How to Throw a Rave Party

Lasers, lights, rave!

From glow-sticks to go-go dancing to the deep beats of drum and bass music, anything goes when you throw a rave party. There are key components to throwing a rave that set the event apart from any other dance party. Your goal is to infuse these ingredients to create a high-energy, uninhibited atmosphere of elation and spontaneity while providing an environment that is enjoyable, safe and memorable for your guests.

Things You'll Need

• Bottled water
• High-energy drinks
• Glowsticks
• Laser lights
• Fog machine
• Bubble machine
• Emergency kit
• DJ or playlist

Instructions

1. Set the scene. Dancing is the backbone to any rave, so find a space where a lot of people can get their groove on. A big empty warehouse often adds a sense a mystery, a mega-nightclub could provide the power-source for all the bells and whistles, such as a laser light show, or outside in the middle-of-nowhere could create an exhilarating sense of freedom.

2. Choose music that is fast-paced and almost deafening. DJs who know about trance, drum and bass, breakbeat and other types of electronic dance music are the number one choice. But if you prefer to save money and add a personal touch by showcasing your favorite electronic tunes, then create a playlist. Use a sound system that handles high decibels of music.

3. Spread the word. Promoting a rave is usually done by word-of-mouth or by using a small flyer. In the social marketing world of 2010, Facebook, Twitter and email are your best bets. Depending on how many people you want to invite and where you are throwing it, websites specializing in electronic music could help spread the word.

4. Create eye candy. Ravers are a visual bunch, so seek out some visual effects. Fog machines, bubble machines, lasers, strobe lights and glow sticks are some typical gizmos used to set the scene. If money is no object, hire professional dancers donning glow-in-the-dark make-up.

Tips & Warnings

• Dancing exerts a lot of energy, so have some supplies readily available for guests to replenish themselves with. Bottled water is your cheapest and safest bet. Another option is high-energy drinks.

• Keep an eye on your guests for unusual behavior. Dehydration, drug and alcohol abuse and other actions can spoil the fun, so be a responsible host and take care of your guests. It would be a good idea to have an emergency kit ready and to familiarize yourself with emergency exits and strategies in case something goes awry.

References

• Center for Problem-Oriented Policing: Rave Parties

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Genxglow.com