This one was a hard choice to pair down to just 15 venues, originally tried for 10 but there were a few more that stood out to us. For over a decade in the DJ and wedding biz, we've developed a few favorite venues based on the overall atmosphere created by the property, the space, multiple areas for activities, nice venue owners, or just a popular spot or a combination of all of that. These places just set the right mood, spacious room to do things, or just feel right you know? Some are cozy, inexpensive, create a nice vibe, beautiful gardens, or plenty of spaces to party how you'd like inside and out. In no particular order, here are some of Table Manners Productions' favorite venues throughout the state of Indiana.

Fishers, IN

About
A Historic Hidden Gem:
The Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens is a stunning and storied wedding venue in Fishers, IN. The property is an inviting prospect for couples wishing to host an elegant celebration in a distinctive setting. Located on the outskirts of Indianapolis, it is convenient and accessible whilst also allowing guests to engage with the region’s past.

The Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens’ history stretches back over two centuries to the early 19th-century. Here, at the house’s original site, a modest log cabin was built by a settler family as part of a larger colonial farmstead. Years later, the party would be occupied and developed further by Addison C. Harris. One of India’s most famous sons and an ambassador under President McKinley, Harris built the house which now stands in its new location in Fishers. The property occupies a special place in the community, and locals have worked hard to open its doors as an event center for all to enjoy. Parties can gather in the garden for a celebration amongst its vibrant flowerbeds and charming topiary. The terrace also provides a welcoming outdoor space in which to relax and enjoy the fresh air whilst mingling and chatting over cocktails. The home itself is a delightful example of revivalist architecture. Its characterful facade features an expansive covered porch, timber paneling, and shutters on its windows. Its interior offers an intimate space in which to gather close friends and family for an unforgettable celebration.

The Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens can host a sizeable outdoor celebration for up 250 guests out on the brick patio for cocktail and under the main tent for reception. The gardens are extremely spacious and offer a variety of scenes for a spectacular wedding photoshoot. The staff can assist couples by providing a tent for their event. Inside, a party of up to 60 can celebrate in comfort, and it is possible to rent the entire premises for exclusive access. Whichever option couples choose, there are suitable get-ready spaces available to ensure they are ready when the time comes to step down the aisle. The management is well-connected to the area’s wedding professional and is happy to recommend caterers to couples. Those hosting their big day at this distinguished venue are certain of a celebration that will never be forgotten.

Why We Like It
The Ambassador house is a great outdoor venue perfect for those weddings spread out for different activities. Use the house to get ready, lawn for the ceremony, brick patio for cocktail. and tent for reception. The flow of the spaces works really well with ample parking, forest views, and gardens as well. Also super close to Indy.

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Covered Outdoors Space
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Outdoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet
​
✖Indoor Event Space
✖Liability Insurance
✖On-Site Accommodations

Guest Capacity
Up to 250
​
Settings
Estate, Garden, Historic Venue, Park, Tented, Trees

Starting Costs
$$-Affordable

Fishers, IN

About
Flexible Indoor & Outdoor Wedding Venue in Fishers:
Balmoral House is an enchanting estate based in the heart of Fishers, IN. Whether you desire a romantic wedding ceremony or an intimate dinner with your loved ones, this venue is waiting for you. Boasting picturesque backdrops around every corner and providing ample room for 150 guests indoors, you can have the event you’ve always wanted.

From the moment you arrive to the moment you depart, their goal is to make your wedding experience exceptional.

Choose your space to say “I do!” The Balmoral House offers multiple ceremony & reception spaces to fit your distinct wedding style. These locations include indoor and outdoor options: Eaton Hall, Garden Patio, Grand Deck & Waterfront Pergola.

After your vows, spend the evening celebrating with dinner and dancing with your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a mingling atmosphere or a seated dinner, they offer countless customizable options!

Additional Venue options include the chic Cottage is also available for showers, parties, intimate dinners, or champagne toasts for groups with less than 40 guests. The space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows along 3 walls, bar space, and an option of full or self-setup pricing.

For those couples looking for a next-level wedding event, The Balmoral House is opening their 20+ acres for premium tented receptions and events through a partnership with A Classic Party Rentals. This option will allow couples countless ways to customize their wedding day to any style and any guest count. Plus, you can still take advantage of the luxurious get-ready spaces of The Balmoral House, enjoy cocktail hour with specialty bars or in their Celebration Hall and countless exclusive photo opportunities both indoors and outdoors throughout the venue.

Why We Like It
What can we say, there are endless ways to customize your wedding here. Have your ceremony at the lakeside pergola, on the wood deck, out on the concrete patio, or even inside. Have your reception inside the main house, the lawn tent, the concrete patio out back whatever you want your day to consist of they can accommodate. Customizable to fit what you want, plus a convenient bar in the basement with a walk-out to the patio. Right off Allisonville road just north of Castleton square mall yet secluded tucked back on its spacious estate.
​
Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Outdoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet

✖Covered Outdoors Space
✖Liability Insurance
✖On-Site Accommodations

Guest Capacity
Up to 150

Settings
Backyard, Beach, Waterfront, Country Club, Estate, Garden, Tented, Trees

Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks

Starting Costs
$$-Affordable

Greencastle, IN

About
Luxury In the Heart of Country:
Just 45 minutes west of the Indianapolis International airport and five minutes west of DePauw University and downtown Greencastle lies a secret find: 3 Fat Labs Wedding and Event Venue, Bridal Cottage for the newlyweds overnight stay and The Guest House. This picturesque property offers 7 well-appointed rooms for your family or bridal party accommodates 20 guests.

Their spectacular barn-style entertainment space offering quite unique options for your wedding, your business event, your prom, or pretty much anything that suits you. They can help by offering their preferred supplier contacts that can assist with your special requests. Alcohol must be purchased through 3 Fat Labs as they are licensed by the State of Indiana. Bar Packages are not included in the venue rental. Open the large glass garage door to have the forest as your head table backdrop. There is a cool outdoor space to hangout by the fire and outdoor ceremony space directly below overlooking the forest. Step away from it all and checkout this enchanting barn in the woods.

Tanya and Bill Mentgen, the owners, are dedicated to making your visit at 3 Fat Labs simply peaceful and relaxing, and to making your event something very special indeed. 

Why We Like It
3 Fat Labs is a gem nestled in the woods. It's charming, and woodsy with plenty of barn to party! Open the large garage doors to bring the outside in with trees as your backdrop. There is also an outdoor patio area with firepit for people to hang and smoke a cigar maybe!

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Liability Insurance
✔On-Site Accommodations
✔Outdoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet

✖Covered Outdoors Space

Guest Capacity
Up to 300

Settings
Barn, Farm & Ranch, Estate, Trees

Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks, Destination Weddings, Planning, Rentals & Equipment, Service Staff

Starting Costs
$$$- Moderate

Crawfordsville, IN

About
Enchanting Barn in a forest:
Hidden Hollow Farm is a countryside wedding venue in Crawfordsville, IN. Situated in peaceful seclusion among beautiful woodlands, this rustic barn offers a cozy ambiance and picturesque scenery for your special day.

The spacious wooden barn at Hidden Hollow Farm can accommodate up to 250 guests, making it an ideal location for events both big and small. The venue is happy to host intimate elopements as well as larger celebrations. The barn's warm lighting and wooden interior provide a welcoming feel that's perfect for ceremonies and receptions, and it's also a lovely backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. Or you can say your "I do"s surrounded by the church pews in the woods, which make the perfect scenic setting for wedding photographs. Fully-equipped get-ready rooms are available for you and your loved one to prepare for the day. As well as weddings, Hidden Hollow Farm can also facilitate engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding showers, and more.

The dedicated team at Hidden Hollow Farm will do everything they can to ensure your special day lives up to your vision. An experienced event planner will assist you throughout the planning process and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day. The staff can provide setup and cleanup services, along with event items such as tables, chairs, linens, an altar or arch, and décor. Outside vendors are welcome at this venue, so you can personalize your day to your liking. There's also overnight accommodation for guests wishing to stay, as well as ample on-site parking. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and you can even bring your pets along to join you for the big day.

Why We Like It
Hidden Hollow has it all, a place to stay the entire weekend with your wedding party in the modern cabins as a retreat back in the forest. Transparent pricing right on their website without needing to make a call, a cute walk to the woods for the ceremony on their outdoor church pews and back up to the main barn for the real party! Choose to party in the barn or out on the concrete patio with entertainments spaces, outdoor fireplace, and living room setup. Did we mention you have lifetime access to the property for any photography you'd like to take there in the future?

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔On-Site Accommodations
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Outdoor firepit patio
✔Staff event coordination
✔Golf Cart Shuttle to reception

✖Covered Outdoors Space
✖Liability Insurance
✖Outdoor Event Space
✖Wireless Internet


Guest Capacity
Up to 250

Settings
Barn, Farm & Ranch, Estate, Trees

Venue Service Offerings
Destination Weddings, On-staff coordinators, overnight stays, lifetime property use for pictures

Starting Costs
$$$- Moderate

Franklin, IN

​About
Rustic with fun outdoor space:
The Barn at Crystal Spring Farm is located on an operable family farm just off of I-65 South in Franklin, Indiana. With seating for up to 200 guests, their newly constructed post and beam barn is a perfect mix of old and new. The farm provides a casual setting to host your wedding and special events. With  sunflowers in the fields as the perfect backdrop to the outdoor ceremony, time it right and have the beauty of these flowers in the late summer and fall. 

A small and intimate barn, this has a cozy feel perfect for those smaller under 200 guest, weddings. The outdoor pea gravel cocktail area is perfect to soak up some sun while enjoying a cocktail. Jenny and Linda are great owners who keep the venue running smoothly, easy to work with and will get you setup for your event. Get that rustic charm just 30 minutes south of Indy.

Why We Like It
The Barn at Crystal Springs farms is a great size for the more intimate weddings. A fairly small barn but has beautiful areas to hang besides the barn. The big draw here is the outdoor cocktail area where you can setup cornhole, swing on the giant porch swings, stand at the umbrella tables with a cocktail and have sunflowers as your backdrop. Cute, rustic, and a nice cozy vibe.

​ Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Outdoor Cocktail Space

✖Covered Outdoors Space
✖Liability Insurance
✖Outdoor Event Space
✖Wireless Internet
✖Staff event coordination
✖Handicap Accessible


Guest Capacity
Up to 200

Settings
Barn, Farm & Ranch, Estate, Sunflowers, fields

Venue Service Offerings
Sunflower fields, cocktail outdoor porch and hangout, 

Starting Costs
$$- Affordable

Paragon, IN

About
Affordable rustic small country wedding venue:
Emory Acres is a super affordable small wedding venue located an hour south of Indy in Paragon, Indiana. It's conveniently right off of state road 67 for some easy traveling. Providing an outdoor or indoor ceremony space, cocktail hangout under the wood tables and umbrellas, and places for some great photographs in the countryside surrounded by cornfields. Can't get more Indiana than that!

At one time, this building was a true functioning barn. They have maintained , as much as possible, all of the original craftsmanship of the structure, trying to preserve all the personality that it’s years of history render, while at the same time, converting it into this unique space for weddings, parties, reunions and much more.

Ceremonies and celebrations can be held indoors or out and tailored to fit your needs. Their goal is to help give you the perfect setting for any type of gathering. We love having a part in making the memories that you nor your guests will forget.

Why We Like It
The owners at Emory Acres are a wonderful husband and wife team, super nice and helpful with making sure everything runs smooth, how real hospitality is done. Table Manners Productions actually DJ'ed the very first wedding held there back when they opened, which happened to be their daughters! The pricepoint is also amazing. This is a super affordable location and its easy to get to as well just off state road 67 in Paragon halfway between Martinsville and Spencer.

​ Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room and Man Cave (Dressing room Truck)
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Outdoor Cocktail Space
✔Staff event coordination
✔Wireless Internet
✔Staff event coordination
✔Handicap Accessible

✖Covered Outdoors Space
✖Liability Insurance
✖Outdoor Event Space
✖Overnight accommodations



Guest Capacity
Up to 250

Settings
Barn, Farm & Ranch, Estate, fields, farm truck, corn fields

Venue Service Offerings
Rehearsal Time, indoor bar/kitchen, tablecloths, coffee bar, corn crib, fire pit, 

Starting Costs
$- Super Affordable

North Vernon, IN

About 
Two venues on manicured property and ponds:
Willow Lake Event Center has 2 separate venues on the same property, completely secluded from each other so the different parties never co-mingle. You can either choose the Willow Lake Hall or The Barn. Both offer beautiful, manicured grounds with spacious lakes, fountains, and smaller out-buildings with multiple areas for ceremonies to take place and places to party for your reception. 

If you choose the smaller Willow Lake Hall, its a 5800sf gorgeous hall with wood detailing, 2 fireplaces, built-in kitchen/bar combo for your use and 2 dressing rooms, built in projectors. This one comes with 38 round guest tables and can seat 300. There are 2 outdoor ceremony sites with the hall, you can choose to have the lake and woods as your backdrop near the pergola, or the covered shelter house similar to that you'd find at a state park but much classier. There is also outdoor space on the concrete patio out back if you wanted to move the party outside or have cocktails and fires going out there. You can also have the option to stay at the Cabin overnight for only $250

If you choose The Barn, it seats 400 and is 6800sf giving you access to 48 round tables and 8 long wooden farm tables. The Barn has 2 detached dressing rooms that have overnight sleeping options as well. Ceremony can be in The Chapel that seats 300, or outside at the pergola facing the woods. This venue also has built-in projectors and kitchen and bar for your use.

Conveniently located just steps away from your ceremony and reception from Willow Hall, the cabin features a large master king bed suite with walk-in shower and clawfoot tub, and balcony. It also includes a sleeping porch with two pull out couches. You have a full kitchen, dining room and lounge area with a fireplace. Walk out onto the deck and enjoy the fire pit as well as the beautiful view of the lake. It’s a perfect addition to your venue rental at The Hall at Willow Lake Event Center. *Not available with The Barn at Willow Lake.

Why We Like It
Both venues on the property check off all the boxes as far as wedding-day needs. I think out of this list, they provide the most amenities out of any of them. Each one has multiple spaces for the ceremony, outdoor spaces to hangout in, beautiful grounds with manicured lawns and ponds, and an overnight stay. Use of kitchen, bar, projectors, and outdoor speakers is a plus as well! Transparent and very affordable pricing as well for such large parties that southern Indiana likes to hold! They are also gorgeous inside for some icing on the cake.

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Liability Insurance
✔On-Site Accommodations
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet
✔Covered Outdoors Space
✔Outdoor Event Space

Guest Capacity
Up to 300 in Hall and 400 in Barn

Settings
Barn, event center, lake, woods, cabin, firepits, chapel
​
Venue Service Offerings
Kitchen use, Outdoor sound system, projectors, indoor sound system, table usage, setup/teardown, overnight stay

Starting Costs
$$- Affordable

Muncie, IN

About
The Carriage House of Yorktown is a beautifully appointed country farm estate nestled in the middle of Indiana farm land.

Let your imagination run wild.  Whether you see yourself walking down their paved aisles and exchanging your vows under the gleaming copper roofed gazebo, or standing in front of the oaks surrounded by family and friends on the lawn.  The experienced staff at the Carriage House will plan every detail with you creating a memory that will last a lifetime. 

If you’re not the typical “cookie-cutter” bride and are looking for a unique and elegant venue, the Carriage House of Yorktown is truly the right choice for you. With 3/4 mile white horse fencing surrounding the drive leading up to the 3200sf event hall. 2 heated/AC dressing rooms, 

Offering Do-It-Yourself or Full Service packages for peak and off-season priced just right. In both packages you have use of any of the ceremony sites either indoor, lakeside, under the oaks, or gazebo. You have use all day of the poolside patio, fireplace, and firepit, English garden and lake site. And of course the main reception hall. You also get free use of thousands of trending decor items. table decor, signs and banners. food dessert display items, wood tables, wine barrels, ceremony pieces etc. Rehearsal dinner space is also provided with tables the night before. The full service provides golf-cart transportation, full customer service staff on site, dedicated event manager included, and venue availability for engagement photos.

Did we mention for $500 you can arrive to the Carriage house in a horse-drawn carriage? They also offer an elopement package

Why We Like It
Jackie is easy to work with and you have free reign to the estate for the day and can customize what your wedding day looks like and where you want to hold each event. Great location just off 332 and great pricing.

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Covered Outdoors Space
✔Outdoor Event Space

​✖Liability Insurance
​✖On-Site Accommodations


Guest Capacity
Up to 200

Settings
Barn,  lake, pergola, farm, railroad
​
Venue Service Offerings
event manager, full service staff, bartender,

Starting Costs
$$- Affordable

Muncie, IN

About
​Found nestled in the thick brush and woods, their 1800s cabin has been restored to its original charm. When initially purchased, it could barely be seen from the road, and now is a historical beauty that stands out to all who pass.

This cabin is full of history and it can’t wait to add your day to its story. Upon arrival, they invite the bridal party to relax, pamper, and get ready in the cabin in their own bridal suit, enjoying your day with from start to finish.

Your wedding day is a day of celebration, elegance, and beauty. Allow Bailey's place the chance to share in this day with you by hosting your event. From your guests arrival they will be greeted with a tree-lined drive into the ample parking, with just a short walk to their ceremony location. The venue is nestled in the midst of hundred year old trees with the cabin as your backdrop. Enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings while you take your vows surrounded by family, friends, nature, and history. Reception to follow in the outdoor tent.

Why We Like It
This a gorgeous venue nestled in the woods with very earthy and almost surreal vibes. The tall trees really help ground you in nature, an excellent choice if you are wanting an outdoor wedding.  

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Reception Area
✔Covered Outdoors Space
✔Outdoor Event Space

​✖Liability Insurance
✖Indoor Event Space
​✖On-Site Accommodations
​✖Wireless Internet
​✖Handicap Accessible


Guest Capacity
Up to 175

Settings
Cabin, Tall forest, outdoor, tucked away, stone pathway
​
Venue Service Offerings
cabin use, 

Starting Costs
$$- Affordable

Brown County, IN

About
Rustic Charm and pioneer feel:
Nestled off the back roads in a secluded Brown County valley sits the perfect venue to celebrate your special day or host a memorable private event. Built in the late 1800’s, The Old Barn at Brown County has been recently restored with new flooring, romantic chandelier lighting and convenient onsite restrooms, all while maintaining its original rustic-charm.

The barn provides 3,800 square feet of multi-functional space, beautiful views and privacy. The classic and simple lines of the barn allow you to create and design your own unique event no matter what your style.

In addition to the barn, the Big Easy Log Cabin is also located on the property. The newly renovated 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath cabin is the perfect size for you and your overnight accommodations. The 1880’s hand-hewed log cabin includes a wonderful wrap-around porch, sufficient get ready space, and a game room for you and your guests to enjoy.  An additional 4 bedroom cabin up the hill (Over Easy) is available to rent as well.  


Why We Like It
This really gives you a pioneer feel like Connor Prairie, super rustic and you feel like you're transported back to the 1800's. The whole site is old, with its cabins, decor, and log benches to sit on with hand hewn long dining tables as well, creating a magical experience. There's great places to stay in cabins and hot tubs available. There are also some cute goats at the farm across the street!

Amenities + Details
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Liability Insurance
✔On-Site Accommodations
✔Outdoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet

✖Covered Outdoors Space

Guest Capacity
Up to 180

Settings
Backyard, Barn

Venue Service Offerings
cabin use, yard games, 1.5 acre fishing pond, catering prep area, hot tub

Starting Costs
$$$- Moderate

Avon, IN

About
Where Happily Ever After Begins:
Nature’s beauty, candlelit gardens, serene wooded walks, tranquil water features, a ceremony arbor and garden pavilion are the spectacular backdrop for your dream wedding. From small and intimate to lavish fairytale weddings, they deliver a breathtaking and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Avon Gardens offers daytime events at an economical price as well as evening events. The wedding parties arrive early to use the indoor bride and groom changing areas to prepare for photos in the spacious gardens with so many options for backdrops to get that perfect pic. Photo backdrops are limited only by the photographer’s imagination and your sense of adventure. You are free to choose your own caterer and bring beer & wine to the location, with a bar pavilion, covered h'orderve shelter, covered outdoor dancing hall, and reception dinner tent. 

Why We Like It
The grounds are gorgeous. period. There are so many follies among the gardens to take picture in, around, in front of and great paths for guests to wander and explore. The spread out pavilions create a magical feel and make the vibe a lot more relaxed, while the DJ is over in the dance hall pavilion, guests are over eating dinner in the tent, grabbing drinks from the bar pavilion. It's more of an experience and casual night that people can wander around, hangout, and just enjoy the evening. If you want to be surrounded by gardens and have a casual outdoor wedding this is the place for you, and not too far from Indy either.

Amenities + Details
✔Covered Outdoors Space
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Outdoor Event Space
✔Reception Area

✖Indoor Event Space
✖Liability Insurance
✖On-Site Accommodations
✖Wireless Internet

Guest Capacity
Up to 250

Settings
Garden, Park, Tented, pavilions

Venue Service Offerings 
Bar & Drinks, Rentals & Equipment, Tents

​Starting Costs
$$- Affordable

Downtown Indianapolis, IN

About
Modern Industrial Venue in Downtown Indianapolis:
INDUSTRY is a contemporary wedding venue situated in Indianapolis, IN. Spacious and versatile, this inviting location blends historic charm with modern convenience to provide a stunning backdrop for celebrations of all shapes and sizes. It features an array of picturesque event spaces and a professional team of coordinators who are ready to bring your celebration vision to life.

Though fully-furnished for a feeling of warmth and comfort, INDUSTRY is housed in a building that dates all the way back to 1908. Originally a workshop for ball bearings and metal fabrication, the space was given a facelift and fully transformed into a state-of-the-art wedding venue in 2014. It still retains a selection of rustic features that create a feeling of authentic charm, including majestic overhead beams, exposed brick, and exquisite floor-to-ceiling windows. Just two blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium, the venue is centrally located in the heart of Indianapolis and easily accessible via all modes of transportation.

Available for rentals of up to 24 hours, INDUSTRY can be fully customized to fit your vision for your day. It can accommodate up to 200 seated guests and 300 standing attendees, and high-quality furniture is provided for every celebration. A dynamic in-house planning team is available to put every detail of your special day in place for a seamless celebration experience. With years of professional expertise, they offer a range of invaluable services to choose from to create a bespoke planning package tailored to your needs. Their planning options include event design, catering services, vendor referrals, and more. For added convenience, outside vendors are also permitted, allowing you to make the venue your very own.

Why We Like It
It's a sweet industrial style building right in the heart of downtown that just looks super cool, it was an old ball bearing and metal fabricator and Lucas Oil is next door. Tons of space inside for weddings all year round. AND ample parking for free to guests, no need to fight with meters and paid lots. It's a nice change of pace from barns and convenient location downtown.

Amenities + Details
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Liability Insurance
✔On-Site Accommodations
✔Outdoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet

✖Covered Outdoors Space

Guest Capacity
300+

Settings
Ballroom, Historic Venue, Loft

Venue Service Offerings 
Bar & Drinks, Rentals & Equipment, catering, planning

​Starting Costs
$$- Affordable

Bargersville, IN

About
Rustic. Elegance:
The Sycamore at Mallow Run is a premier and unique event venue located less than 20 miles south of downtown Indianapolis. Surrounded by vineyards and natural elements, The Sycamore’s three event spaces offer you elegance and flexibility, and will serve as the perfect setting for your upcoming wedding, party, shower, professional event, fundraiser or other celebration.

Whether you are expecting 25 guests or over 200; thinking of a rustic theme or an elegant black tie affair; The Sycamore can provide your guests the space and amenities to make your occasion memorable.

With the perfect backdrop of the vineyard for your photos, a full service bar serving up Mallow Run wine batches and typical hard liquor and beer, and offering indoor or outdoor ceremony spaces, The Sycamore has plenty of flexibility for your event. With its indoor cocktail hour central room and bar, outdoor firepits, bridal suite and man cave, as well as the connected smaller event room, it accommodates weddings of all sizes

Why We Like It
I have personally been a groomsman and wedding party at the Sycamore with a friend, it was an awesome experience and great setting. The vineyard vines in the background of our group shots really set this one apart, the man cave, and plenty of space to chill outside on the patio with firepit. A great and classy reception hall that isn't a barn, but timeless and classy. The bar area is nice too for cocktail and lounging around in the "living rooms"

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔On-Site Accommodations
✔Outdoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet

✖Covered Outdoors Space
✖Liability Insurance

Guest Capacity
Up to 300

Settings
Barn, Farm & Ranch, Vineyard & Winery

Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
​
​Starting Costs
$$$ - Moderate

Mooresville, IN

About
Main Street Charm:
Five East is located in the quaint downtown of Mooresville, Indiana. The historic building tells a story as you walk through the doors! The original hardwood floors splattered with stain from its days as a Hardware Store, to the stunning brick interior walls and spacious 15 foot high, beautiful wood ceiling. Five East offers a chic, industrial space and can comfortably hold up to 100 attendees, perfect for any type of gathering.

At 5 East, they offer all-inclusive wedding packages and we will pair you with one of their professional Event Coordinators on their team. If you are more of a DIY bride, no problem! They also offer hourly rentals and allow you to do the work yourselves.

They want each of their brides to be able to have their dream wedding day within their own personal budget. For that reason, they start off with pricing at the DIY level. However, they do offer ALL INCLUSIVE wedding packages. This package allows you to simply be the bride on your wedding day and let them do the heavy lifting with prep, and coordinating!

Day-of Coordinator
Access to building evening before event from for rehearsal and/or set-up
Access to building day of event from 11 AM to 11 PM
Bridal suite day of event from (11 AM-11 PM)
10, 5' round tables
2, 6' banquet tables
100 chairs
Vintage furniture placed around the room

The DIY package is an a-la-carte so you pay only for what you need from them

Why We Like It
Between the upstairs and downstairs, in the historic main street building, it holds a ton of charm. Great for those smaller weddings that need a fully indoor party all day long. It has the ability to open the large front glass garage doors and hire a food truck people can walk out to the curb for! Upstairs is great for cocktail with its full service bar while the downstairs is flipped from wedding to reception. Perfect little inexpensive venue for the small sized intimate wedding.

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet

✖Covered Outdoors Space
✖Liability Insurance
✖On-Site Accommodations
✖Outdoor Event Space

Guest Capacity
Up to 100

Settings
Historic main street Venue

Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks, Cakes & Desserts, Food & Catering, Planning, Rentals & Equipment

​​Starting Costs
$ - Super Affordable

Indianapolis, IN

About
Start Your New Chapter with a Touch of Class:
Situated in Indianapolis, IN, Pipers at the Marott is a wedding venue brimming with vintage beauty. Characterized by its blend of traditional design and contemporary comfort, this banquet hall property evokes a sense of refinement suitable for a romantic celebration. You and your significant other will surely be dazzled by the interior’s opulent decor and stately aesthetic. Known for their eclectic repertoire of dishes, Pipers’ culinary team can work with you to develop a custom menu made up of your favorite dishes. This sophisticated venue welcomes you to wed, wine, and dine in Circle City style.

Originally a residential hotel, Pipers at the Marott has been charming wedding-goers and overnight stayers alike since the 1920s. A bastion of classic elegance, the venue boasts various features that pay homage to its hotel roots, including eye-catching chandeliers, pillars, and plush furniture. The Grand Lobby exemplifies this, replete with crystal accents and marble flooring. You can host your ceremony in The Atrium, a covered courtyard setting that features a glass ceiling and pond. Illuminated by natural light, this space has an intimate vibe ideal for your “I do” moment. Capable of hosting up to 250 people in are largest room, The Grand Ballroom can set the stage for large-scale receptions. The Crystal Room’s old-world aesthetic is reminiscent of the venue’s early 20th-century architecture. For those planning smaller events, the Meridian Parlor is perfect, featuring antique sofas and a sweetheart table.

Pipers at the Marott offers a variety of services tailored to ensure that your vision is realized. The team will be on-hand throughout to answer any queries that may arise, performing waiting, bartending, and cake services. Each room rental includes complimentary guest tables, Chiavari chairs, and custom linens. A variety of dining styles is available, including family-style, buffets, stations, and seated meals. From hearty steaks to Asian-inspired glazed duck, their menu has a selection of conventional and cosmopolitan dishes. Further features of their service include event set-up and breakdown, access to get-ready rooms, and rehearsal time.

Why We Like it
The cool atmosphere created by the glass roof courtyard with industrial rafters and promenade. This is reminiscent of some roman architecture practices with these long connecting courtyards creating cool tucked away spaces. The charm of all the archways and marble columns add a touch of class and elegance. And it's located right downtown too off Fall Creek.

Amenities + Details
✔Ceremony Area
✔Dressing Room
✔Handicap Accessible
✔Indoor Event Space
✔Liability Insurance
✔On-Site Accommodations
✔Reception Area
✔Wireless Internet

✖Covered Outdoors Space
✖Outdoor Event Space

Guest Capacity
Up to 250

Settings
Ballroom, Historic Venue
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Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks, Cakes & Desserts, Food & Catering, Planning, Rentals & Equipment, Service Staff

Starting Costs
$$$$- Expensive

If you've made it to this point in the article, thanks for sticking around. Again these are in no particular order but just some of our favorite venues from working around the state the past decade. What are some of your favorites, and for what reasons?

​So whether you’re hosting a BBQ Pool party, a 50th Birthday, graduation party or any other get together with friends and family and you’ve hired a DJ, you might want to include some games to get people engaged and having a good time at your event! A DJ’s job is more than just music, its to help read the crowd and facilitate a good time and keep it from going stale. Including some games throughout your event can be fun, and we here at Table Manners Productions can help facilitate. You might not have thought to include any or that wasn’t your idea of the typical role of the DJ, but as your Event Host we are more than happy to create, include, and run them. Think of us as your party game referee. I’ll go through some fun things we’ve done in the past that might be a great one for your next party!

​This one might be the obvious choice to include as we can get on the mic, engage the crowd with questions, keep some sort of tally, and announce the answers. And you’re right, this is probably the easiest (yet fun) way to get a feel for whether people want to participate in games or not. If they’re feeling some trivia, then they might be up for some other things as well. Here are some ideas for trivia that have worked in the past. For birthdays, it’s always fun to allude back to their birth year. You can ask trivia questions like the price of things, famous events, and top billboard hit songs on that year. Another idea is trivia about the person of interest at the party such as the birthday person, bride-to-be, graduate, etc. This can really show who knows you well at the party! And of course, trivia can be any theme of your choosing if you plan with us ahead of time that you’d like some pop culture, specific movie, something that ties into your party theme etc. We can do the research on our end and come prepared with the right questions to ask. As far as keeping tabs on who is winning, that can be done a multitude of ways. Everyone can get index cards and pens to play individually, dry erase boards and markers as a team relay, or just shout out the answer informally, its up to you (we provide the pens, index cards, dry-erase board and markers for score keeping as trivia is popular for us to do so we’ve got you covered there).

​Before playing any of these variations, you need to work with us to decide what decade, genre or style of music you want to use. This helps us in planning out the game, as we can even create whole bingo sheets ahead of time to print out and bring.

Song Shout: This one makes you think quick on your feet. You can play by getting everyone dancing on their feet to regular music, then the DJ throws the chorus of a random song in. The first to shout the random song title out gets a point. If they sing the next line of lyrics they can get a bonus point.

Name That Song: This could be played as a sit-down or dinner game. You could have everyone working in teams or individually on index cards during dinner.  Or first to raise their dry-erase board with the correct answer works too! We can keep the music going for dinner music and announce each snippet of a song, trivia style, by saying what number we’re on. You have to guess what that title of the song is and extra point for the artist. Score the index cards up at the end for the winner!

Song Bingo: Let us know and we can create the Bingo sheets ahead of time if we know the genre or decade you want played. This is a fun one anyone can play during a longer sit-down period during a party such as dinner. And it can be played the easy way where we say the song title and they find it on their bingo sheet, or the hard way and let them guess the song title (based off the snippet played) and still have to find it on their bingo sheet. The winner is the first to connect 5!
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Finish the Lyric: This is kind of a karaoke game but doesn’t involve anyone to be musically inclined to have a good time. This can be played knockout-style where everyone gets in a circle and the mic keeps getting passed around after you finish the lyric to the song playing. The DJ plays a song for a little bit, then cuts the music, at that point that person must finish the lyrics or they’re out! It keeps going until there is a last person standing.

So there are a ton of games that can happen with this format and the one you’re probably most familiar is Musical Chairs. And yes we still totally do musical chairs, it was a huge hit for a girl scout dance and they really got into it. Ended up doing 3 rounds in total because they kept asking to play it again and it got competitive. So basically with a Pause-the-Music format, you can play any game where we have music going, and they can only do the certain action when the music is paused.

Shark Attack/Zombies/Balloon Pop or whatever you want to call it is another fun one. Each person gets 2 balloons attached to rope tied to each ankle to represent their life counter of 4 lives (plan ahead for this one and have the balloon ropes already made and ready to go in trash bags). When the music is playing they run around the yard or gym or wherever the boundary is. When the music pauses, let the balloon popping commence. Everyone is then able to pop eachothers while trying to protect their own. Last one standing with balloons left wins! Or you can play this zombie/shark style where it only starts with one designated zombie/shark and losing all of your balloons turns you into a zombie/shark too and are the only ones allowed to pop balloons.

Hide-n-Seek can also be a good one. The seeker is turned facing outwards at the edge, wall or fence with their eyes covered. When the music is playing everyone else is running around and must be up and moving. They cannot be hiding yet. Once the music pauses people then have 5 seconds to hide as I count backwards 5-4-3-2-1-spin around. The seeker then spins around and if they see anyone still left out in the open or visible they’re out. (you can do an easy variation as well, where if most of their body is covered by some sort of object to hide them they are good, but if left out in the open with no obvious cover they’re out).

Hot Potato/Hula Hoop Pass is another fun variation of musical chairs. Keep a ball or balloon going in the air with everyone in a large circle. When the music stops and you’re the next to touch it oh no! You’ve blown up. Try this variation with a hula hoop where everyone stands in a large connected circle. Everyone must hold hands and not break the link. They must pass the hula-hoop to one another by stepping through and going over their arms and head with hands still linked to the next person. When the music stops the person with the hoop is out, this encourages you to get through the hoop quickly!
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Marshmallow Scultpure is a creative one that ties crafting and competition together. Everyone gets a bunch of toothpicks and a bag of marshmallows. When the music is playing the DJ announces an object to create a sculpture of. When the music pauses no more building. Each round of pausing, the best sculpture closest to that object wins a point. Go for as many rounds as you like. 

Conga Line Copy. The first person in line comes up with a fun walk, step or dance, that everyone has to repeat and mimic behind them in line. Once the dance move/step makes its way to the last person, the last one in line runs up to the front and starts a new move. This just keeps repeating until everyone has come up with silly moves for everyone to copy and have fun to.

Simon Says. We can keep everyone dancing with a game of simon says. We choose what dance move we want to keep doing and Simon Says it to the group. Be careful though, do a move that Simon doesn’t say and you could be out!
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Disco Tunnel. Everyone lines up in 2 lines and each take a turn going through the middle with their best moves! For more fun we keep changing the genre of the music and they have to come up with a move that closely fits the genre!
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Line Dances. We can get out there and teach line dances to people, after a decade of experience we know quite a few. A lot of older dances are getting lost among younger generations, so we can get out there and facilitate the teaching! Some of these include the Electric Slide, Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Wobble, and Cotton Eyed Joe. We’ve even got some newer popular ones up our sleeve as well like the Bikers Shuffle and Follow the Leader!

​This one is a classic that we do quite a bit for 50th birthday parties, gets a good kick out of the crowd and tests how well they know eachother based on touch. Whether the party is for her or him, regardless this one takes a group of guys to volunteer (or be picked out by the DJ based on facial features) as the wife gets blindfolded. Just by touching facial features (anything above the neck) can she take a stab at guessing which one is her husband. Once decided upon her final answer, the blindfold comes off and we see who was chosen!

​We can use the projector and screen to cast a game of Jeopardy on the wall! This is an easy-enough to create game using powerpoint slides and hyperlinks. We can customize what your categories and questions are you’d like to play with or leave it up to use with a general theme. Alex what is “That’s Totally Awesome” for 1000.

​We can help facilitate tournaments or contests of any type as the MC for the tournament. Got an idea in mind? We can keep tabs on the winners bracket and announce who is playing who next or where you need to go or be. This could be relay races in a lap pool or on foot (egg on spoon, 2 person ankle run etc), cards, yard games (cornhole, washers, beer pong, Kan-Jam, ladder ball etc..), you name it we can announce it. We can keep the energy going, the music playing, and make sure the announcements are flowing to keep everybody in the know of their tournament standing. This can also be said for contests and can announce the entries, and winners. We’ve done costume judging contests, Limbo, eating contests, etc… Utilize the DJ in many ways with announcements and games.

​Do you want you guests to win prizes for any of these games? We’ll leave that up to you to provide. Some people in the past have done small $5-$10 fast-food gift cards, cash, candy, and other prizes. Prizes do make games a little more competitive because they have something to win for, which can be a lot of fun!

​If you can’t already tell from reading this article, a DJ can have a lot bigger role in helping create that awesome party you had in mind. We are there to entertain guests with music, games, and more! As the event host its our job to make sure people are having a good time and we have a blast running any of these because it creates smiles and laughter when people are participating which we love to see. So if you are thinking of having a party with a DJ, what are some of these games you’d like to incorporate?  

Building the best Dancefloor
Over the years we have DJ’ed a multitude of weddings, and over the years have played just about every genre at them. Some weddings were themed and had specific music they wanted played the majority of the time. All Halloween music for a wedding in October, surfer music for a lakeside beachy wedding, Azeri, Latin, Persian, we’ve done it. How about all metal, rock, and country at a biker camp in the woods…yup! Mostly Disney songs for dinner and first dances and some karaoke sing-alongs later. Mhmm. These tend to be a lot of fun since they are so specific and the couple knows exactly what they and their guests want! But what about those that just want the classics that work at the majority of weddings spanning across many age groups, decades, and genres. We’ve got you covered there! Unless you specify otherwise, we will work our magic, read the crowd and get them going on the dancefloor.

I’m going to break this down into different portions of the night and different energy levels. Each of these can be building blocks when the time calls for it and you may need to switch up what you’re playing if the energy dies or the dancefloor clears (usually not the case as we can read ahead and get out of a song or genre that isn’t working quickly and change it up to keep the floor alive). Towards the beginning, you want stuff that everyone from many generations are going to know and enjoy. This will get grandma up out of her chair and out on the floor to celebrate with the newlyweds! Then it can go many directions from there. You might add in some slow songs (Check out these slow song suggestions here) to the mix, which might get others sitting down to get out on the floor, hype it up again with party songs, line dances, hip hop, country, or edm even. So here it goes, dance section-by-section.​

​Opening the Dancefloor
A sure-fire way to signify the opening of the dancefloor is to 1. Make an announcement that it’s opening and you take requests and 2. Kick it off with a line dance or popular song (if “no line dances” are requested). Then flow into some disco, Motown, or funk some of the older stuff that spans generations.
“Cha-Cha Slide” – DJ Casper
“September / Let’s Groove” – Earth Wind & Fire
“P.Y.T” – Michael Jackson
“Make me wanna Shout” – Little Richy
“Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
“Do you believe in Magic” – The Lovin’ Spoonful
“The Twist” – Chubby Checker
“Uptown Funk / 24k magic” – Bruno Mars
“Macarena” – Los Del Ray
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” – Justin Timberlake
“We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
“Cupid Shuffle” - DJ Cupid

From there you can take the dancing a few ways, by what the couple has requested on the timeline/script you can gauge what direction to head into next. You can go country with it, more hip hop with it, or older Motown, jazzy, and rocky with it (if the older generation is still out there), or slow it down if people are already clearing (all depends on the crowd). It’s not an exact science but this article surely gives you some tips and tricks to help. And of course you can keep hopping genres, play a few of something, and get into something else. It’s all in the feeling of how the night is going.

The Country Route
If they have a lot of country requests on the script or your request book is already filling up with country, this might be the route to take, again playing a wider variety from older country to newer hits, Some are high energy and some slow it down a little but pick right back up with the next one.

“Country Girl Shake it for me” – Luke Bryan
“5-1-5-0” – Dierks Bently
“Mountain Music” – Alabama
“9 to 5” – Dolly Parton
“Love Story” – Taylor Swift
“Your Man” – Josh Turner
“Amazed” – Lonestar
“Any Man of Mine” – Shania Twain
“Cotton Eyed Joe” - Rednex
“Honey Bee” – Blake Shelton
“Wagon Wheel” – Old Crow Medicine Show
“Tractors Sexy” – Kenny Chesney
“5 O’clock somewhere” – Jimmy Buffet
“I Wanna Talk about me” – Toby Keith
“Jolene” – Dolly Parton
“I Walk the Line” – Johnny Cash
“Good Time” – Alan Jackson
“I Like it I love it” – Tim McGraw

Older Route (Motown, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll)
If by chance the older generations are still out there, reward them with some older stuff! Keep them going with some Motown classics or some jazz or older rock era’s

“Ain’t No Mountain High enough” – Marvin Gaye
“My Girl” – The Temptations
“ABC” – Jackson 5
“What a Wonderful world” – Louis Armstrong
“Cheek to Cheek” – Louis Armstrong
“The way you look tonight” – Frank Sinatra
“Fly me to the moon” – Frank Sinatra
“Wouldn’t it be nice” – Beach Boys
“Here comes the sun/ All You need is Love/ Come together” – Beatles
“Hound Dog/ Jailhouse Rock/ Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis
“Boogie Shoes” – KC and the Sunshine band 
“Fly Like an Eagle” – Steve Miller Band
“Have you Ever Seen the Rain” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
“Magic Carpet Ride” – Steppenwolf
“You Really Got me” – The Kinks
“I’m a Believer” – The Monkees
“California Dreamin” – The Mamas & The Papas

Hip Hop Route
If the party is already to that point from reading the room, you can start to go a little more hip hop but keep it on the light side, don’t go all in just yet. Save that for when all the grandparents have maybe cleared out, These are some safe ones to start to steer in that direction, sprinkling in other genres with them of course.

“Yeah!” – Usher
“Low (applebottom jeans)” – Flo Rida
“Baby Got Back” – Sir Mix-a-lot
“The Motto” – Drake
“Bootylicious” – Destiny’s Child
“My Humps” – Black Eyed Peas
“Crank Dat” – Soulja Boy
“You’re a Jerk” – New Boyz
“Wop” – J-Dash
“Bikers Shuffle” – Big Mucci
“Buy you a Drank” – T-Pain
“Jump on it” – Apache
“Bust a Move” – Young MC
“This is How We Do it” – Montell Jordan
“Big Fantasy Energy” – Lizzo ft Mariah Carrey DJ Khaled Remix
“Toosie Slide / One Dance” – Drake
“Poison” – Bel Biv DeVoe
“Rhythm of the Night” – DeBarge

Sprinkle in Rock and 80s Hits
Don’t forget to sprinkle in some 80s rock and pop hits. You don’t want to play too many in succession, but sprinkle these in a few places! 

“Pour some Sugar on me” – Def Leppard
“Back in Black” – ACDC
“Thunderstruck” – ACDC
“Cherry Pie” – Warrant
“Don’t Stop Believing” – Journey
“Walk this way” – Aerosmith
“Don’t Want to miss a thing” – Aerosmith
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
“Take on me” – Ah-Ha
“Material Girl” – Madonna
“Never Gonna Give you Up” – Rick Astley
“Time of my Life” – Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
“Maneater” – Hall & Oates
“Thriller” – Michael Jackson
“I Wanna know what love is” – Foreigner
“Every Breath you take” – The Police



Liquid Courage (When the Party is Finally Vibing)
Ok by this point in the night the guests might have a little more alcohol consumption and a little more liquid courage to get out on the dancefloor and just go crazy, its time to turn up the party to an eleven! If it’s a dry wedding don’t fear, closer towards the end, people are feeling the music and want to get out there and party regardless. 

Country Shout-a-Long
People are ready to scream the lyrics at the top of their lungs. If they’re into country from learning that earlier on, then these are great to play later in the night when everyone just wants to sing in a big group or dance. Hand the mic over to some of these songs to the crowd.

“Man! I feel like a woman” – Shania Twain
“Devil went down to Georgia” – Charlie Daniels
“Goodbye Earl” – Dixie Chicks
“Red Solo Cup” – Toby Keith
“Friends in Low Places” – Garth Brooks
“Beer for my Horses”- Toby Keith
“Redneck Yacth Club” – Craig Morgan
“Fishin in the Dark” – Nitty Gritty Band
“Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynard Skynyrd
“Tim McGraw” – Taylor Swift
“Our Song” – Taylor Swift
“Truck Yeah” – Tim McGraw

Dirtier Hip Hop
OK maybe by this point the grandparents left and the children had to go to bed, so now is a great time to get into a little more dirty hip hop that makes you get low, and grind like you were back in high school or twerking like Miley. There’s something about the Krunk era that still remains party favorites today, with some newer trap beats in between. Now is the time, go for it!

“Stanky Leg” – GS Boyz
“Get Low” – Lil Jon
“Genuwine” – Pony
“Truffle Butter" - Nicki Minaj
“Grind on me” Pretty Ricky
“Blow the Whistle” – Too Short
“For Free / Nonstop/ Nice for What / Best I Ever Had / Sticky / Way 2 Sexy” – Drake
“My Neck My Back” – Elle King
“Goldigger” – Kanye West
“Panda” – Desiigner
“Suge” – DaBaby
“Swimming Pools / Starboy / I feel it coming” - Weeknd
“Wasn’t Me” – Shaggy
“Come my lady” – Crazy town
“Cyclone” – Baby Bash
“Tipsy” – J-Kwon
“Get Up / Let’s Get it On / Sexual Healing” – Marvin Gaye
“My Chick Bad / Get Back / How Low can you go” Ludacris
“How We do / 21 Questions/ P.I.M.P / Just a lil Bit / In Da Club” – 50 Cent
“Lollipop / 6 foot 7 foot / Ms Officer / Bandz a make her Dance” – Lil Wayne
“Act Up / Twerkulator” – City Girls
“Good as Hell / About damn time / Truth hurts” Lizzo
“Party Up / Ruff Riders / X Gon Give it to ya” – DMX
“Without me / Real Slim shady / My Band” – Eminem
“Two Step remix” – DJ Unk 

Party Favorites
These are just a few party favorites once the party turns up or needs to go a little harder. These don’t really fit a genre, maybe mostly pop stuff but hits nonetheless (maybe a little cheesy ones at that but hey, fun anyway). Use these at your disposal too when the floor is packed. Some are danceable, some have everyone shouting the lyrics or just jumping around!

“Milkshake” – Kelis
“Party in the USA” – Miley Cyrus
“Super Bass / Anaconda / Super Freaky Girl” – Nicki Minaj
“Super Freak” – Rick James
“Mr Brightside / Somebody Told me” – The Killers
“All Star” – Smash Mouth
“Down” – Jay Sean
“Talk Dirty / Wiggle / Savage Love” – Jason Derulo
“Glamorous / London Bridge / Hollaback Girl” – Fergie
“Just Dance / Alejandro / Poker Face” – Lady Gaga
“Gimme, Gimme, Gimme / Dancing Queen” ABBA
“Barbie Girl” – Aqua
“Fat Bottomed Girls” – Queen
“Baby One more time / Toxic / Oops I did it again” – Britney Spears
“Sexy Back / Rock Your Body / Bye Bye Bye” – Justin Timberlake
“Ride wit Me” – Nelly
“First Class / Whats Poppin remix” – Jack Harlow
“Peaches / Baby / Boyfriend / Yummy / 10,000 Hours” Justin Bieber
“RITMO / Mi Gente / In Da Ghetto” – J Balvin
“Shake Senora” – Harry Belofonte
“Boom / Pepas/ The Business” – Tiesto
“Do it To it” – Acraze
“Ride It” – DJ Regard
“Sexy Chick / Play Hard / Where them girls at / Who’s that chick” – David Guetta

Hopefully with this list, whether you're a DJ or planning a wedding, shed some insight as to what we think has worked over the years. A great place to start anyways but as anything, with time, practice, and experience you evolve to know what works for you!  

Over the past decade I've worked with a ton of great photographers at weddings but here are a few that stood out to me. They do amazing work, each one with their own style and different offerings, some with videography, drone flyovers, or just some really awesome edits.

With romantic, light and airy photography, Maria captures your wedding day with heirloom quality photographs that are artistically stylized. Over 12 years in the business and having travelled to 14 different US states to photograph couples, she is well versed in capturing the perfect backdrop no matter the location. She is up for travelling. I have worked with her in countless weddings, always polite and knows what moment to capture, with Maria you are sure to have a wonderful experience and lasting images that will remain timeless.

A fellow Ball State grad, Britny Murray with Golden Cardinal Media, is bound to capture the perfect moment in a warm and moody way. With easy to book and straighforward pricing Britny does both video and photography coverage! With planning her own wedding, she really wished she could have a video to look back on to capture the moments and now offering it to clients as to not break the bank with her packages. 

Destiny has a moodier darker approach to wedding photography with her studio New & Bold Photography. Perfect for the engagement photo sesh, wedding, and especially in the future for those baby/toddler mini-sessions. If you browse through her facebook you will find out how adorable the baby sessions are (planning for the future of course). She captures timeless moments from the wedding and related still items such as the shoes and rings of course. Destiny has a love for capturing beautiful moments, the median for all the parts of arts that she loves!

Sometimes during the night of dancing to upbeat stuff that's fun for the whole family, occasionally you have to bring the energy back down for a breather and create romantic moments with some slow songs. It's important to give the guests time to catch their breath and regain some energy by allowing them to grab a partner and hold them close to a slow tune. These sure-fire songs are great to play at weddings, and are time-tested ones that we personally use to create these lasting moments on the dancefloor.
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Ed Sheeran songs are the 'perfect' way to slow the dancefloor down. Not only are these modern slow songs in this list romantic, but the right tempo to sway back and fourth to. Not to mention that most people know the lyrics and actually grabs people that were previously sitting down to head to the dancefloor.

These 2000's alt rock songs are great slow dance starters, and again most people have these lyrics engrained in their head growing up. We might be seeing the tail end of people that know these songs though, as younger couples were only toddlers when these were on the radio.

These country love songs are great to slow dance to if you've got a country wedding! Indiana receptions seem to enjoy some country music sprinkled in and a lot of it spans generations of country music lovers that will know some of these songs.

These are classics, mostly coming from the Motown and jazz Era. Timeless slow dances that everyone should know and have in their arsenal to get the older generations out on the dancefloor. Of course if you have any good taste in music you know the lyrics to these too!

These rhythm and blues songs are great slow songs to get close to your partner, bump and grind, leaving no room for Jesus. Get on the floor with these R&B ballads!

These 80's pop and rock songs are sure to get the parents generation out there on the floor, these hits are great if you want to cater to the parents and grandparents generations while trying to build up a consistent dance floor.

These are some honorable mentions, all different genres ranging from 90's pop, country pop, to classic soft rock. These are extra song ideas if you've burned through everything else above, generally people enjoy the more upbeat stuff so including this many slow songs during a reception would be overkill. They are tools to regain energy, get other groups that aren't dancing to the fast stuff out there, and change the pace or reset the floor!

So you're planning a party and thinking about hiring a DJ. That is a great place to start! Music can create an atmosphere, create excitement, or dial in what type of music you want for just the right vibe. Here at Table Manners Productions, we work with you to dial in the sound you're going for on the day of your event. We can also work with you to see what formalities, announcements, games, or other things you might need to elevate the party to the next level. Below are some things to think about when planning your event, aside from music could make your event stand out or make your guests have even more fun!

Our Offerings

Generator
We can setup anywhere! Yes anywhere, with a 4500 watt generator we can play music in the middle of a forest rave, tailgate, middle of a barn dance with no power, or anywhere really! With our smaller setup we even have battery powered speakers and turntables to be completely mobile (back of a truck bed in a parade?) So don't limit yourself to where your event or party is going to be held because we've got your back...and a generator!

Karaoke
​How about spicing up your party with a little karaoke? Have anyone coming that would love to sing out to the crowd? With 4 wireless microphones you and friends can all hop on a song together and sing to your hearts content! With a library of over 57,000 karaoke songs, we've got just about anything you can think of. Write it down and we'll see if we've got it, but more than likely yes. To display the bouncing words we've got either a projector and 110" screen perfect for the evening when its a little darker out or indoors, or for those brighter days a 52" TV. See about adding Karaoke to your party for a fun experience for those singing and listening as well! 

Video/picture Slideshow
Having a reunion and want to display a family picture slideshow while everyone is hanging out? The Projector and 110" screen or TV monitor are perfect for the whole family to see. Or rent us out for a "drive-in movie" night for the neighborhood to watch, pairing the projector with some awesome sound and you've got an outdoor movie theater!

Fog
Hosting a scary Halloween party? How about our low-lying dry-ice fog machine and some spooky music to go along with the candy and cider! This can also be used for court dances for prom, quincenera, or anything you can imagine up that fog would be a cool effect for!

Uplights
Create a cool atmosphere to any space with up to 20 room uplights, these can help really reinforce a theme you're going for with matching colors, add more lighting to an area to highlight a cake or something, pulse and color change to the music for a party, or add some elegant class with a white light wash. 

Want to host a backyard pool party rave? We've got packs of 50 LED Foam Batons for guests to keep and go crazy with these batons with their hands raised high in the air! Checkout any of these 'special touches' to add to your next event.


Formalities

Announcements
Music is important but so are announcements, formalities, and games too if you would like to incorporate any into your event. Included with any event is the ability to have announcements with wireless handheld mics for either you or me (as the DJ) to make. This can really help keep some order to your party, direct guests, or let them know something is about to start (i.e. food is ready, sign the birthday picture up front, apple bobbing starts in 10, etc...). All of these usually fall under our roll and more than happy to make frequent announcements in between music. 

Formalities
Do you have anything special planned that you'd like a certain song played for, any special event that you want to happen at a certain time? We can plan it and get the guests attention to focus on what it is you're doing. First dance as a Quincenera? Handing out Awards? Let us know and we can work anything into the event.

Games
Games can be really fun to include for people attending, it gets them involved and having a good time interacting. Having a 50th birthday? How about some trivia from your birth year. School graduation party, do a fun "who knows the graduate best" game with some food gift card prizes, Last man standing balloon pop to music (only able to pop others balloons when music is going), musical chairs, swimming pool relay races, anything you can think of, we can help direct, instruct the rules, keep it going with music, add sound effects, and more for the games you had in mind! 


Music
And lastly we're getting to the music, the heart and soul of what a DJ brings to the table at an event along with dancefloor lighting to set the tone. We can either be in the background just playing music at a street festival, or front and center with a rave, wherever you want us we can do. This is also your chance to have some fun with selecting what music you'd like for your event, what kind of vibe are you going for and any special song requests?

Examples of some Event & song pairings:

• Halloween Party - Halloween music & Heavy Metal
• Pool Party - Tropical house and Top 40 club remixes
• 50th Birthday - Music from your teen/20s years in your heyday (70's 80's)
• Conference - Mix of top 40 from all generations, motown, classic rock
• Barn dance - Line dance and Country songs
• Private rave - EDM
• Bach party/ Baby shower - Girl power songs, country, pop 
• Graduation party - Mix of club and top 40 music, hip hop
• Tailgate - Rock and Hip Hop

The answer is yes and no. Line dances have a special time and place during a reception. They might not be what you listen to in your day-to-day playlist or even your favorite genre, but with these surefire and timeless hits mixed in with a fantastic wedding playlist, they can take your reception to the next level. During your reception, your DJ can pump up the crowd, and there’s no better method of raising the energy than with music. If you want your guests to start dancing the night away, consider throwing in a few of these line dances. 

Although wedding line dances may seem cheesy, they’re a great way to get all the guests at your reception out on the dance floor. While some couples may choose to put line dance songs on the “do not play” list, others don’t mind some goofy fun with family and friends. Have you ever seen anyone not smiling when they're out on the dancefloor dancing to one of these tunes? They're wedding staples for a reason after all, they simply work at getting people out there! And oftentimes the only upbeat songs that some guests will dance to aside from slow dances!

Perhaps they are self-conscious about dancing. Maybe they don’t have a partner or don’t have a partner who will dance. Line dance or group dance songs allow these guests a chance to get out on the floor and have fun too.

When more people join a group on the dance floor, it’s just more fun for everyone! If there’s no one on the dance floor, a familiar tune might just be what your reception needs to get the party moving. Once wedding guests are out of their seats, it’s easy to keep the momentum going with other music if dancing is your desired goal in your celebration. 

On the flip side, they are played...A LOT. So if you want to be a bit more unique, try opting for a reception that doesn't include any of these and kick these to the "do not play" list. With that being said, you better know your wedding party has your back and will dance to anything because it's a lot harder to build consistent energy through all age groups without some line-dances kicking things off but definitely do-able. As experts in reading the crowd here at Table Manners Productions, line dances are tools in our arsenal but not the only ones of course. Experience and song knowledge for different age groups across many generations and genres is a key factor.


Popular Line Dance Songs

These line dance songs have stood the test of time. If you’re at a wedding, you can almost always expect one of these songs to be played by the DJ, and when you think of line dance songs, these are the tunes that come to mind. 

Why are these songs so popular? These songs are fun and upbeat, and best of all, they’re easy dances to learn! For children and adults alike of all ages, these dances are simple and straightforward. Many of them tell you the moves in the lyrics, and others you can vary or change up the moves to have some silly fun with everyone.

• “Cha Cha Slide” – DJ Casper (Casper Slide Part 2)
• “Cupid Shuffle” – Cupid
• “The Locomotion” – Little Eva
• “Cotton Eye Joe” – Rednex
• “Macarena” – Los Del Rio
• "Electric Slide" - Marcia Griffiths (Electric Boogie) 
• “The Chicken Dance” – The Emeralds (Polka)
• "YMCA" - The Village People
• "Thriller" - Michael Jackson

Country Line Dance Songs

When it comes to line dancing, a popular genre of music is country. However, country line dance songs go beyond a typical do-si-do and square dance. Country line dances are fun and energetic, and you can be more active in these dances. If you’re looking for a high-spirited dance, country songs like “Any Man of Mine” are an excellent choice. You can send your guests a link to a YouTube video with line dancing instructions for more complex dances, or take a few minutes out of your reception to demonstrate the moves.

• “Achy Breaky Heart” – Billy Ray Cyrus
• “Chattahoochee” – Alan Jackson
• “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker
• “Watermelon Crawl” – Tracy Byrd
• “Copperhead Road” – Steve Earle
• "Country Girl Shake it for me" - Luke Bryan
• “Any Man of Mine” – Shania Twain
• "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" - Trace Adkins
• "The Git Up" - Blanco Brown
• "Old Town Road - Remix" - Lil NasX & Billy Ray

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Hip-Hop Line Dance Songs

Most Hip-hop line dances have a little less structure and you can be a little more loose on how you dance, just by the nature of the beat. Some just have a single section that has dancing or a single move that you vary and repeat the whole time. Add some flare with your own moves in-between lyrics and that hype part that everyone knows with these beats!

• “Jump on It” – Sugarhill Gang & later Sir Mix a Lot
• “Wobble” –  V.I.C.
• “Crank That” – Soulja Boy
• “Tootsee Roll” – 69 Boyz
• “Teach Me How to Dougie” – Cali Swag District
• "Follow the Leader" - Soca Boys
• "DLow Shuffe" - DLow
• "Watch me Whip" - Silento (Nae Nae)
• "You're a Jerk" - New Boyz
• "Bikers Shuffle" - Big Mucci
• “The Real Harlem Shake” – The Go Crazy Boys
• "Do it Like Me" - DLow
• "Two Step" - DJ Unk
• "Toosie Slide" - Drake

Party Favorites

Here are some fun songs that aren't necessarily line dances but still get everyone up and moving, have a couple of moves in the lyrics or people always shout along. 

• "Conga" - Gloria Estefan   (people form a conga line)
• "Come On 'N Ride It (The Train)" - Quad City DJ's   (also a conga/train line)
• "Twist & Shout" - The Beatles
• "Make Me Wanna Shout" - Little Richy
• "The Twist" - Chubby Checker
• "Brown Eyed Girl" - Van Morrison
• "Sweet Caroline" - Neil Diamond
• "Mr. Brightside" - The Killers
• "Come on Eileen" Dexy's Midnight Runners
• "All Star" - Smash Mouth
• "This is How We Do it" - Montell Jordan
• "Uptown Funk" - Bruno Mars
• "We Are Family" - Sister Sledge
• "P.Y.T" - Michael Jackson
• "Stayin Alive" - Bee Gees
• "Man! I Feel like a Woman" - Shania Twain
• "Goodbye Earl" - Dixie Chicks
• "Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynard Skynard
• "Pour some Sugar on Me" - Def Leppard
• "Thunderstruck" - ACDC (usually accompanied by waterfall beer drinking)
• "Yeah" - Usher
• "Low" - Flo Rida
• "How Low can you go" - Ludacris
• "The Motto" - Drake
• "Ayye Macarena" - Tyga
• "Goldigger" - Kanye West
• "It Wasn't Me" - Shaggy
• "Baby Got Back" - Sir Mix-a-lot

With this list of dancing songs, you'll be sure to get everyone in the mood to hop out of their seats and get on the dancefloor. The key is spacing them apart and not overdoing it, using them as a tool rather than the end-all be all to keep a party going. These are a fun way DJ's help get the more shy people out of their seats, and those that know them through the generations can continue to teach them to the younger ones and keep the dancing alive!

Are you questioning whether or not do include any wedding traditions in your reception? First Dances, Grand Entrances, bouquet and garter toss, cake cutting, anniversary dance, shoe game, toasts and more? Ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Am I outgoing or reserved?
2. Do I find them fun or overdone at weddings I attend?  
3. What vibe am I going for?

1. Am I outgoing or reserved? The first one is pretty easy, are you an outgoing person who likes attention and enjoy being in the spotlight. After all, the wedding day is all about you! These traditions shine the light on you and bring everyone's focus and attention toward the couple, the reason everyone is there in the first place. They can be a fun way to keep the night pacing and keep everyone at the wedding enjoying the different activities whether watching, listening, or participating in. If you are a reserved or shy person and don't like the attention however you may not want to do any and that's ok. Even for the reserved person there are some that are classics though and you may want to consider, first dances, cake and some toasts are pretty common, the others are usually a toss up on whether or not the couple does them or not, it's your day after all so it's up to you

2. Do I find them fun or overdone at weddings I attend?  If you've been involved or attended other weddings, did you find the traditions they did fun and kept the crowd engaged? You can use other weddings as a feeler for what you want at yours. There may be a tradition you thought was really cool and want to incorporate into your wedding - go for it and we can work out how to include it. There may be others that you thought were overdone and would rather pass on and that's fine too. Use your own feelings towards them as a guide to help pick and choose what you want to include in yours. There may be some you find on the internet as well that is a must have, let us know and can incorporate it into the night, In our opinion the couple always looks to be enjoying the traditions and having fun from experience.

3. What vibe am I going for? What kind of vibe are you going for, super traditional and upkeep the same traditions family, society, or what you think you want or have to do? Or do you want the most laid back hangout party feel with minimal formalities? We have done weddings on both extremes and the happy-medium in between. Many people are going towards a more laid back party rather than super-regimented formality-driven wedding, But usually there is a happy medium that we achieve. Sprinkling in a few formalities keeps the guests engaged and anticipating what is coming next. On the flip side if it's just a party and everyone is hanging out mingling the whole time with the married couple, occasionally dancing to some tunes, doing other activities outside or in, that can be super fun as well. 

In our expert opinion: We usually find the most engaging, fun, and successful weddings fall within the happy-medium amount of formalities and laid-back, it's completely the couples day and can be what they want it to be, doesn't have to follow any rules, and people enjoy just being there celebrating the day. It seems like in this day and age, some traditions are in-fact going to the wayside such as the bouquet & garter toss (if you aren't outgoing enough to be comfortable with taking the garter off in front of family this one might not be for you, and with the wrong couple/crowd mix can be one of the more awkward ones, but there are definitely couples that kill it and make it super fun and get into it with laughter all around.) Grand entrances are becoming less common, as many times the couple are already in the room mingling with everyone during cocktail, and a simple "alright lets give it up for the couple and get dinner started" will suffice. But they can be a lot of fun for the wedding party to make up a silly walk-in and the bride and groom get the attention they deserve! On the flipside, if there are less formalities I would say Games are becoming more common and couples like to sprinkle them throughout the rest of the night, the shoe game, anniversary dance, karaoke, dance tag, Do the Dance from the song that's playing, and even trivia! These are a fun way to sprinkle different activities to keep everyone having a good time or entertained. With the TikTok and instant gratification society we are living in today people's attention spans are dwindling, and these really help to refocus the group and get them interacting, smiling, and having a great party with the couple, the whole reason we celebrate and hold receptions to begin with, just to have a good time friends and family alike!