Wedding Music (Band, DJ, Singer) ONE POST PER BAND ONLY! Read post #1 First!

frangleberry · 03-07-2008 4:42pm

Beadot80 we got married in Navan 2 years ago had a great band called "Raincheck" they played a bit of everything brilliant the dance floor was full all night!Then we had a dj I think the company was "Top Notch Djs"they are all over the North East very professional and nothing was too much trouble for them.My friend had 1 of there djs at a party in cavan one night and we had to get them.The band was € 1800 and the dj was €300(but he played nearly an extra hour when we asked home with no extra charge)PM me if you want the contact details.

bbability · 03-07-2008 8:44pm

http://www.nationwidedjs.ie

you won't beat this companies prices and quality when it comes to DJs. I believe they are launching a sister site soon for bands. I get the feeling that most people now are not willing to hand out wads of cash for bands and djs alike. THe credit crunch is also hitting the wedding industry too in a way.

DJ_Spider · 04-07-2008 10:25am

It is always a good idea to get a few different quotes from DJs, then go with the one you think will give the best service. Things to ask a DJ are:
Do you do a playlist?
Is everything included? (including vat, use of microphone & travelling costs)
Ask what he or she will be wearing. Some DJ’s wear tuxedos… but don’t count on it unless you ask.
Ask about the DJ’s start and end times. Does the price include music during dinner? Include this specific information in your contract
Make sure you ask who will be performing at your wedding. If you are working with a DJ service, ask to meet with the DJ ahead of time.
Ask if they need a tablecloth or cover for their table(s). You don’t want to take all the time to decorate your reception location and have the DJ table stand out because it is an ugly brown card table.
The last one is not as obvious as you might think. I did a gig a few years ago in the UK and they had done lovely table covers, but forgot to do one for my table! We had to quickly make one up.

Lastly congratulations to anyone getting married, I hope you will be very happy together.

Eoin · 04-07-2008 1:56pm

I'm not sure if I already gave this link, but I can absolutely recommend Digital DJs. We used them for our wedding last July, and Daragh was a complete professional.

Brenser76 · 07-07-2008 8:09pm

Hi

Having our wedding reception in the Rivercourt Hotel in Kilkenny next August. Could anyone recommend a good band?

bored and tired · 08-07-2008 10:51pm

anyone heard of a band called quantum?? are they any good, or do they charge the earth

carltonlarry · 10-07-2008 4:42am

Sinatra & Friends www.sinatrafriends.com are excellent.They also provide
a DJ after the band.

noChurch09 · 15-07-2008 9:14am

Hello, hello, hello...are there any good bands in Cork area? the wedding's in midleton.

conorbyrneirl · 17-07-2008 2:00pm

Anyone know of good bands up around Donegal?

cat_d · 19-07-2008 2:15am

has anyone ever heard of the band Jigabyte? we are thinking of booking them for our wedding aug nxt yr in kerry. and to the other poster who asked about neily connor he is very good we are in debate between him and jigabyte...... but i heard neily is 2200 for next year so im not sure if we have that in our budget. i was hoping 2grand for band and dj would do.....

Mick Shrimpton · 07-08-2008 11:19am

Great Jazz band here...really versatile. Can be a small piano trio or bigger band if needed. Check it out!

www.jazzbeans.com

the immortals · 11-08-2008 12:52pm

hi all, i play in a band called "musicbox", we are a five piece live band, we are all pro musicians who have played and toured with the likes of chris de burgh, ikeano, riverdance to name but a few, we bring the house the down!!! feel free to pm for any info.......apologies for the shameless plug!

pippins · 24-08-2008 1:24pm

Would really like some adivce about this band if any body has heard about them.......what are they like as a wedding band - did they play music that got the guests up dancing all night, will they play our choice of first dance song (don't like any of their suggestions on website). Would love to book them but we are so worried that guests may not like their 80's style only approach!!!! They are also extremely expensive so we'd like to think we are getting our monies worth!!!!!:D

salad dodger · 26-08-2008 6:39pm

conorbyrneirl wrote: »

Anyone know of good bands up around Donegal?

Myself and the now mrs dodger tied the knot at the weekend and I can wholeheartedly recommend FLIPSIDE as a wedding band. They're really easy to work with, they don't mind people getting up to sing and they had our crowd on the floor all night with a great mix of music to suit all ages and tastes.

We got them for 15hundred which included the disco which they can also do. But we booked them 'bout two years ago and i'm aware that their fee goes up 'bout 100yoyos a year.

I think they are based out of Kilcar but they also have a website: www.flipside.ie

Hope this has been of some help

Best of luck

SD

musicman100 · 26-08-2008 6:41pm

Hi all, i was browsing and felt i should defend the price charged by wedding bands. Firstly, I play professionaly in a wedding band my self (10 years) so i have seen and done it all in this area. We charge €1400 to €2000 depending on distance to travel and if we are providing the disco as well.
I do not think this is too expensive as you get what you pay for, if you book us 2-3 years in advance you know we will turn up, we will be on time, well presented, and we always give our best, every time we play!
Your band are also giving up their fri or sat night and if booked well in advance it's not uncommon for a band member to miss family occasions, 21st/ wedding/ party etc. because the GIG comes first!
Lastly, I personally have been doing this for 22 years and i'm still learning new stuff, rehearsing, buying gear (very expensive if you want to sound good) and keeping a van on the road for the band.
When you add all this up you getting good value if your guests have a great night and you are happy.
As one post says "people will remember the church the meal the venue, but most of all the entertainment. Don't scrimp on the band, you will get what you pay for!
I'm interested to what others think and will answer any questions i can regarding band/disco/venue/set up etc..
I have purposefully not given the name of my band as I don't want this to turn into an advertisement.
Thanks

Mr.David · 27-08-2008 9:49am

Hi Guys,

Can anyone point me in the direction of a really good (obviously!) Rockabilly wedding band? Like Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles etc?! Oh ya, in the Dublin area I suppose. Cheers

sweetie · 27-08-2008 9:52am

Don't know one myself but I saw a show on Rte recently called 'consuming passions' which featured a dublin guy and his rockabilly band. Maybe contact Rte to find out who made the show to get in touch?

Eoin · 27-08-2008 10:12am

musicman100 wrote: »

Hi all, i was browsing and felt i should defend the price charged by wedding bands. Firstly, I play professionaly in a wedding band my self (10 years) so i have seen and done it all in this area. We charge €1400 to €2000 depending on distance to travel and if we are providing the disco as well.

I don't think that's over the odds when you divide the money up between 3/4/5 people, and take into account your equipment and all that.

mcsean2163 · 28-08-2008 1:23pm

Mr.David wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Can anyone point me in the direction of a really good (obviously!) Rockabilly wedding band? Like Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles etc?! Oh ya, in the Dublin area I suppose. Cheers

Superfly. Check their website. They're expensive though, we were quoted €3500

mcsean2163 · 28-08-2008 1:25pm

pippins wrote: »

Would really like some adivce about this band if any body has heard about them.......what are they like as a wedding band - did they play music that got the guests up dancing all night, will they play our choice of first dance song (don't like any of their suggestions on website). Would love to book them but we are so worried that guests may not like their 80's style only approach!!!! They are also extremely expensive so we'd like to think we are getting our monies worth!!!!!:D

We went to around ten weddings in 2007 and Springbreak were the best band. Loads of people got up dancing and they dress up to look eighties too!

cat_d · 29-08-2008 11:57pm

my band is €1750 and said they do the DJ as well for an extra €250.

we havent started looking into DJs yet and were wondering is this a deal or will people be sick of the band members by the disco? is it a deal? or should we mix it up a bit by getting a separate DJ? We are in the munster region so we have lists of DJs from Kerry Cork and Limerick.

mummymum · 30-08-2008 12:31am

Hey - anyone got any feed back on 'Springbreak' as their wedding band. I know they are an excellent band, with excellent musicians, but how are they as a wedding band? All comments welcome.

Mr Magnolia · 30-08-2008 1:32am

I'd use the band. They'll be using their own equipment so you'll be straight into the DJ's tunes after the band finishes, no waiting around while the gear is getting it's final jiggery pokery.

I would imagine you'd pay a separate DJ around €400 anyway.

shapez · 31-08-2008 10:50am

Hi there,

Check out our site below. Friendly professional service.

earmuff · 31-08-2008 11:11am

That's a good idea - I would use the band. As Mr Magnolia says the gear is already in place and should make it more seamless.

And for €250 it's not bad.

hells bells · 01-09-2008 5:28pm

Anyone heard of the ratzingers wedding band?

hells bells · 01-09-2008 5:30pm

yea seems like a good deal. have you priced others to do the same job?

sweetie · 02-09-2008 9:58am

any dj worth their salt will be ready to start the minute the band are finished.
I have seen a few bands doing dj over the years and basically, most of them
play a mixed cd whilst they are taking their gear apart. A lot of money for little
effort. Most djs will let you choose the exact choons you do and don't want
to hear. But hey, obviously I'm biased!

Petrolium Hat · 02-09-2008 11:24am

I've seen them before, they're excellent. Go check them out. Theyre abit jazzy but can cater for different tastes im sure.

hells bells · 02-09-2008 2:18pm

thanks for reply. Have u seen them at a wedding? recommended to me by a friend

Petrolium Hat · 02-09-2008 2:19pm

Seem them elsewhere, but know a couple who have booked them for their wedding.

Find out when theyre playing and go see them for yourself is your best bet.

CDUK · 03-09-2008 2:28am

I went to a wedding last weekend and the band did the DJing. They used a laptop balanced on top of the amp placed on a chair! Not very professional and they just used media player! A couple of times it went quiet when they were in the jacks and couldn't mix in the next track! The bride paid E1300 as she knew them, but they usually charge E1500. Can't remember the name of the band as was a bit drunk by then! :cool:

EyeOnTheBall · 03-09-2008 12:38pm

eoin_s wrote: »

Other things I have been told to look out for:

Make sure you are paying for a 3 hour set - some bands will charge what seems like a reasonable rate, but this only covers 2 hours. This can leave you with an hour gap between the band and the DJ, which can dampen the evening.

Check if the band will set up before the whole reception - if they do, it will mean less delay between the meal & the music. The venue may not always be able to cater for this though (the band area may be where the head table is).

There are very few bands that will play a full 3 hour set. In general, bands start at 9.30ish and play until 12 with a 30min break in between.

Also, it's not always easy for a band to set up in advance. It depends on 2 things, firstly it may not be possible to access the room due to the wedding seating arrangements. Generally, the band area is located at the top table (bride and grooms table) as you have already pointed out.

Secondly, if the venue is located a good distance away from the band's point of origin then they cannot be expected to travel early in the day to set up and remain there until late that night. That's too much to ask.

You should ensure that the DJ is ready to go straight away as soon as the band finish. Many bands have a DJ that they recommend, it's worth asking.

But golden rule. Never request the band playlist. Bands go mental when couples ask for this. Bottom line, if you book a band, you must have liked their type of music. Asking them for a set list makes you look like a control freak. This will not make for a happy band. Trust me.

Eoin · 03-09-2008 12:54pm

I don't agree with all of that - they are not playing a gig to their fans, they are providing a service that they are being paid for. If they are given a bit of notice, I don't think it's too much to expect them to play a couple of songs that the bride and groom may want.

If the venue allows for it, then I would expect them to be set up beforehand. Our venue had a separate dance floor and dining area, so they were all good to go before the guests entered the room for dinner.

If they are travelling a while, then I would expect an extra cost involved for that.

tomcollins97 · 03-09-2008 1:05pm

'Little Creatures' agre great. My brother had them at his wedding. they played for over 3 hrs, and not too lound. The range of music was good too - something for all ages.

If you are around the Limerick area they play in Clohesseys on the quays quite often

sweetie · 03-09-2008 2:11pm

EyeOnTheBall wrote: »

There are very few bands that will play a full 3 hour set. In general, bands start at 9.30ish and play until 12 with a 30min break in between.

The band I booked for my wedding were supposed to play for 2.5 hrs including breaks but started at 10 and finished at 12. I was livid. They had already been paid, my wifes brother didn't want to be holding all the cash whilst drinking, so I had no comeback. I complained after arriving back from honeymoon and they said because they brought seven people instead of the five piece we booked they couldn't refund any money. I would have recommended these guys before but no chance now. I think they could have refunded me 20 % of the fee and I would have been happy. If anyone asked me about them now I will tell the truth and that may lose them business.

EyeOnTheBall · 03-09-2008 3:27pm

eoin_s wrote: »

I don't agree with all of that - they are not playing a gig to their fans, they are providing a service that they are being paid for. If they are given a bit of notice, I don't think it's too much to expect them to play a couple of songs that the bride and groom may want.

If the venue allows for it, then I would expect them to be set up beforehand. Our venue had a separate dance floor and dining area, so they were all good to go before the guests entered the room for dinner.

If they are travelling a while, then I would expect an extra cost involved for that.

'....If they are given a bit of notice, I don't think it's too much to expect them to play a couple of songs that the bride and groom may want.
.....'

You're absolutely right. Every couple should be able to request their 1st song and maybe a few others. However, some couples ask for the whole setlist (this is frighteningly common). They basically want to give approval for the entire gig. That's uncalled for and the higher profile bands on the scene will not oblige.

Eoin · 03-09-2008 3:31pm

EyeOnTheBall wrote: »

You're absolutely right. Every couple should be able to request their 1st song and maybe a few others. However, some couples ask for the whole setlist (this is frighteningly common). They basically want to give approval for the entire gig. That's uncalled for and the higher profile bands on the scene will not oblige.

That's fair enough. As you said earlier, the idea is to pick a band based on the style of music they play, which should cancel out the whole point of having to define their set.

CDUK · 03-09-2008 11:12pm

EyeOnTheBall wrote: »

But golden rule. Never request the band playlist. Bands go mental when couples ask for this. Bottom line, if you book a band, you must have liked their type of music. Asking them for a set list makes you look like a control freak. This will not make for a happy band. Trust me.

A DJ I know always asks for a playlist, he says it makes sure the couple get the songs they want and the ones they don't! Case in point is he played lady in red, he got a few boos as it was the song for the bride before she met her current H2B! Another time he played a song and was discretely asked to take it off as it was the favourite song of a family member who had passed a few days before!

He says the bride & groom should pick about 10 to 15 songs and he will throw them in during the set, also any songs they don't want he wont play even if someone requests it.

lowtown · 04-09-2008 12:16pm

Hi

I heard that Alchemy a Galway based band are good for weddings - has anyone heard them and if so what did you think?

Dfens · 05-09-2008 12:28am

The Elastic band are a wedding band based in Galway http://theelasticbandwebsite.com/

cibro · 05-09-2008 7:56pm

BLACKTYE THE BAND? ANY OPINIONS?

jfcdougal · 15-09-2008 12:13pm

anyone ever here of the showstoppers, a cork city based band. have heard some good reports about them and i was considering going to hear them play. they ain't cheap though so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

mike99 · 15-09-2008 10:17pm

http://www.route66bigband.com/

There are fantastic well worth checking out:) They are a 16 piece band play jazz etc check out there website for a list of the songs the play

aideendooley · 16-09-2008 3:19pm

Smooth Criminals - www.smoothcriminals.info

3 piece band, 3 hour set plus DJ package @ €1800

we booked them for our wedding in '09 2 years ago and they are one of the busiest bands out there

personally i think they are perfectly priced as i have seen friends of mine pay in excess of 2K for bands that sounded like garage bands compared to these guys.

and genuinely nice guys to deal with, they really go out of their way to make sure your day goes off well and your guests have a great night

erics injun · 05-10-2008 7:38pm

Hello there. has anyone had KIF for their wedding band. Heard them in pub settings but was wondering what they're like as for weddings?

helenMc · 14-10-2008 10:38pm

Hi All

Does anyone know if the following bands are any good for a wedding? So many bands are already booked up and I am keen to get one booked!
- Fraggle Rock
- Jive Buddies
- The discovery
- Tightrope
- Freebird
- The elastic band
- Deja Vu
- Honeymoon top ten?

Thanks

bagus · 15-10-2008 9:25am

Was at a wedding recently with The Elastic Band.
10 out of 10. Really got the crowd going from the 1st song.

gerod · 19-10-2008 4:36am

send me an email, and I'll get you some details. gerodonnell@gmail.com

xmas09 · 19-10-2008 8:01pm

Check out "Little Creatures" - two lads based in north cork but travel all over munster. I've booked them for my wedding next year and they did my two sister's weddings, good craic and very nice, get the crowd going everytime:p Also they do the DJ aswell

Wedding Music (Band, DJ, Singer) ONE POST PER BAND ONLY! Read post #1 First!

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