A Complete Guide on how to find Nine of the Best Irish Wedding Bands that you should think about Booking.
Irish Wedding Bands?
Introduction on how to Select the perfect Irish Wedding Band
Searching for Wedding Entertainment, Party Bands and the best Irish DJ’s can be a daunting task. How do I know if a band is any good? What cover is in place if I book due to COVID lockdowns, Is my deposit safe and how do I know the band or Wedding DJ will even turn up?
These are all key questions couples worry about when booking their Entertainment for the 1st time so it’s really important for your own piece of mind to get some advice from a reputable Entertainment booking agency that works within the industry and has a good track record.
Do they have positive Google reviews?
Are they posting on Facebook regularly?
www.audionetworks.ie is a good place to start with over 118 Google Reviews, 25 plus years in the family Business, and sister company of the highly respected Irish Artist Talent Agency that books tours for big Irish acts worldwide called www.amamusicagency.ie .
Currently, as we lead into 2021 times have changed dramatically as you can’t go to a viewing night for a Wedding band live in a bar anymore. So… to help you make the right decision, you need on hand direct and honest advice to find your perfect Wedding band, based on your budget.
With this in mind, we selected and handpicked nine of the Best Wedding Bands in Ireland worth considering for your wedding day. They come in all shapes and sizes and there is something for everyone budget-wise.
How much are Wedding Bands in Ireland?
- Most good wedding bands in Ireland start at around €1500 and move upwards to €2500.
- Prices can much depend on the size of the band, the more musicians the great the price.
- This is generally for a two-hour performance with a short break in the middle.
What should be included in the price when I book a Wedding band?
Prices should always include a sound system, lighting and travel when quoted. Make sure to ask, unless the wedding venue is located abroad in which case you need a local supplier or provider of equipment as flying it in can be very expensive. Ask a local band can you rent their equipment this is the cheapest way if you are abroad and you want to bring in an Irish based Band.
Why Book via an Entertainment Agency – What’s the benefit?
Chart ( 0.1 A)
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Why Book via an Entertainment Agency – What’s the benefit? |
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Friendly honest Advice from Industry Professionals |
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Save time Save your energy and its no hassle |
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Booking with an Agency is your safety Insurance |
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Deposits are safe with an Agency they carry them forward in the event Covid Causes your date to move |
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Insider Info – Talk to a person with industry knowledge at the end of the phone that will guide you on the best options + deals available based on your budget from Available Acts in Ireland. |
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24 hr Back up team in case of emergency & A Roster of Back up bands & DJs in case someone gets sick. |
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Covid causes many changes so you need a team that understands and deals immediately with your date, times, venue……changes. |
How long do bands play at weddings?
In Ireland, most wedding bands perform for two hours of high-energy sets with a small break. This would be quite standard, however, you can book 3-hour sets depending on the band.
Who are the Nine Best Irish Wedding bands you should look at right now & why?
Here is a selection of nine of the best wedding bands available in Ireland right now for Weddings in 2021, 2022, and even 2023. Each of these Awesome Irish Wedding bands offers something different and unique in terms of the line-up, performance, music performed, and style on stage.
- The Firm – As seen on TV with Ray Darcy – Massively popular in Ireland.
- Midnight Revellers – Mixture of traditional Irish Music and Classics + Current Chart
- Havana Club Trio – Latin Trio Regular performers in Áras an Uachtaráin
- Hyde park Brass Band – Six Piece Fun POP up style Brass Band
- Party At The Back – 80’s 90’s 00’s Inspired Costume Fun Tribute Act
- Kickbacks – Love Indie Music & still want Wedding Music this is the perfect band for you.
- Funky Buskers – Supergroup of High Profile Musicians from U2’s Windmill Lane Studios Dublin.
- Paris Swinging Lovers with Paddy Sherlock
- Whitewater – Perfect All-Rounder Massive band in MAYO – Sligo Region featuring lead Singer ED Holland from the Hit Group “ Hurricane Highway.
** Explanation **
Chart ( 1.0 ) below details a breakdown of 9 of the best Irish Wedding Bands options, their Services, Setlist, & offerings.
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TOP NINE WEDDING BANDS IN IRELAND ( MIXED – VARIOUS STYLES ) |
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BAND NAME |
DESCRIPTION |
SIZES AVAILABLE |
INSTRUMENTS |
MUSIC PERFORMED |
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The Firm |
Irelands most respected Band, Booked by IRFU & As seen on TV |
3pc , 4pc , 5pc , 6pc ,7pc |
Male & Female lead Vocals, Guitar, Drums, Bass , Piano, Sax, Trombone |
The 60’s,70’s,80’s,90’s,00’s,Chart, Classics Soul, Trad , Rock, Waltz, |
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Midnight Revellers |
The Perfect All-rounder with Traditional Celtic Mixed in |
3pc or 4pc with female Fiddle Player |
Male lead Singer , Guitar , Bass , Drums , Fiddle |
Traditional,60’s,70’s,80’s,90’s,00’s,Chart , Classics Soul , Trad , Rock , Waltz, |
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Havana Club Trio |
Latin Walkabout Trio, White Suits , perfect for Summer Weddings |
3pc or 2pc. |
Male lead Singer , Guitar , Bass , |
Latin Music and reworked classic hits |
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Hyde park Brass Band |
Fun party Six Piece pop up Brass band, make that Wow Entrance. |
6pc only |
Two Saxophones, Trumpet, Trombone, Sousaphone, Drummer. |
Modern Chart + Classic Hits |
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Party At The Back |
The Eighties & Nineties Party & Tribute Band |
3pc or 5pc |
Male Lead Vocals , Guitar , Drums , Bass , Piano , female backingvocals |
,80’s,90’s,00’s,Chart , Classics Soul , Trad , Rock , |
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Kickbacks |
Indie Rock Style Set meets classic hits. |
4pc |
Male lead Singer , Guitar , Bass , Drums , |
Indie + ,80’s,90’s,00’s,Chart , Classics Soul , Trad , Rock , |
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The Funky Buskers |
Supergroup Band with Profile Musicians from the home of U2@ Windmill lane |
2pc, 3pc , 4pc , 5pc , 6pc ,7pc to 10pc |
Male lead Singer , Guitar , Bass , Drums , |
Traditional,60’s,70’s,80’s,90’s,00’s,Chart , Classics Soul , Trad , Rock , Waltz, |
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Paris Swinging Lovers |
Upmarket Swing Styled band |
3pc to 7pc |
Male & lead Vocals , Guitar , Drums , Bass , Piano , Sax, Trombone |
Swing , Jazz , Classics , Chart , 60s 70s 80s 90s |
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Whitewater |
Mayo – Sligo based Wedding Band covering West of Ireland |
4pc , 5pc , 6pc |
Male lead Singer , Guitar , Bass , Drums , Piano |
Traditional ,60’s,70’s,80’s,90’s,00’s,Chart , Classics Soul , Trad , Rock , Waltz, |
What are the Next Steps in deciding which band to book?
Once you have looked at the Chart (1.0) above the next best thing to do is to look at the videos for each band and ask yourself do you like their vibe, their set up and overall performance previewed?
Description of Chart ( 2.0) below features 9 of the best Irish Wedding Bands Live performance Videos.
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TOP NINE VIDEOS OF THE BEST IRISH WEDDING BANDS |
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BAND NAME |
Links |
SET LENGTH |
REGIONS COVERED |
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The Firm |
120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
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Midnight Revellers |
120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
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Havana Club Trio |
120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
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Party At The Back |
120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
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Kickbacks |
120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
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The Funky Buskers |
120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
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Paris Swinging Lovers |
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120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
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Whitewater |
120 Minutes with a Small break |
Ireland & International |
How can I find out how good the band really are?
Look out for previous Client Testimonials and direct reviews of google business these are key and easy to find, The bands should always supply these on-call and it will give you a flavour on how former clients described their wedding night, how they commented and reacted. I feel this is, without doubt, a very important and essential back up for your final decision on which band to book.
” They help you understand why previous couples loved the band in their own words “
Chart ( 3.0) Description below; Sample of Testimonial examples from Past clients.
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BAND NAME |
Testimonials |
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The Firm |
Our church singer Laura O’Neill has such a powerful voice I would highly recommend her, she sounded beautiful in the church, her band The Firm also sang that night at our venue. The firm is very professional and have a huge selection of songs, something for everyone. I loved this band because they have a male and female vocalist. They also have wedding showcases on a regular basis so you can go listen to them play and chat to them before you decide. Myself and my partner wanted a first dance song that the band didn’t sing, however, when I mentioned it to them they had no problem learning this for us. Nothing was too much and everything was about making our day special and unique to us. The dance floor was full from beginning to end, trust me you won’t have that worry with The Firm. |
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Midnight Revellers |
Just back from our honeymoon…DJ and the band were phenomenal! Many guests were super impressed with them and had a phenomenal time dancing away dancefloor was always full! Thanks again to both Band and DJ, they really made this an outstanding wedding party :‐) Also, the setup of Band and DJ and cooperating with you (booking and organisation) was flawless, would recommend you guys anytime again. |
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Havana Club Trio |
The Havana Trio were the perfect choice for our wedding… creating such a vibrant, fun and chilled atmosphere! They transport away with them and make you dance and feel the sun! Audio networks were so professional to deal with and made it all very easy.. highly recommend! |
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Party At The Back |
Booked party out the back for my wedding band after seeing them play in mc cormacks Naas, they were fantastic on both occasions. The dance floor was full from start to finish and played great 80s floor fillers. Would recommend them and hope to see them again in Naas. |
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Kickbacks |
We didn’t want a stereotypical ‘wedding band’, discussed what we wanted with them beforehand and the lads did not disappoint. They played an amazing version of our first dance. Very talented musicians and full of energy. The dance floor was full all night and I danced to every single song. I only wish they could have played for longer! Could not recommend them more strongly. |
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The Funky Buskers |
I just wanted to thank you, The Funky Buskers and the DJ for being a massive and fantastic part of our day. Our guests absolutely loved the lads and they will highly recommend them in the future as will we. |
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Paris Swinging Lovers |
Incredible band, they were great fun and classy, exactly what we wanted , thank you so much |
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Whitewater |
Myself and my wife would like to say Thank You to Ireland’s No. 01 Wedding Band “WHITEWATER”.We have loved ye for hyears and were so to have ye at our special day. “Ye had the crowd on the dance floor all night.REGARDS, John & Sharon” |
Chart ( 4.0 ) Description Below;
Ten questions to ask yourself before Booking your Wedding Band
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Chart ( 4.0 ) below with Description |
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1 |
Are the bands setlist perfect for what you both want? |
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2 |
Will the band perform my first dance? |
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3 |
Can the band arrive on-site at least 1 hour beforehand to set up |
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5 |
Is the sound lights and instruments included in the price? |
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7 |
Are Travel costs included in the band’s final quote? |
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8 |
Did I tell them which songs Not to play? |
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9 |
Did I ask about the other services they offer and deals? |
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10 |
Did I get a good deal on a Band & DJ Wedding Package? |
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Compiled by Mark Downing Director www.Audionetworks.ie |
Does COVID effect which Band I can book and does it change the Set up of the room for my Wedding Band?
Covid has changed our lives for the next few years for sure and this will also affect the set up of the room and sizes of bands suitable based on the size of the room and available space.
New Study: 71% of Couples Are Postponing Their Wedding Due to COVID-19
Ref; https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/news/covid-19-wedding-couple-survey/
Smart spacing is an essential talk with the hotel duty manager for advice on the room layout and ensures there is sufficient space or circa 15 to 20 feet between the band and guests.
It’s a good idea to check out the official government Websites for updates like;
(HSE website advice on getting married during these times)
https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/how-to-get-married-in- ireland/how-to-get-married-in-ireland.html
What is the recommended Best Size Band to use for a Drinks reception and for an After Meal Performance based on the Number of Guests?
Below is a chart detailing the best suitable Irish Wedding Bands sizes for smaller Weddings from 25 guests right up to 150 Plus guests.
Chart (5.0 )
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BAND NAME |
No of Guests |
Drinks Reception |
Band after Meal |
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The Firm |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Duo |
5 Piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo or Trio |
5 Piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Duo or Trio |
5 Piece to 6pc |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio |
6 Piece to 7 Piece |
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Midnight Revellers |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Duo |
3 Piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo |
3piece or 4 Piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Duo |
4 Piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio |
4 Piece |
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Havana Club Trio |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Duo |
3 Piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo |
3 Piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Trio |
3 Piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio |
3 Piece |
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Hyde Park Brass Band |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Only Available as 6 piece |
Only Available as 6 piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Only Available as 6 piece |
Only Available as 6 piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Only Available as 6 piece |
Only Available as 6 piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Only Available as 6 piece |
Only Available as 6 piece |
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Party At The Back |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Duo |
3 Piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo or Trio |
3 Piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Trio |
5 Piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio |
5 Piece |
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Kickbacks |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Duo |
Only Available as 4 piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo |
Only Available as 4 piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Trio |
Only Available as 4 piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio |
Only Available as 4 piece |
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The Funky Buskers |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Solo |
2 Piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo |
3 Piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Trio |
3pc or 4 piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio or 4 Piece |
4 Piece or Five Piece |
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Paris Swinging Lovers |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Duo |
5 Piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo |
5 Piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Trio or 4 Piece |
5 Piece or 6 piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio or 4 Piece |
6 Piece or 7 Piece |
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Whitewater |
Weddings with 25 Guests |
Duo |
4 Piece |
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Weddings with 50 Guests |
Duo |
4 Piece |
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Weddings with 100 Guests |
Trio or 4 Piece |
5 Piece |
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Weddings with 150 + Guests |
Trio or 4 Piece |
5 to 6 Piece |
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Irish Wedding Entertainment Sites;
If your looking for some Alternative & Unusual Wedding Entertainment ideas these great sites are worth looking at. Make your wedding stand out as different from the rest. Things like Undercover Singing Waiters, Silent Headphone Discos, Digital Fire performers, Fun Robots for Hire, Star Wars Greeting hosts, and tribute DJ shows. Prices start from €195 plus upwards.
Chart (6.0 )
Description; Links to urls for Entertainment Websites that hire Alternative & Unusual Wedding Entertainment ideas from €195 Plus upwards.
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Chart (6.0 ) |
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Description; Links to urls for Entertainment Websites that hire Alternative & Unusual Wedding Entertainment ideas. |
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Services Offered |
Website Name |
Price Range |
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Silent Headphone Disco Hire |
From €195 + |
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Digital Fire Performers |
€350 – €450 + |
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Diva Singing Waiters Duo |
https://audionetworks.ie/classical-music-for-hire/the-singing-diva-waiters/ |
From €995 + |
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Opera Singing Waiters Show |
From €595 + |
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Greeting Robot for Hire |
From €295 + |
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Sax & Drummer with DJ |
From €695 + |
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The Drum Club |
https://audionetworks.ie/corporate-entertainment-ireland/the-drum-club-the-spoken-word/ |
From €595 + |
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The Golden Celtic Harpist |
From €395 + |
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The Father TED Quiz night |
From €795 + |
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Close up Dynamo Style Magician |
From €995 + |
My Top Ten Tips for Planning your Wedding Entertainment are;
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Top Ten Tips for Planning Wedding Entertainment |
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1 |
Book your entertainment early don’t delay with all the covid Changes many leading acts will get booked up for the big dates |
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2 |
Secure your wedding entertainment with a Booking Deposit & A booking form of Agreement |
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3 |
Ensure the prices include all Travel & Equipment |
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4 |
Make sure that you are aware and agreed on the length of the performance. |
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5 |
Highlight any special requests 1st dance, family members that sing etc… |
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6 |
Listen to the Advice of your Booking Agent, you cant beat decades of experience |
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7 |
Watch your times for Meal + Booking in your Entertainment to perform as 99 times out of 100 it runs later that you expect |
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8 |
Have a backup PLAN B, just in case! |
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9 |
Read the testimonials it will help you to understand why previous guests love their entertainers |
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10 |
Enjoy the day and don’t stress out it will all flow smoothly @ the Wedding |
Written by Mark Downing – Audionetworks.ie & AMA Music Agency – Respected Irish Talent Booker, former Drummer, DJ + Music Industry Professional for over 25 + years.
Visit www.audionetworks.ie or www.irishweddingbands.ie or www.amamusicagency.ie
