Barn Dance Party Themes
A barn dance party typically has a country and western feel to it, bringing together the guests' love for dancing and also their love for country, polka and bluegrass music. One must consider a location for their party as well as how many guests to invite. A barn dance party offers an enjoyable way for guests to show off their dancing skills with friends and family as well as enjoy a Southern-style meal that will leave them happy and satisfied. Does this Spark an idea?
History
The main purpose and significance of a barn dance party theme is to have guests feel as though they are being invited to a real barn dance. It is the host's job to replicate the atmosphere of an authentic barn dance. Barn dances were especially popular in the late 1930s and the early 1940s when communities would get together and share an evening of dancing and home-cooked food almost once a week. Music varied with these barn dance parties but mainly oriented around country and bluegrass tunes as this was popular music especially in the Southern areas of the United States such as Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Many square dance parties and competitions also were held in barns over the years as couples were looking for low-cost entertainment and social interaction.
Considerations
Deciding on where to have the party is one of the first tasks when planning for a barn dance party. An older barn in good condition with no animals and with active electricity would be ideal, but one can improvise with a pole barn, a back yard and even a garage. To substitute for the barn feeling and atmosphere, place some old barn wood objects nearby or create a collage on an old barn door and add rope, horseshoes and farm equipment signs such as John Deere. For the invitations, look for country-inspired ones and request that guests wear comfortable western clothing such as jeans and cowboy boots. Prepare the food the morning of the party and keep it country themed by serving barbecue chicken or ribs, potato salad and apple pie for dessert. Serve country classics like lemonade and sweet tea for beverages. Make the food self serve or buffet style so guests can help themselves. Hire a DJ or band to play at the party who specializes in a variety of country-themed dance music from classic country, line dancing, square dancing and even polka. Remind guests the party is all in fun and participation is key. If only couples will be invited, play more partner-themed music; if single guests also are coming, add a mix of slow songs as well as fast songs.
Features
When setting up for the barn dance party, start first by placing the largest items where they need to belong for functional reasons. Designate a side area for guests to sit and place tables for the food and snacks nearby, this works best if it is set up buffet style. On the opposite side of the party area, allow enough room for the DJ or band to set up. Permit adequate room for dancing that has a hard, smooth surface, free of ridges and debris. Begin to place straw bales along the border of the party area, stack up to three bales and decorate with colorful potted plants that are in season such as mums or marigolds. Scatter framed posters or photographs of vintage country dancers. String lights with larger bulbs throughout the area to create a warm ambiance.
Function
The main function of the party will be to have guests participate in the dance party while making it seem as authentic as possible. Scheduling the party so that the guests have time to eat or have a snack in between dancing will keep them energized as well as happy. Announce to guests once the party begins what the schedule will be; for example, dance for an hour and a half, then break for dinner and drinks, and then resume dancing for another hour and a half.
Warning
When setting up for the barn dance-themed party, it is important to take into consideration that many of the props can be considered fire hazards. Straw bales, paper products and electrical wiring and even gas generators can be deadly if a spark or match is ignited near the area. By asking guests in advance to not smoke at the party is a wise idea that will keep party guests safe the entire time. Having smoke detectors properly installed in the barn or party area as well as a fire extinguisher on hand also will bring peace of mind when setting up the party.
Tags: barn dance, barn dance party, dance party, party area, barn dance party, Barn Dance Party, buffet style