[su_note note_color=”#ff6c06″ text_color=”#ffffff”]Note: This guide has been written by AudioNetworks’ very own Mark Downing – a veteran of wedding and party entertainment in Ireland. We asked him if he could use his experience to come up with a quick, easy to follow guide for finding a wedding band FAST.
You can enjoy the result down below.
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Let’s get the party started! Let’s find the perfect wedding band.
But where do you start, and seeing as I hope to only ever do this once, how do I get it right?
Well here are our top tips for getting it right, and with over 20 years’ experience in wedding entertainment, we know a thing or two about wedding bands, wedding entertainment, DJ’s and unique acts.
We have seen it all, and know what to look out for, and most of all, what you need to do to ensure your wedding party is the best one “everrrrrr”.
Here we go, so buckle up and remember this is just some good friendly advice to help you in the decision-making;
Where to Start looking for a wedding band?
Start by checking out live gigs where a few Party bands perform and get best friend recommendations for sure, this will help. Always start your search in google for some great acts and keep an eye out on Google reviews to see what other brides are saying.
- Experience?
Ask yourself: have the band got lots of experience, will they confirm my booking in writing, and how do I know they will hold the date for sure?
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can get great guidance this way.
Try talking directly with the band’s manager or singer and get connected with them, this will help not to worry about your wedding day and that’s one less thing to tick off the hit list. If you can’t talk directly with the band there is something wrong, so make this a must.
- Early set-up?
Some brides like everything in place early on in the day so ask the band can they do an early set up with their sound equipment and lighting, this helps the day run that bit smoother for sure.
- Have you a backup plan?
Sometimes it’s a good idea to book with a reputable wedding entertainment agency as they will have twenty plus bands on their roster. No matter what happens they will be able to ensure you are always covered, think of it like insurance cover for your wedding day.
- Bespoke playlist?
When searching for the perfect wedding band ask them if you can you choose certain songs you like. Bands should always work with you and if they won’t or don’t then move on to another act. Try include 4-5 of your fave tunes, this helps to make your night special.
- Does the wedding band have a “WOW” factor?
Try to be unique and make your wedding stand out, add in some fun elements to the night with old school songs or fun tracks that everyone will love to bounce around with all the gang.
- 1st Dance?
Now the 1st dance is a thing of beauty and one you will remember for the rest of your life so it’s worth getting it right. Take some time and choose that best song you both love and see will the band be able to perform it chat with the guys as they will have a massive amount of experience and should be well able to guide you.
- How to mix the mix?
Well, to make a wedding night successful you need a Party or tribute band that can mix a number of various music styles and genres to suit the guests, the ability to switch songs and playlists is essential and you will be able to witness this when you go to a viewing night for the band of your choice. This is a key element and Bands like The Firm, Jungle Boogie, POP gods, and The Funky Buskers are brilliant at this.
- Will the singers make your friends happy?
Ask the band will they play a song for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
This will ensure the guests all feel involved in the success of your wedding and everyone likes a shout out and to be remembered.
- Have a break?
The debate in on do you ask the band to have a break or not? Well, my advice is to keep the party going, do not stop. “Keep her lit” as they say, so they to mood or energy in the room does not stop. You need to keep the band performing for a good 90 mines set and max two hours after that you need to switch to the door another unique act like a Silent Headphone Disco or Daft Punk Tribute.
- Final set?
The last 30 mins of the wedding bands set is essential, ask the band what they intend to perform during this part of their set as it needs to be high energy and for sure songs that cover all bases and includes all ages groups. Once this is in place, you will have all of your friends and family with you together for the final 4-5 songs. Rather than standing out on your own trying to do a jig to ‘I’m too sexy” with the whole floor empty. Ask the band what they advise and take that advice on board and let the groom know so he’s not standing up the band with all the lads.
- Last song?
Rather than having a slow song try to have a track that the whole party can join in for and ask the band will they get everyone around you in a circle to finish off the night. This will leave you with a wonderful memory for life
Below is a snapshot of the best wedding bands in Ireland, that deliver on their promise, easy to deal with and brilliant musicians live.
Current Top Ten best wedding bands available for instant booking in Ireland are:
- The Firm
- Funky Buskers
- Speakerlove
- Twisted Hits
- Havana Club Trio
- Midnight Revellers
- Kickbacks
- Blue Note Jazz Trio
- The Celtic Factor
- Pop Goes The 80’s
I hope you enjoyed this advice and wedding blog useful, best wishes on an amazing wedding day – it’s the best day of your life, so go with the flow, be safe and take care.
Mark Downing
Entertainment Advisor @ AudioNetworks Music Agency
Call us anytime at: + 353 1 201 3660
