently?

‘‘Yes, the approach is much the same, but a wedding will usually have a musical direction set by the couple. There may also be key moments in the evening that need to be considered and timed carefully so they work with the dance floor, such as food or a late speech.

Other than that, it is important to get everyone involved, so mixing things up and adding variety in the same way you would with a wide audience.

One big difference is that a wedding pulls together people with a shared past, which gives the music more emotional weight. You are playing nostalgic tracks that bring back memories. It could be tunes from early nights out, or a playlist from a road trip. The dance floor is like a soundtrack to their friendships.’’

What is your opinion on going niche with the music at your wedding reception?

‘‘Going niche can be great because it reflects the couple’s personality and the story they are celebrating. Guests are there for that, so having a clear musical narrative can make the night feel more unique and memorable.

That said, it needs to be balanced against what is likely to get people dancing. If the guests are fully tuned into that niche, then great. If not, I will usually weave in more familiar tracks to include more of the room while still staying true to the couple’s taste.

Another option is to start with a broader, more familiar playlist earlier in the evening, then shift into a niche after-party vibe later on. The earlier part can still reflect your taste, just in a more accessible way. This works well if you want to keep a wider group engaged at first, knowing that later in the night it may be just your core friends on the dance floor.’’

Which tracks are guaranteed to get people on the dance floor?

There are so many variables, but let’s pick a few from the 70s onwards:

70s – Got to Be Real – Cheryl Lynn
80s – Let’s Go Crazy – Prince
90s – Girls & Boys – Blur
00s – Paper Planes – M.I.A
10s – 212 (feat. Lazy Jay) – Azealia Banks
20s – Von Dutch – Charli XCX

A wedding DJ mixing desk with a track list. — Photo by Louis Holden

Are there any dance floor killers that you think couples should avoid?

‘‘It is tough because a track that works in one room might not land in another. Hopefully, enough work has been done in advance to understand the couple, their guests, and the musical direction of the night. Even then, you never quite know, so it is important to have something ready if a track does not work as expected.

Tracks tend to kill the dance floor when they are overplayed. When wedding DJs lean on the same predictable choices, it can strip the night of any personality. There are popular tracks people love, but they work best when used sparingly. Too many in a row and the experience starts to feel generic, and people gradually switch off.

Personally, I do not believe in cheesy music, just cheesy DJs. Of course, there are cheesy tracks like Cha Cha Slide or Gangnam Style, but even obvious tracks can work if they are played with intent, imagination, and fun. What really clears a dance floor is a selection that feels uninspired, pre-packaged, and uniform.’’

Any recommendations or tips when it comes to choosing a first dance (if the couple wants to do one)?

‘‘Choose something that genuinely means something to you, not something you feel you should pick. You might instantly know what your track is, and it is probably the right choice. If not, put together a playlist and live with it for a while.

It does not need to be obvious or traditional. It could be slow or fast, any genre. The only criteria is that it means something to the couple.’’

Do you take requests?

‘‘Yes, absolutely. Though it has to be a good track, an inspired choice, and not something the couple has asked to avoid.’’

What advice do you have for couples when it comes to choosing their wedding DJ?

‘‘Choose someone you trust. Beyond technical ability, you want a DJ who listens, understands your values, and can respond to the room and the moment.

Look at reviews and social channels, and listen to example mixes or playlists to get a feel for their style. Make sure they are insured and experienced in delivering events safely and professionally. It also matters that they are a good fit as a person. A wedding is a team effort, and your DJ needs to work well with everyone involved.

Most importantly, you need someone who will put you first and match your vibe.’’

If you want a wedding DJ who knows his stuff…

From club nights driven by instinct and spontaneity to weddings built on emotion and shared history, DJ Safari Phil brings the same thoughtful, people-first approach to every dance floor. If you want a wedding reception that feels authentic, personal, and unforgettable – not generic or pre-packaged – this is exactly the energy to look for.

You’ll find Phil listed in the Music category of our Book Of Love Directory and he’s giving you an EXCLUSIVE 15% OFF when you mention that you find him via MNT!

London Wedding DJ Safari Phil standing at his mixing desk with a modern bride and groom having their first dance. — Photo by Luis Holden

From Club to Confetti: How DJ Safari Phil Builds a Dance Floor That Never Empties