A wedding podcast by The Brian Mc Dermott Wedding Band set up to help couples find the perfect wedding band for their big day! The show is hosted by Brian Mc Dermott and will include different wedding suppliers each week.
Here is a video of the most popular questions asked by wedding couples in Ireland when looking for the perfect wedding band.
Is the Wedding Band Available?
How Much Do They Charge?
Can I See the Wedding Band Live?
Is It the Same Lineup Every Night?
How Do I Secure the Date?
Can You Send Me a Setlist?
What Time Will Our First Dance Be At?
Our Venue Said You Have to Use Their In-House PA System?
Can You Learn Our First Dance?
What Time Should the Evening Food Be?
More more information on wedding bands in Ireland check out,
https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Introducing The Atlantic: Ireland's Newest Wedding Band Sensation!
Are you prepared to move in time with the beat of your love tale? The Atlantic is here to set the scene for your ideal wedding, so look no further! In an exclusive interview with Brian McDermott of The Wedding Band Show podcast, Mark and Ray from The Atlantic give us a behind-the-scenes look at the beginning of their exciting new business.
Tell us about The Atlantic, please. Are you novices in the field or seasoned masters at weddings?" Brian questions, introducing himself and his podcast's distinct charm early in the exchange. Exuding energy and passion for their work, Mark and Ray, the dynamic team behind The Atlantic Wedding Band, explain their path from corporate gigs to the wedding band scene.
The Atlantic promise a melodic fusion that cuts over genres and eras with a lineup that includes Mark on acoustic guitar and vocals, Ray on bass guitar, Dwayne on guitar, Luke on drums, and Bethany on keyboards and vocals. "We're not just a band; we're a musical experience," as Mark puts it.
However, what distinguishes The Atlantic from the rest? "Interaction," they all say simultaneously. Since Mark developed his talents as a solitary performer, interacting with the crowd comes naturally to him. Every couple that attends The Atlantic is guaranteed an amazing time, from urging them to get on the dance floor to accommodating music requests.
Authenticity is their hidden weapon in a market overrun with gaudy promotions and clever marketing strategies. Mark reiterates, "What you see is what you get," highlighting their dedication to providing authentic, live performances that perfectly represent their music.
However, The Atlantic covers more than simply the major event. With a keen sense of detail and a talent for adaptability, they provide a whole package that includes DJ services and ceremony music. "We're not just a band; we're your musical journey from 'I do' to 'Let's dance,'" Mark smiles and quips.
The Atlantic are prepared to travel and share their musical magic throughout Ireland, from Galway to Killarney. However, don't simply believe what they say. Experience their live performance at Sligo's Lillies Bar to get a taste of what makes them the most popular wedding band in the area.
So, if you're ready to turn your special day into an unforgettable soirée, look no further than The Atlantic Wedding Band. Visit their website, follow them on social media, and get ready to dance the night away with Ireland's newest wedding band sensation. As they say, "Let the music play, and love will find its way!"
Website - https://theatlanticband.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theatlanticweddingbandTiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theatlanticbandFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094395416107For more episodes of The Wedding Band Show visit;
https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Here is the audio from our new 2024 Promotional Video.
Wedding Band Ireland:
Meet Brian McDermott, the lead singer of Irish Wedding Band, The Brian McDermott Band, a dynamic 6-piece wedding band based in Ireland since 2006. With a mission to keep the dance floor full all night, the band has become synonymous with creating unforgettable wedding experiences.
Band Members:
Brian McDermott: Lead singer and occasional saxophonist.
Kiev: Guitarist and vocalist with a talent for capturing the right guitar sound for each song.
Aoibhinn: Female vocalist, joining the band in 2022, adding a new dimension to their performances.
Mick: Bassist and vocalist, a consistent presence since the band's inception in 2006.
Odhran: Keyboardist, contributing amazing piano skills and vibrant energy.
Miki Belton: Drummer, a legend in the drumming world, known for rock-solid tempos.
Wedding Band Set List:
The band's repertoire spans various genres, including waltzes, jives, rock, pop, 80s hits, and current chart-toppers. Their non-stop mix ensures a lively atmosphere, keeping guests on their feet throughout the celebration.
Adapting to Every Crowd:
Understanding that every wedding is unique, The Brian McDermott Band emphasizes the importance of adapting their setlist to suit the preferences of each crowd. Whether it's extra jiving, waltzing, or a mix of rock and pop, they tailor their performance to match the vibe of the event.
Live Performances and Setlist Approach:
All online footage from the band is 100% live, showcasing their authenticity. Brian acknowledges that while many wedding bands may have similar setlists, the key is in how the songs are played and when they are performed. Adapting to the audience's energy is crucial, making each performance a personalized experience.
Wedding Band and Disco Package:
The band offers a seamless transition between live performances and disco, using the same equipment to ensure a continuous flow of music, with no breaks in between.
Rehearsal and Song Selection:
The band rehearses monthly, perfecting their setlist and incorporating new ideas. They are discerning about song choices, removing any that don't resonate with the audience to maintain a high-energy performance.
The Wedding Band Show Podcast:
Brian also hosts "The Wedding Band Show" podcast, offering insights and advice to couples looking to book a wedding band. The podcast features members of wedding bands and other wedding suppliers, providing valuable information to help couples make informed decisions.
The Best Wedding Band Ireland:
The Brian McDermott Band is not just a wedding band; they are a group of friends passionate about playing diverse music. With an extensive range of offerings, from live performances to podcasts, they bring a unique and personalized touch to every wedding celebration.
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band
Website - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Get ready to dance the night away with The Brian McDermott Band!
What time should a Wedding Band break?
This really depends on loads of factors including the venue, start time, how the band plays their set, size of the crowd, etc but I’ll go over it in general terms.
Most professional wedding bands in Ireland do a non-stop set so the guests generally do need a break if you want to keep the floor full all night including the disco.
For me I like the break in the middle of the set so if the first dance is 9:30pm then 10:45 at the latest…this means we’re back on at 11pm until about 12:30am
In fairness, most wedding venues talk with the band as they’re setting up and plan the break depending on the exact starting time.
If a wedding venue has a break set for 10:30pm but the speeches run on and the first dance is at 10pm then the band is only getting into the swing of it when they have to stop!
Also…If the break is happening away from the dancefloor and it’s a late start sometimes I think it’s better if the band doesn’t stop at all. This would be rare but it’s a nice option for the wedding band to have.
Again all this depends on the crowd and the venue but the main thing for me is that the break is in the middle of the band set if the first dance is on time.
For more information and advice on Irish Wedding Bands check out www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
In this episode of The Wedding Band Show Brian has a great chat with Fergal Fay the founder of the Irish Dance Troupe, Celtic Dance Fusion.
**How Celtic Dance Fusion Started?
Fegal got his start in Irish dancing through his mum and being brought along to her classes as she was an Irish Dance teacher in Dublin. His dad was a founding member of The Chieftains so he was mainly on tour at the time.
He came up with the idea for Celtic Dance Fusion after his mum's anniversary party at The Olympia Theatre in Dublin. That night the dancing show was such a success Fergal decided to put an act together and started with 10 Irish dancers in Dublin. He now has a Troupe of dancers in the west, and the north of Ireland and about 35 Irish dancers in Leinster!
Celtic Dance Fusion can perform at 4 different weddings each night.
What’s The Best Time For Irish Dancers?
Fergal thinks that the best time to get your Irish Dancers to perform at your wedding is before the first dance. At this time you may still have your photographer and videographer there so the performance will be captured as part of your wedding video.
Because their show is very interactive it is also a great way to get the crowd going for the band. It never makes sense to have a Wedding Band perform for a few minutes and stop again for Irish Dancers. Getting dancers on during the buffet break is very common but sometimes the guests need a break at this stage and the dances might not get the full attention.
How To Find Great Irish Dancers?
It is always best to catch Irish Dancers performing live if possible.
Most of the couples that book Celtic Dance Fusion find them online through WeddingSuppliers.ie and WeddingsOnline.ie They currently have about over 145 5-Star Reviews on Weddings Online and have recently picked up an award from Wedding Suppliers.ie. They also have multiple UK awards.**
**For bookings or to find out more information check out Celtic Dance Fusion here,
Website - https://celticdancefusion.com/*Facebook -* https://www.facebook.com/CDFirishdancers/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/celticdancefusion/**
The Wedding Band Show is hosted by Brian McDermott from the Brian McDermott Band.
**This podcast, available on YouTube in video format or as an audio podcast on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts, is your ultimate guide to finding the perfect Wedding Band.
Join Brian as he talks with some of the top wedding suppliers, photographers, videographers, and experts, sharing tips and advice to help you create your dream wedding. Whether you're in the early stages of planning or just need a little inspiration, The Wedding Band Show is here to help. So, tune in and make your wedding day a truly unforgettable experience with The Wedding Band Show."
View more episodes here,*https://www.youtube.com/BrianMcDermottChannelYou can listen to the Wedding Band Show here,https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/the-wedding-band-show/The show is produced by Pixel Productions,
Pixel Productions - https://pixelproductions.ie/*
Always a great idea to use your wedding date as the reference on your banking app!
**The Brian Mc Dermott Band,
Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/BrianMcDermottChannel*Band Site -* https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/*Instagram -* https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/**For more episodes of The Wedding Band Show,
Listen Here or Watch Here
Produced by Pixel Productions - https://pixelproductions.ie/
A quick little tip from Brian about double-checking your wedding booking and making sure your wedding suppliers are locked in for your big day!
**The Brian Mc Dermott Band,
Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/BrianMcDermottChannel*Band Site -* https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/*Instagram -* https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/**For more episodes of The Wedding Band Show,
Listen Here or Watch Here
Produced by Pixel Productions - https://pixelproductions.ie/
Just a quick mention for the Weddsonline.ie survey that recently came out. According to the survey, the average price for a wedding band in 2022 was €2,247 which I would say maybe slightly on the low side.
Every band is different so you can never judge them by price alone. If I was working out my wedding budget for 2023 / 2024 I would include a price of €2500 for the wedding band which gives you some more room to find the perfect band.
You can view the survey here,
https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/weddingsonline-survey-2023/
You can check out The Brian Mc Dermott Band here,
Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/BrianMcDermottChannelWebsite - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Long Time Coming Band - the best in wedding entertainment! Based in Co. Louth, Ireland, this 5-piece band has over 26 years of experience in providing exceptional live music for weddings.
With a personalized approach, they will work with you to tailor their set list to your preferences. Not just a band, they also offer a full DJ and sax package, ceremony and drinks reception music, and top-notch equipment for a quick 22-minute setup. Follow Alan's advice for finding the perfect wedding band and reach out to Long Time Coming Band via their website, social media, or Youtube for a truly unforgettable experience. Book them now for the best wedding entertainment around!"
Get the best wedding entertainment with Long Time Coming Band. Expertly crafted generalist set, stunning equipment, and flexible packages. Book now!
Use these links to get in touch with Long Time Coming Band,
Website - https://longtimecoming.ie/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/longtimecomingweddingband/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ltcweddingband/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsfuCPYJih9T23HZb9z-7fw
The Wedding Band Show is hosted by Brian McDermott from the Brian McDermott Band.
This podcast, available on YouTube in video format or as an audio podcast on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts, is your ultimate guide to finding the perfect Wedding Band.
Join Brian as he talks with some of the top wedding suppliers, photographers, videographers, and experts, sharing tips and advice to help you create your dream wedding. Whether you're in the early stages of planning or just need a little inspiration, The Wedding Band Show is here to help. So, tune in and make your wedding day a truly unforgettable experience with The Wedding Band Show."
View more episodes here,
https://www.youtube.com/BrianMcDermottChannel
You can listen to the Wedding Band Show here,
https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/the-wedding-band-show/
The show is produced by Pixel Productions,
Pixel Productions - https://pixelproductions.ie/
"Are you having trouble organizing your wedding? Look nowhere else! We'll be giving some advice on how to get the most out of going to a wedding expo in this video. First and foremost, get there early to avoid the crowds and to begin your search for the ideal vendors for your special occasion. Be confident and approachable; the vendors are there to assist you in planning the wedding of your dreams. Don't rush; take your time so you don't miss any crucial sources. You'll need to pay a booking fee to guarantee your selected vendor's availability, so be prepared for that. Keep in mind to make preparations in advance and to research the vendors who will
Check out The Brian Mc Dermott Band for more advice like this,
https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Should I have Irish dancers at my wedding?
I think it’s nice to have them but the timing is very important!
I’d recommend getting them on during the tea break or even before the first dance. It’s never a good idea to start the band and then have to stop after 15 or 20 minutes to let them perform…That just breaks up the band set and loses playing time!
Another important thing is to make sure your irish dancers bring the right cables to connect to a mixing desk. Sometimes a band member will just be handed a phone or iPod and they mightn’t always have the right connection.
I also want to give a quick shoutout to Fergal from Celtic Dance Fusion. They were on with us a few weeks ago in Galway and he called me a few days before to ask if was ok to use the PA System and again a few days after the wedding to say thanks which was a nice touch! They are well worth checking out http://www.celticdancefusion.com/
So I’d say have Irish dancers at your wedding. They do add a nice touch but it’s just very important to get them on at the right time as to not take away from your band or DJ!
If you are looking for a Wedding Band for a 2022 wedding you should check out https://weddingbandassociation.ie/
It's a great site where you can submit your details and only hear from the Wedding Bands that are available on your date.
This is a quick little episode to explain how some bands can take far too long to set up for weddings!
In this episode, I had a great chat with Mark Kennedy from the wedding band Hot Fuss.
**Mark is the bass player in the band and also sings.
Hot Fuss is a Galway-based wedding band and most of the band live in Portumna. The band recently won an award from WeddingsOnline.ie and have been performing at weddings since about 2010. The band plays all over Ireland and Mark explains that their most regular area to cover is probably Cork & Kerry. The band was set up originally as a pub band and over the years have transformed into a wedding band.
As Mark claims, Hot Fuss really are Irelands Top Number One Premier Wedding Band 😁**
**Hot Fuss Set List Style
Mark talks about how Hot Fuss always tries to find a balance in their setlist so that they can appeal to crowds on the cover scene but also have full dancefloors when they perform at weddings. The band usually play about 30 minutes of Jives and Waltzes at the beginning of a wedding but this can always change depending on the crowd. Hot Fuss also has the ability to perform a 2-hour rock set if needed. Mark also says that you need to give the crowd credit because most of the older guests still appreciate well-performed rock and disco classics and they will enjoy them as much as jives and waltzes. The other thing to consider is that young people will Jive at weddings if the songs are played well!**
Hot Fuss has performed at hundreds of weddings so Mark recommends that a couple should relax and let the band do what they do best which will keep the dancefloor full all night.
You can find the episode that Mark references about learning the first dance here!
Hot Fuss Band Wedding Packages 2021
Hot Fuss Band has several different wedding packages available. Because Mark also has a one-man show he can provide the music for the drinks reception at a wedding. The band can also include a disco and Johnny the guitar player is also a professional wedding DJ.
Another option which has become popular is Mark Kennedy performing his one-man show instead of a disco. In this scenario, all the wedding guests can move back to the hotel bar after the band, relax and join in on a singsong if they wish. It’s a great idea and would work great for Irish weddings with smaller crowd sizes.
Hot Fuss Wedding Band Reviews
You can check out real reviews from wedding couples of the Hot Fuss Wedding Band HERE
For information on the Hot Fuss Wedding Band use these links,
Website - https://www.hotfussband.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HotFussBand
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hotfussband
Email - hotfussbookings@gmail.com
Call - 0868225296
To find out more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band use these links,
Wedding Band - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Video Work - https://pixelproductions.ie/
Top 4 reasons people book Flog The Dog (2021)
Flog The Dog are a Kerry Wedding Band but they perform for weddings all over Ireland.
In this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I caught up with Steve from the band to talk about the top 4 reasons people book Flog The Dog for their wedding.
Reasons To Book Flog The Dog?
1 - Music Style
2 - Crowd Interaction
3 - Reviews
4 - Easy Booking Process
Not Just A Kerry Wedding Band!
Even though the band originates from Co. Kerry the members are based all over Ireland and perform at weddings in every corner of the country. The current lineup of the band includes Steve on Guitar & Vocals, Ciara on Fiddle & Keyboards, Mick Ivory on Bass & Vocals, and Brian Harte on Drums.
Flog The Dog Music Style?
When asked Steve would explain the band’s wedding setlist to a couple as “we play modern music and tradify it”. Most of the heavy guitar in popular songs like ‘Sex On Fire’ by Kings Of Leon are replaced by acoustic guitar and fiddle parts. The band is probably best known for its interaction with the crowd and this has lead to numerous great wedding reviews. Steve says that wedding couples love when the band calls out guests and has fun with them during the night.
Wedding Setlist
The band is extremely flexible with their setlist and loves to have couples make requests. Steve acknowledges that the band can’t do every cover of a first song justice with a tradify approach so he will consult with couples before the big day. If he feels that the band might murder a song he will present several other options of songs that they do really well. If the couple still can’t decide on a first dance the band can always play it using Spotify through the PA system. Playing a first dance song on a CD is never a bad thing because most guests don’t even notice! You can check out more on this issue in another episode here
Steves talks about how every wedding is different and that’s the main reason Flog The Dog are so flexible. Some wedding couples might ask the band not to play a ‘Siege Of Ennis’ and then the next wedding might love when it’s included.
The band has started putting together a ‘90’s set which they will have ready for their next live gigs.
Siege Of Ennis At Weddings?
Steve explains the Siege Of Ennis is most popular for weddings in Kerry, Cork, Clare and a little bit of Limerick. The band has played it for guests from the UK and Australia and has had great fun explaining to the guests how it’s done as they haven’t a clue what’s going on!
Wedding Packages?
Flog The Dog have 4 wedding packages including,
- Ceremony Music
- Drinks Reception
- Band
- Disco
They can’t always source other musicians and if a couple would like a DJ & Sax option they can supply that too. Sometimes they might not be able to take a booking for the full day if they have another full day package far away the day before so make sure to contact them as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!
For information on the Flog The Dog Wedding Band use these links,
Website - https://www.flogthedog.com/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQOXWHxFlC43w37NCSY0xaQ
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/flogthedog/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/flogthedog/
Email - steve@flogthedog.com
Call - 0863913082
To find out more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band use these links,
Wedding Band - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Video Work - https://pixelproductions.ie/
Get More Bookings (With Alan Berg)
This is a special episode of The Wedding Band Show because I have an international speaker who has helped countless wedding suppliers around the world improve their wedding businesses!
Here are Alan’s social handles and links:
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/alanberg1
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AlanBergspeaker/
Instagram: @alanberg
Twitter: @alanberg
LinkedIn: @alanberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanberg/
Alan’s Website: www.AlanBerg.com
Alan’s Online Shop: www.ShopAlanBerg.com
Alan’s Amazon.com Author’s Page: www.AlanBerg.guru
In this episode, Alan talks about the most common problems he finds with a wedding supplier's website. He explains the four important things you need in place on every website!
Aspirational Image - You should have images that show the results of hiring you as a Wedding Band or Wedding Supplier
Talk to a couple about the results - Use the words ‘you’ and ‘your’. What will your wedding band do for the couple that others won't?
Social Proof - Show reviews from wedding couples who have already had your band perform at their wedding. It’s not always necessary to show the full review but instead use snippets throughout your website.
Call to action - Nobody can see an entire website page on mobile so you should have a call to action on several parts of your page. Tell a wedding couple what to do after they have checked out your promotional material. Ask them to call you for a quote, email you for details, request a consultation etc.
Pricing On Your Website?
A large wedding website in the USA called WeddingWire recently did a survey and found out 88% of wedding couples are looking for a price before they reach out to a wedding professional! Alan gives advice on how to deal with the issues including the idea of a starting price or price range!
Wedding Advertising?
Every Wedding Industry Professional has suffered significant financial losses in 2020 and 2021 but Alan speaks to the importance of keeping your wedding advertising alive and possibly increasing your investment if possible on sites like WeddingsOnline.ie
How Alan Berg can help your business?
If you have found this episode helpful you really should check out Alan’s website and contact him about a consultation. He has several great offers including very affordable group consultations. His advice has helped me increase my sales and improve my website for new wedding clients!
Booking A Wedding Band Online?
On this episode of The Wedding band Show show, I talk about the best way to book a wedding band online and important things to look out for. I’m joined again by Aobh Pollard from Electric Blue Band.
Where to start your search?
Because wedding couples can't get to see bands in a live situation the next question is where should they start their search. Aobh thinks that if she was starting out her search for a wedding band the first place she would go would be Google. In general, Facebook is saturated with wedding bands and it's very hard to narrow down your search to find the best ones.
One thing that Brian has against the Facebook groups is that when somebody is looking for a band there are far too many replies. Aobh also has a social media and advertising background and she finds Facebook groups very frustrating.
Wedding Band Association
(https://weddingbandassociation.ie/)
The wedding band Association is another website that they would recommend as a starting point when looking for a band online. The Wedding Band Association also has a deposit transfer scheme in place which means other bands will take on a booking without the couple having to pay a second deposit.
Important things to look for!
All Wedding Bands look similar online so what are a few different things you should look for to find the best ones? Brian always tells couples to seek out live videos as much as possible and particularly videos that involve guests dancing on the dance floor. Aobh always prefers to get couples to an Electric Blue Showcase because she doesn't think videos do a live band any justice and can't capture the atmosphere. She understands that wedding bands need promo videos but in reality, bands can sound completely different live.
What about wedding industry awards?
Electric Blue also joined One Fab Day and Weddingsonline in 2021 and is actually up for an award with Weddingsonline. Aobh admits that they invested a lot in the media build but she is delighted with the way it has boosted the band's profile. Brian thinks that awards should be taken with a pinch of salt and they both agree that the only way to judge a band is by a live performance.
For information on the Electric Blue Wedding Band use these links,
Website - https://electricblue.ie/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ETToWYhMWSyemgO-WmpHg
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ElectricBlueirl/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/electricblueirl/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ElectricblueIRL
To find out more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band use these links,
Wedding Band - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Video Work - https://pixelproductions.ie/
On Today's episode of The Wedding band Show show, I caught up with Aobh Pollard from the Irish wedding band Electric Blue.
About Electric Blue
Electric Blue is a 5-piece wedding band based in Dublin, Ireland. They are an 80’s, 90’s, and noughties tribute band but play everything needed for a great wedding set. Everything from Mustang Sally to Galway Girl! The band's favourite genre is the cheesy 80s type stuff and Aobh makes the other guys in the band play these every week even though they're heavy rockers at heart. Aobh is a very interactive frontwoman in the band and sometimes joins the crowd on the floor for a conga line. Electric Blue plays all over Ireland, everywhere from Donegal to Cork. The band was originally called Runaway Baby.
**Wedding Packages
Electric Blue Wedding Band will tailor a wedding package to suit any couple and they can include ceremony music, drinks reception and they even have a disco and sax option! They work with several professional DJ’s including Joey Hedderman and Trevor Matthews from Midland DJs**. Electric blue will only ever book one wedding per day!
2020 For The Band
Aobh explains how 2020 has given the band time to focus on their new website and they have been rehearsing as much as possible. Usually, the band meets in the studio so without that option it has felt somewhat lonely. However, as Aobh explains the constant communication has made the band stronger and closer than ever.
The band was quite shocked when they lost all their Christmas gigs in March 2020 and soon realized that the situation was more serious than they first thought. Like most people, Aobh is very grateful for the extra family time that has come out of 2020.
Electric Blue Live
**Electric Blue performs all their first dances live and even records the first song for couples if that’s something they want to keep. Aobh explains that because couples can’t get to see the band live, the best option to see and hear the band would be to visit their Facebook page. They have lots of short live clips from real weddings and it shows you exactly how the band keeps a dance floor full. The band's last promo video includes music from the genres they specialize in including the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s. Aobh is a rocker chick but she loves cheesy music like S Club 7 & Five.
Aobh is fully convinced the wedding industry will bounce back better than ever and she’s hoping that more wedding businesses including bands won’t have to fold before it does. She is also delighted to see some new wedding acts come onto the scene in Ireland.**
Electric Blue In Under 60 Seconds
Name of the band?
Electric Blue
How many members are in the band?
5
Where are Electric Blue based and do they travel nationwide?
Dublin & yes!
What kind of music do you play?
80’s, 90’s, 00’s and modern chart music. Basically, anything you like!
Can you learn a couple's first dance?
Yes, we specialize in that.
Can a couple decide on the setlist?
To a degree, a couple can add requests.
Is it always the same members in the band?
Yes
How long does it take you to set up?
About 30 to 40 minutes.
How long does the band perform for?
2 & 1/2 hours.
Do you provide ceremony music?
Yes.
Do you have a disco package?
We do
Contact
On this week’s episode of The Wedding Band Show, I chatted with Fergal Harmon from the Bridal Wave Wedding Band.
Bridal Wave is a 4-piece wedding band based in Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim but they perform at weddings all over Ireland. The band started playing the pubs and clubs about 15 years ago and they moved into weddings around 2016. A lot of their fan base at this time started to get married and wanted Bridal Wave as their band.
Fergal believes that because the band cut their teeth playing in the pubs and clubs scene it has helped them develop as a wedding band.
Fergal is the lead singer with Bridal Wave but because he used to have a one-man show before joining the band he has a lot of experience in singing most of the set and reading a crowd. He believes that over time the strength of his voice developed and he was able to pace himself to perform for long periods of time without any issues.
What kind of music does Bridal Wave play?
Similar to most professional wedding bands Bridal Wave performs a set that covers all types of music. The band will talk with a couple before the wedding to find out what kind of music they enjoy and then tailor the setlist to suit. Because of their pub and club performing experience they have a large repertoire to pull from. After playing weddings for five years the band now knows what works and doesn't work and can adapt the set on the night. As Fergal says, a song that you play at a wedding one night might work but that same song might bomb at a wedding the following night!
Bridal Wave Band & Disco Package.
Bridal Wave also offers a disco package and Fergal is the DJ. When the band moves into a venue they set up the band and disco equipment at the same time. This also means that there is no break between the band and the disco set. Fergal finds that’s it’s easier for wedding couples if they can book the disco package with their band as they don’t have to look around at so many different suppliers. Another major benefit of having the band look after your disco is that the DJ is already familiar with the crowd and knows what kind of songs will keep the dance floor full.
If you can’t get to see Bridal Wave live they do have excellent promotional videos online and Fergal believes that word of mouth is their best promotional tool.
Brian says that to talking to wedding couples on a zoom call is actually his new favourite way of communication with new clients. It puts a face to a name and the couple gets a better idea of you as a wedding supplier, very similar to a wedding fair!
When it comes to social media Bridal Wave has a large following on Instagram and Fergal states that this is probably one of the best platforms for communication with couples. If you'd like to find out more information on the Bridal Wave Wedding Band make sure to check out their Instagram page where you can view all the latest information.
How to contact Bridal Wave Wedding Band?
For information on the Bridalwave Wedding Band use these links,
Website - https://bridalwaveband.com/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaogXBe7mbT8t-TbwkXR_5A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bridalwaveband/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bridal_wave_band
To find out more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band use these links,
Wedding Band - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram -
How to move your wedding suppliers to a new date...with Blue Moose
On this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I talked with Tony Ward from Blue Moose Wedding Band about the easiest way to move your wedding suppliers to a new date!
The first step?
So if you are a wedding couple that has to move your wedding because of restrictions what's the first thing you should do? Tony breaks down the three categories of wedding couples.
6 Wedding Guest
The first category is couples who want to go ahead with the wedding even if there are only 6 guests. In this case, they won’t want live music and should just contact their band to inform them of the cancellation. Usually, this means that you lose your deposit.
25 to 50 Wedding Guests
The second category is people who are waiting to see if 25 or 50 guests will be allowed. The best thing to do in this case is to wait until the next official announcement. It's not a bad idea to have a ‘Plan B’ in place in case the restrictions are not lifted in time.
100+ Wedding Guests
The third category is couples who just want to postpone and don't want the stress of worrying about their guest list numbers. In this situation, the best advice is to go to your venue first and get a list of four or five available dates. Once you have the available dates Tony suggests you send one email by cc’ing all your wedding suppliers on it.
Then all you have to do is sit back and wait for the replies. Once every supplier has emailed you back you can look at everybody's available dates and move to do date that most of your suppliers are available for. One major advantage to this is that you get to keep most of your preferred suppliers that you've already worked hard to source. You also won't lose as much money in terms of deposits which are usually non-refundable!
The wrong way to move a wedding date?
The alternative to this is to pick one date and then email every supplier individually to check they're available. In this case, there is a great chance that you are going to lose some of your preferred wedding suppliers and also deposits! It also means that you have to go back to stage 1 and research wedding suppliers who are available for your new date.
Wedding Band Association Deposit Scheme
Blue Moose is also a member of the Wedding Band Association which means that if they are not available for your new date your original deposit can be transferred over to another band in the WBA. https://weddingbandassociation.ie/
A Wedding Band For 25 Guests?
On the point of wedding couples worrying about having a band for 25 guests Tony still recommends that you should have bands when it's allowed. He explained that if it's a case of a budget problem because you're having a smaller wedding just talk to your suppliers and they might be able to help you out. He is also aware of the fact that everybody thinks of Blue Moose as a big rock band but they will adapt to suit a smaller crowd.
How to contact Blue Moose?
For information on Blue Moose use these links,
Website - https://www.bluemoose.ie/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr8uTwqw-Nt23WbxfdSf7-w
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluemooseband
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluemooseband/
To find out more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band use these links,
Wedding Band - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram -
Who are Blue Moose?
On this week's episode of the wedding band show, I chatted with Tony Ward from the Blue Moose band. Tony started Bluemoose about 21 years ago with a friend called Bobby O'Hara. They met while working in a hotel in Wexford and quickly discovered they both had a love for playing music. Shortly after that, they entered a local music competition. They won the competition and left the hotel business behind! Even though the band started out as a covers band they also started to play at weddings from about 2007. Because the Blue Moose fanbase was getting older they now wanted them and as their wedding band!
Cover band to wedding band?
In recent times there is a very thin line between a cover band and a wedding band, so Blue Moose didn't have to change their set too much. After one bad experience early on the band went into rehearsals and put a wedding set together that would suit all types of crowds. As Tony explains, some bands don't like to play waltzes because they think it's not cool, however, it's always great to have them in case the wedding guests want to waltz on any particular night.
As Brian says, a little waltz mix is always nice to give the rest of the guests a 5-minute break from dancing!
What kind of music will you get with Blue Moose?
If a couple contacts Blue Moose and asks what type of music do you play, Tony’s answer is usually anything from Abba to AC/DC! The band doesn't have one set that they play every night and they change it up depending on the wedding guests. Tony goes on to say that a wedding band shouldn't hit the crowd hard for the first 30-minutes because then there will be a big lul. It's always better to keep the floor full all night instead of just some busy parts.
Bluemoose has a very broad setlist and in the initial consultation with a wedding couple, Tony or Bobby get a good feel for the music they want at their wedding. Tony and Brian both agree that one of the most important jobs for any wedding band is to read the crowd!
Blue Moose Showcases?
Because of the current situation wedding couples are finding it hard to view wedding bands live. One great thing about Blue Moose is that they recorded some live wedding showcases a few years ago. This means that any bride or groom can hear precisely what the Band sounds like even without seeing them live!
Blue Moose Wedding Packages?
As well as the live band Blue Moose now offers an all-day wedding package. They introduced this package in 2020 and it runs from the ceremony music up until the disco.
They bring in a female vocalist for the ceremony music. The drinks reception is an acoustic set with guitar, piano, sax, and clarinet. You can even add percussion and bass too if you’d prefer. Another option on the Bluemoose all-day package is to include a sax player with the DJ set.
How to contact Blue Moose?
For information on Blue Moose use these links,
Website - https://www.bluemoose.ie/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr8uTwqw-Nt23WbxfdSf7-w
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluemooseband
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bluemooseband/
To find out more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band use these links,
Wedding Band - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Video Work - https://pixelproductions.ie/
End of year message!
Hi everybody I hope you're keeping well just wanted to put out a short podcast to wish everybody Happy Christmas and a great New Year from everyone at The Brian Mc Dermott Band.
It's definitely been a weird year and has had a really bad effect on a lot of businesses especially in the wedding industry but hopefully, things will be back to normal in the next 6 months.
I want to say a big thank you to all the wedding couples who have us booked and in fairness, every one of the couples who has had to move their wedding has been super nice to deal with. To any of the couples who are having their wedding in the first half of 2021, my advice would be to see what January brings and get in touch then if you think you might need to move again. Hopefully, this Christmas lockdown and vaccine arriving will mean that bigger numbers can happen in early 2021.
We are still working away behind the scenes or a few projects and we have a new song that we're going to release in January, we're just trying to think of a video idea.
The wedding band show will also be back in January, I was hoping to get a few more episodes in before the end of the year but it’s just super busy on the video side with Pixel Productions.
**I don't like putting out the episodes just for the sake of it...I prefer to plan the episodes so we get to learn more about the guests!
I want to also say a big thanks to the guys in the band Kiev, Mick, Marie & Miki...It's been a terrible year but they’re still always ready to help and do everything they can.**
Have a great Christmas and here's to an amazing 2021, Brian
Eilish Egan from VIP Weddings & Ballina Blossoms
In this episode of The Wedding Band show, I caught up with Eilish Egan from VIP weddings and the new Ballina Blossoms. Eilish is based in Enniscrone Co.Sligo and has been providing wedding decor in the area for several years. In June 2020 she opened a flower shop that caters to weddings, funerals, Christmas, and all special occasions.
How has the lockdown changed her business?
Because of the current lockdown, she explains that couples have cut back on the decor for the ceremony and reception. She is hopeful that it will come around again and she believes that people are going to spend more money on high-quality wedding items in the future.
Eilish has worked at several weddings under the current restrictions and is finding that bouquet preservation is extremely popular these days. This is where she takes back the bouquet the day after the wedding, dries it out, and gives it back to the bride in a frame that makes the perfect keepsake.
Most of Eilish's weddings for December 2020 have moved but she is actually booked out from March 2021.
Ballina Blossom's business model!
Her new business model with the flower shop is focused on delivery because she realised that some guys might be shy about collecting a bouquet of flowers in the middle of a town.
She also launched her handmade silk wreaths on the 1st of November.
Flower trend for 2021?
When it comes to wedding trends, Eilish believes that green and white may still be the most popular colour for another year and that blossom trees may not be as popular in 2021.
In her own opinion, she thinks that smaller weddings can do a lot more on the decor side and that sometimes with a bigger crowd couples have to stretch themselves too much. You really can have that amazing Pinterest wedding with a smaller guest list!
On a positive note,
The best thing to come out of 2020 for Eilish has been some extra time off especially in May and June when she could enjoy the sunshine!
For information on VIP Weddings or Ballina Blossoms use these links,
Wedding Decor - https://myvipwedding.ie/
Ballina Blossoms - https://ballinablossoms.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ballinablossomsmayo/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ballina_blossoms/
To find out more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band use these links,
Wedding Band - https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Video Work - https://pixelproductions.ie/
I was delighted to get a chance to catch up with Jason from Jason Nolan Wedding Films and Wild Caste Studios.
On this live stream episode of The Wedding Band Show, I had a great chat with Jason Nolan from Jason Nolan Wedding Films and Wild Castle Studios. Jason Nolan is based in Castlebar Co. Mayo and has been shooting wedding films for several years.
Jason explained that normally he would do about 35 weddings a year but this year because of COVID he has only done about five. He has shot two weddings under the current restrictions one of which was for just 50 guests. Jason thinks that this was one of the nicest weddings he has ever shot. It was a really relaxed wedding and the ceremony was in the couple's living room. The couple's aunt was actually the celebrant and they had a marquee outside for the reception. Jason jokes that because it was the first wedding he has had in months he dropped his camera and got his drone stuck in a tree.
Brian agreed that weddings for 50 people can be a really nice experience but that maybe for only 25 guests it's difficult for couples to have the wedding they want. Jason was actually supposed to get married himself this year and said even though they were going to have a small wedding they got to 50 people on the guestlist really quickly.
As Jason explains, a wedding at its core is a celebration so it's very difficult for couples to go ahead under the current restrictions when they can't even have the first dance.
Because of the temporary drop in weddings, Jason has moved more into live streaming events. He does have previous experience of this because as he has streamed several weddings in the past for couples whose grandparents or friends couldn't make the ceremony. He has always been interested in live streaming and has now invested a lot of money in a professional streaming setup. He has also worked on some live streaming of football matches with another well-known wedding videographer John Murphy.
As Jason explains, weddings can be one of the most difficult live streams because of the short preparation time. He has also had to invest in a system that can bond together four different cellular signals to create one reliable connection for the live stream. He also uses multiple cameras for a wedding which produces a very professional-looking live stream for the viewers. The live streams are also recorded and can be edited after similar to a regular wedding video.
A very popular live streaming service that Jason offers is funerals. This is a great solution for friends or family who cannot attend a funeral mass in Ireland.
According to Jason most of the new wedding enquiries for video are now for 2022 but he is also hopeful that this pandemic may end soon. He thinks that there's no rush for couples who have dates for early 2021 to move their wedding. As long as they're flexible with the dates they'll always find a future date keeping the same wedding suppliers. The most important thing is to get in touch with your wedding suppliers before confirming a new date. If Jason is not available for a new date he can hire another videographer to shoot the wedding and he will still edit the wedding film.
Jason actually started out as a wedding photographer but began working with a videographer which helped him learn how to shoot weddings. In May 2014 he set up his own wedding videography website and almost immediately started getting bookings. Within one year he already had 54 wedding films in his diary.
On a positive note;
One of the positive things to come out of 2020 for Jason is the end of the editing backlog. In a regular year, he would have about 10 weddings to edit coming up to Christmas which can be a bit stressful.
It has also given him time to work on other&
On this live episode of The Wedding Band Show Live, I caught up with Ronnie Duignan from the Late Nite Radio wedding band.
What are the band up to?
Ronnie told me that as a band they've been very busy because they have increased their video output online. The band started recording covers in April and have released over 17 videos to date. He said the band are going to keep putting out videos because now each member has a home studio setup. This is also great for learning new set material during a lockdown. The band have also been using this time to update their playlist and create new medleys for there wedding set.
Weddings under restrictions!
Late Nite Radio has performed at two weddings under the current restrictions both of which were a great success. One of the weddings had 50 guests and the other wedding had 25 but they still had the same atmosphere as a wedding of about 200 guests. Ronnie believes some of this is because people haven't heard live music in so long and also says that being invited to a wedding with only 25 guests is a real privilege. He thinks that couples shouldn't shortchange themselves by cutting back on entertainment and that you can't beat a live wedding band.
Brian believes that some couples may feel that a wedding band with 4 or 5 members may overwhelm a smaller crowd but as Ronnie explains most wedding bands PA systems are modular so they can scale it to suit any crowd size or venue.
Finish time if 11:30pm
Ronnie says that the finish time for weddings of 11:30 p.m. is not an issue but the main concern that his couples are having is the 25 to 50 wedding guests. Ronnie and Brian both agree that weddings starting earlier is a good thing and if couples just have their ceremony a few hours earlier they will still fit in all the entertainment.
How to move a wedding date?
Another important point that Ronnie highlights is that any couples thinking of changing their wedding date from 2021 to 2022 should get in touch with the wedding suppliers first to arrange an available date. It's always a good idea to get in contact with your suppliers before securing a second date.
A positive note
On a positive note, Ronnie said that he has got to spend a lot more time with his kids in 2020 and has enjoyed that aspect of the lockdown. He has 4 young girls and is also teaching them music at home. As a band, he enjoys that they can record and release songs that they wouldn’t normally get to do.
To find out more information on Late Nite Radio visit,
https://lateniteradioband.com/
To see more episodes of The Wedding Band Show visit,
https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/wedding-band-blog/
Because of the current restrictions, I've decided to do some of ‘The Wedding Band Show’ episodes online.
In the first of these live episodes, I caught up with Richard Mc Carthy from Richard Mc Carthy Photography to talk about how the lockdown has affected his business.
Even though wedding photographers can work under the current restrictions of 25 people a lot of wedding couples from 2020 have moved their weddings forward to 2021 or 2022.
Richard is hopeful that most of the weddings and 2021 will still go ahead.
His advice to wedding couples for 2021 is to hold tight and hopefully there will be a vaccine at the end of this year. if there is a vaccine most of the weddings in 2021 should be able to go ahead at bigger numbers and 2020.
Even though Richard isn't it as busy with the weddings he has expanded his photography business into property photography which is a growing market in Ireland. He is also busy getting wedding frames and wedding albums ready for couples who got married in early 2020.
Richard does think that wedding DJ's should be allowed to play background music at wedding receptions even during a lockdown. As he explains there is no difference between a DJ or a hotel staff member playing background music as long as there is no dancing.
Richard has had two weddings recently and he really enjoyed shooting both of them. He explains that he had a lot more time with each couple to get the fantastic shots he wanted to.
In a recent wedding, he got pictures of a bride on her horse galloping on a beach which would not be possible during a regular wedding day.
To contact Richard or to check out his wedding photography you can visit;
https://richardmccarthy.ie/
For more episode of The Wedding Band Show visit;
https://thebrianmcdermottband.ie/wedding-band-blog/
Should You Have A Wedding Band For 25 Guests?
In this special episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Dave & Gavan from the Wedding Band Hi-Fi who is based in Sligo. I started out by asking them how the pandemic has affected Hi-Fi as a band! Dave explained how they have taken a massive hit and have lost all work but the band is still in great spirits.
With regards to the size of wedding crowds as Dave explains it’s nothing new for a Wedding Band to perform for under 50 guests. He also says if it feels right for you to get married you should go ahead with the wedding because no experts can predict what’s going to happen.
Gavan explains that there are two types of wedding couples, the ones who want to get married and the couples who just want to be married. And if you want to go ahead with your wedding with a smaller guest list Hi-Fi is still there to perform for your big day. Nearly all wedding venues can divide their function rooms to make the reception more intimate.
Do The 25 Guests Include Suppliers?
The guys all agree that the 25 or 50 guests do not include your wedding suppliers but it’s a decision that is left up to each particular venue. You can talk to your venue and check if they will allow your guests and then the suppliers. Usually, by the time the band starts some of the wedding guests have already left the reception!
One of the biggest problems for bands from Brians point of view is that they don’t know when this is going to end or when bigger crowds will be permitted at weddings in Ireland again.
Both Hi-Fi and The Brian Mc Dermott Band have performed at several American Style Weddings in the past and each one has been a success and definitely a great idea for Irish weddings during the pandemic! At this style of reception, the guests can dance during the meal and the finish time can be 11:30 pm.
What About The 11:30 pm Finish?
One big concern wedding couples are having right now is that they are worried about the 11:30 pm finish time for all wedding entertainment. As the guys explain this can easily be fixed by bringing your meal forward and getting your wedding band to start earlier. Your Wedding Band & DJ can still do the exact same job on the night.
Brian explains that he would always choose a live band over only having a disco but again it depends as each wedding is different. Gavan prefers to only DJ after a Hi-Fi wedding as the crowd is already on the dancefloor!
At one of their recent weddings, Gavan actually overheard the bride calling herself a ‘COVID Bride’ which may well be a badge of honor in years to come. As Dave says it should be considered a badge of honor as any couples who still manage to have their wedding in 2020 has had lots of hurdles to get over but still achieved it against all odds!
Wediversary!
Brian had an idea the night before recording the episode and he is calling it a Wediversay!
Basically, his idea is where a couple would video their smaller wedding ceremony during the restrictions and then on their first or second wedding anniversary they would show the video to all their friends on a large screen and have a big party similar to a wedding reception! The guy’s joke that couples would need to book Brians video production company https://pixelproductions.ie/
What About The Deposit?
Hi-Fi approaches deposits on a case-by-case basis and similar to The Brian Mc Dermott Band they have made their deposits 100% transferable. Dave explains that any member of the Wedding Band Association (WBA) will work less the deposit of another member band if a couple needs to move a date but their original band is unavailable for the new date.
In summary,
Start your wedding as early as possible to get the full show from your Wedding Band & Disco.
Wedding guests will still have a great night even at a smaller wedd
In this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Ronnie Duignan from the wedding band Late Nite Radio to discuss the best types of music for a wedding.
So what is the best wedding band music and should a couple go for a cover band, country band, trad band?
When wedding couples call Ronnie and ask him what kind of music Late Nite Radio plays he always replies with the question, “what do you like?” If they like a lot of jiving or waltzing he can tailor the set to suit and leave out music that might not keep the guests dancing.
As cliche, as it sounds the music that works for a wedding, is basically party music. The best floor fillers are the hits from all down through the decades. The biggest hits of the ‘70s, ’80s, and ‘90s are still keeping wedding guests on the dancefloor today. When considering a wedding band you really need to choose a band that can cater for all ages and tastes and has the ability to play a wide variety of music.
If a wedding couple loves a particular genre of music or has a favourite band who might not suit a wedding crowd a great option is to have that band perform second. Sometimes it’s possible to set up a second stage which also has the added bonus of looking fantastic!
Some extra takeaways from this episode,
As a band, Ronnie thinks the key isn’t always the songs you play but the volume you play at.
As a wedding band, you sometimes need to adjust the volume to suit different genres of music. For example, older guests generally don’t mind a loud bass guitar or kick drum when you’re playing country music but might not enjoy a rock set at the same volume.
Sometimes you might hear about a band at a wedding where no guests were dancing and people may even comment that the band was ‘no good’. While this may be true it’s also possible that the band was excellent at what they were playing but their set just didn’t suit a wedding crowd.
In Brians's view, a wedding band can be more for the guests than the couple on the night. For most weddings, the couple is so busy talking with friends that they hear very little of what the band actually plays. After the wedding is over the most important thing is that the dance floor was full all night and the wedding guests enjoyed the entertainment.
Another little thing to consider is booking a band for the drinks reception. This helps to create an atmosphere early in the day and also has the added bonus of holding your guests at the wedding venue. Sometimes if a wedding venue is located in a town some guests may take a trip to a nearby pub!
In summary;
The best type of wedding reception music is general ‘Party Music’
A good Wedding Band can include every genre of music to suit all wedding guests.
Consider a second band instead of a disco if you have a favourite band that doesn’t usually perform at weddings.
A live band for the drinks reception is a great option.
To find out more information about the Late Nite Radio wedding band you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lateniteradioband/
Website: https://lateniteradioband.com/
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band;
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
Wedding Entertainment Ideas (with Scruffy Duffy)
In this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I chatted with Scruffy Duffy (Martin Duffy) about different wedding entertainment ideas to inject some fun into your big day!
Don’t get stressed out…
According to Scruffy Duffy, the first and most important thing is to enjoy the day! Don’t get stressed out by the planning and don’t fall into the trap of going to every wedding fair until you’re fed up of seeing the wedding suppliers. By doing this you may end up booking suppliers who don’t suit your wedding but you just want an end to the planning stage.
Because there are so many different wedding suppliers one great idea is to sit down with a coffee and write down the type of wedding you want. Then match the suppliers to your list and make sure to only book the wedding professionals who can help create that vision.
Does the venue matter...
Having a fun wedding has nothing to do with the venue it’s held in. You can book a Hotel, Castle or your local golf club and still have the greatest wedding ever if you think outside the box. You can also step outside the norm without breaking the bank or increasing your wedding budget but it’s all about having the correct mindset.
The Drinks Reception…
The time of the drinks reception for an Irish wedding is usually 3pm to 5pm and this is one of the most overlooked parts of the day.
Some of the entertainment suggestions that Scruffy Duffy has for this time would be;
All of these ideas are simple and don’t cost a fortune but more importantly, they create special memories. And speaking of memories, the drinks reception is an excellent time to get some video messages from the older guests...remember that usually, the wedding couple is off getting photographs taken for most of this time so a lot of peoples well wishes can be missed!
The Speeches...
There is always a choice of having the speeches before or after the meal but why not have them during the drinks reception? It’s a brilliant time to do this for several reasons. The main reason is there is no pressure on anyone who is speaking. It’s a far more relaxed and fun atmosphere than a silent function room full of people looking up at you! Another added bonus is that the kitchen staff can serve the meal without any delays or interruptions!
During The Meal...
During or directly after the meal can also have some entertainment and will help carry the fun element throughout the full day. Of coarse Scruffy Duffy is famous for his own Wedding Meal Show but you also have other options such as a Mentalist, Hypnotist or Singing Waiters.
Planning Is Important...
When adding different entertainment ideas to your wedding day, good planning is key!
Adding loads of different suppliers and ideas won’t work if it delays the day and takes away from the dancing at the end of the night.
Summary;
To find out more information about Scruffy Duffy & SD Entertainment you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJ-Scruffy-Duffy-104716809562265/
Website: http://scruffyentertainment.ie/
Phone: 0868216484
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott
A First Dance Live vs CD
On this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Ronnie Duignan to get his take on having your Wedding Band perform your first dance live versus playing your first dance on a CD / Mp3
As I always say every band is completely different but from experience, I’ve come to realize that even after a couple requests them to, some bands may not learn the first dance. This is rare as most bands have no issues learning the first dance but it is something to be aware of when booking a Wedding Band. If your band refuse to learn your first dance the only other option is to get them or your DJ to play the original version through the speaker system.
From A Wedding Bands PerspectiveRonnie explains that from a bands point of view it is always better to perform the first dance live and it’s a pity to pay money for great musicians and have them stand by as a CD is being played! In Late Nite Radio, Donnacha has an amazing vocal range so they can cover almost any first dance. As a Wedding Band, you might only learn the first dance song for one night but that doesn’t matter according to Ronnie and he just believes it’s a poor reflection on a band if they won’t learn the first dance.
From A Wedding Couples PerspectiveFrom a wedding couples point of view, there may be a reason they want an original version played through a PA System and that’s understandable. They might have great memories of the original song and even though the band might be able to do their own live take on it, it just wouldn’t feel the same.
Another reason Ronnie likes to perform the first dance live with Late Nite Radio is that it’s one of the only times during the night where all the wedding guests can clearly hear how good the band sounds. Although the main focus is on the wedding couple, all the guests in the room are concentrating on the first dance including the band!
A Wedding Band Isn’t A Karaoke MachineOne thing to always remember is that a Wedding Band isn’t a karaoke machine and there’s a lot of work that goes into learning a first dance song. Most bands meet up at least once a month but even before that, each band member will have to figure out and learn their own individual parts.
On some occasions, a friend of the wedding couple may be singing the first dance which also means the band will need to meet up to rehearse with them.
A Father-Daughter DanceSimilar to a first dance, a Father-Daughter dance is a song which the band may need to learn or fall back on a CD / Mp3 option. Most bands will have the popular songs already in their set and here are 3 favourites,
‘Father And Daughter’ - Paul Simon
‘I Loved Her First’ - Heartland
‘Your Wedding Day’ - Jimmy Buckley
A Bridal Party SongUsually, at the beginning of a wedding reception, the band invites all the wedding guests around the dance floor and then calls on the wedding couple for their first dance. Halfway through the song, the band asked the rest of the bridal party to join in, After the first dance, the wedding band can cut straight into a lively dance mix and all the guests start dancing!
It often comes up that a couple may want a second song for the bridal party but Ronnie is not in favour of this as it usually means guests start to drift back to their seats and you lose the big start to the dancing.
In Summary
How much does a wedding photographer cost?
In this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Richard McCarthy to find out how much a couple should budget for a Wedding Photographer in Ireland.
Surveys from Irish wedding websites put the average price at €1650. Richard doesn’t think this total would include an album but sometimes a cheap wedding album may be included.
A good quality wedding album is usually around €500 - €600 but Richard also explains that you should leave this decision until after the big day. All his brides can pick the material, colour etc after the pressure of the wedding has disappeared!
As a guideline, Richard suggests to budget about €1750 for your Wedding Photographer and explains that Photographers in high demand can be about €2000.
Of course, you can always find cheaper options but you need to be careful that they are not overly busy and shoot every wedding the same. Wedding Photographers that shoot about 50 weddings per year are usually very creative on the day.
Another piece of advice is to compare the same packages when getting quotes from Wedding Photographers. Ask each photographer for Bridal Prep until The First Dance and this will make it easier when comparing prices.
A great top tip from this episode is when Richard explains how to get the most out of your Photographer on the day. Usually, there is a 4 to 5-hour break for a photographer from the speeches (if they are before the meal) to the first dance. While your wedding band are setting up this is an excellent time to get group shots and pictures with your friends.
A few notes from this episode;
To find out more information about Richard McCarthy Photography you can visit these links;
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/richardmccarthyphoto/
Website:https://richardmccarthy.ie/
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band;
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
On this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Ronnie Duignan to chat about the best places to view a Wedding Band in Ireland before you book them.
When a couple contacts a wedding band usually the second question is where can they view a live performance. Every band has different types of performances in the diary and it can be confusing for wedding couples when trying to compare bands.
**View Your Wedding Band At A Showcase
A showcase is like a big interview and the time of a showcase is fixed. Some days it can be busy and sometimes it might be a quieter event. Ronnie has performed at several showcases in Kilronan Castle and Lough Rynn Castle and thinks it’s a great idea.**
The downside of this is you don’t get to see the Wedding Band interacting with the crowd. In Brian’s view any band can put a great 15-minute set together but that can fall apart at a real wedding!
View Your Wedding Band At A Pub Gig
A Wedding Band doing a pub gig can have the atmosphere but every pub band doesn’t necessarily transfer into a great wedding band. One of the most important things a wedding band has to do is read the crowd to keep a dance floor full and you can’t judge this by a performance in a pub.
View Your Wedding Band At A Wedding
Another popular option is seeing the band at a real wedding but this can be tricky. At the time you arrive to view the band they might be playing the music that suits those wedding guests and this might not be your favourite style or genre of music. Always talk to your Wedding Band after seeing them live so they can talk about the performance you’ve just seen. The Wedding Band are playing to keep the dance floor full and might have adapted their set for that particular wedding.
The best thing about seeing a band live at a wedding is you witness their interaction with the crowd, how they look and the quality of their sound system. Look and listen to the band but just remember that every wedding is different.
Are Wedding Bands promotional videos live?
Something to beware of when checking out Wedding Bands online is how ‘Live’ their promotional videos actually are. Some wedding bands might record a live performance and fix a few mistakes, some might record all the audio in a studio and mime over it for the video and some bands might not even be playing to their own music in the promo video!
If you follow a band on social media you’ll generally get to see real live clips and learn how the band gel together on stage which is also an important factor.
A few other notes from this episode;
In summary, there is no best place to see a Wedding Band but a mixture of Live Weddings, Showcases and Pub Gigs can all work. Try to see your wedding band in a few places and check out their live clips on social media.
To find out more information about the Late Nite Radio wedding band you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lateniteradioband/
Website: https://la
On this weeks episode of The Wedding Band Show I talked to Michael O’Donovan about his Wedding Disco business ‘DJ Baldy Mick’ and his video production company The Video Guys
Mick starts the conversation by reminding us that he’s an award-winning Wedding DJ :)
His main occupations are as a Wedding Videographer and a Wedding DJ but he also dabbles in some wedding photography as a hobby. His DJ career started around 1991 and in 2003 when he returned from honeymoon he bought the videography business from the guy that shot his own wedding video!
The Video Guys
Michaels video production company is called The Video Guys and is based in Sligo. He travels all over Ireland and loves to take work in his home town of Cork when possible. The Video Guys shoot Weddings and also work on commercial projects. Mick’s vlogging has taken a back seat lately as the editing is very time-consuming!
When it comes to wedding videos, The Video Guy’s most popular option is their ‘All Day Package’ which includes everything from the bridal prep up until about 11 pm.
Michael suggests that doing a wedding disco is easier than shooting the wedding video because of the amount of editing that needs to be completed after the wedding day. There is also more stress for a videographer on the day of a wedding dealing with different lighting situations, complex audio requirements, etc.
A top tip from The Video Guys would be to plan your wedding timeline with precision similar to that of a military attack! Use a bridesmaid to keep an eye on the time and to communicate any delays with the wedding suppliers.
**DJ Baldy Mick
For Michael being a DJ is more of a passion than a job. When it comes to weddings he loves to see the hope in young couples on their big day.**
His disco set depends on the crowd but usually, it’s a mix of the ’80s and ‘90s dance music. Sometimes he starts a wedding disco with a slow song to give the wedding guests a break after the band.
Baldy Mick is now offering a ‘Day After’ package and it will be launched at The Oceans Sands Hotel Wedding Expo. It consists of regular disco music, party games and a smartphone speed quiz which is tailor-made to suit every wedding.
To find out more information about The Video Guys & DJ Baldy Mick you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djbaldymick/
Website: The Video Guys
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band;
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
What time should your Wedding Band start? (Irish Wedding)
On this week’s episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Dave & Gavan from the Hi-Fi Wedding Band to chat about Wedding Band set up times in Ireland.
If you are planning a wedding in Ireland it is great to have an idea of what to expect when it comes to your Wedding Band setting up and the expected start time.
Hi-fi wedding band arrives at 7:30 pm or 8 pm depending on how well they know the venue. If it’s a wedding venue the band hasn’t performed in before then they will arrive early to allow extra time for setting up and soundcheck.
Gavan explained that he would feel anxious not being at a venue early and he always wants to allow time to get into his ‘rockstar mode’ to put on the best show for the wedding couple!
He also mentioned that if a wedding band arrives at 9 pm but the room has been ready since about 8 pm there is almost an hour of silence which is not a nice situation at any wedding reception!
Dave says that the Hi-Fi Wedding Band can be set up in 25 minutes at an extreme rush but this would be only for an emergency. Because the band has no backline it means they can be ready for a first dance in about 45 minutes at a regular wedding. Also similar to The Brian Mc Dermott Band, Hi-Fi Wedding Band uses a digital mixing console which means each wedding venue’s sound requirements can be saved and recalled in seconds. This avoids the need for lengthy soundchecks!
One other factor that can delay a band from setting up is if the top table is on the floor and the venue needs to erect a stage. This is usually a safer option for the band so always allow time for this to happen.
Some tips to speed up your wedding bands set up time,
To sum up, we recommend that you ask your Wedding Band to arrive for 8 pm and for you to allow 1 hour from standing up from the top table to walking back onto the Dance Floor for your first dance. Be very conscious that if your speeches run late your band will have a later start time!
To find out more information about the Hi-Fi wedding band you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hifisligo/
Website: https://www.hifiband.ie/
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band;
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
On this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Scruffy Duffy (Martin Duffy) to chat about his wedding entertainment company SD Entertainment.
Scruffy Duffy is a well-known Wedding DJ based in Sligo, Ireland and has been performing for weddings for almost 25 years. He provides many different wedding packages and services including Celebrant, Wedding Meal Show, Full Wedding Disco and much more.
Martin Duffy is a fully qualified Marry Me Ireland Celebrant and goes under the name Martin Anthony Wedding Celebrant. He can provide the music for the ceremony and encourages couples to choose uplighting songs. He can also include the Wine Box Ceremony. This is where couples write down their feelings and thoughts on the run-up to the big day. They seal them in the box with a bottle of wine and open it on their first wedding anniversary!
The Scruffy Duffy Meal Show is a new concept created by Martin and he is the only entertainer in Ireland providing the service. Because Martin was once a Chef he has designed the show so it doesn’t affect the meal and is perfectly timed around each venue. This high energy show is a fun way to add something different to your wedding. It suits all ages and includes a Sing-Off, Love Quiz, Fun Fashion Show and Lip Sync Battle. Martin says it is like the wedding couple is watching a concert during the meal.
Scruffy Duffy also explains about the 4 ways in which you can do your wedding speeches including, before you enter the room, video speeches, after the first coarse or the more traditional way, after the meal! Because SD Entertainment always sets up the equipment before the meal all of these options are available to the wedding couple.
Another service offered by Scruffy Duffy and SD Entertainment is a Full Wedding DJ Package.
This is a longer disco starting from your first dance and replaces the need for a wedding band.
To find out more information about Scruffy Duffy & SD Entertainment you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJ-Scruffy-Duffy-104716809562265/
Website: http://scruffyentertainment.ie/
Phone: 0868216484
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band;
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
On this episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Ronnie Duignan to chat about his wedding band Late Nite Radio
Late Nite Radio is a 4 piece wedding band based in Co. Leitrim, Ireland and have been performing at weddings for approximately 10 years.
The band’s lineup includes;
Ronnie on Bass / Vocals
Donnacha on Guitar / Vocals
Donal on Guitar / Mandolin / Vocals
Dave on Drums
The band have a very dynamic set and it is not fixed. They can play everything from country to chart music and pick the best hits from every decade. Late Nite Radio always chats with a couple before the wedding to find out what genres their wedding guests will enjoy. They also supply a complimentary disco service with every wedding booking!
Ronnie also agrees that a slow set near the end of a wedding is a great idea to give some guests a break before the end of the band.
When it comes to first dance songs Late Nite Radio always want to perform it live where possible and Donnacha has the vocal range to cover almost any song!
The band also have one of the best Fohhn PA Sytems in Ireland. It’s a modular system so this means they can scale the equipment to suit the size of the room. It also makes for an extremely fast setup time! Ronnie agrees that a 10 pm start is the usual time for the first dance in Ireland.
To find out more information about the Late Nite Radio wedding band you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lateniteradioband/
Website: https://lateniteradioband.com/
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band;
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
On today's episode of The Wedding Band Show, I sat down with Dave & Gavan from the Hi-Fi Wedding Band.
The band is a 4 piece wedding band based in Sligo but they perform at weddings all over Ireland. Led by Tabby o Callaghan from X Factor fame this wedding band will not fail to impress you and with their repertoire of hits from the 1960’s right through to modern-day classics they are the perfect ingredient to add to any live event. Dave plays bass, Gavan plays Keyboards and Matt is on drums. All the members sing!
Hi-Fi can also look after your wedding disco and in this interview, Gavan goes over some of the pros and cons of having your wedding band also look after your wedding disco. The Hi-Fi band can supply your ceremony and drinks reception entertainment.
The band plays a variety of music and Dave explains how they read and react to the crowd each night as every wedding is different. He also recommends at least one waltz set for your wedding guests as this can keep the older guests happy!
To find out more information about the Hi-Fi wedding band you can visit these links;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hifisligo/
Website: https://www.hifiband.ie/
For more information about The Brian Mc Dermott Band;
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
How much does a wedding band cost in Ireland?
On today's episode of The Wedding Band Show I sat down with Allen Neilan from The Heebie Jeebies Band to discuss how much you should allow in your budget for a great wedding band.
Wedding surveys from 2018;
As a guide we looked at some recent wedding surveys in Ireland and found that Confetti.ie had the average price of a wedding band at €2041, Weddingsonline.ie had the average price at €2165 and OneFabDay had a guide price range from €2000 to €3000.
In our opinion, most great wedding bands are indeed averaging between €2000 to €3000 and there are many different factors which can change the price up or down.
What’s included in a wedding band quote?
Wedding bands in Ireland are all completely different so a few things to consider are;
How many members are in the band?
Some wedding bands might have 3 members and use backing tracks while other bands might have 8 members all performing live.
Does your quote include travel?
This is important when looking at quotes as sometimes it may be a hidden extra.
Does your wedding band have good quality equipment and backup?
Audio equipment can sometimes fail so you should always ask your wedding band about their backup equipment in the case of an emergency.
Has your band got public liability insurance?
Another factor which can sometimes increase the price is if a wedding band has public liability insurance. Most bands do and it is usually a sign of a professional band.
How long does the band perform?
Some wedding bands in Ireland have a strict cut off point so you need to make sure they will still perform even if your wedding runs a little later than planned.
Budgeting for a wedding band
When you’re planning your wedding we both agree you should allow approx €2000 for a great professional wedding band in Ireland.
One thing to remember is you can't always judge a band on price alone! Sometimes a few hundred euro can make a massive difference and guarantee a full dance floor on the night of your wedding!
The Brian Mc Dermott Band
Website: https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_mc_dermott/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrianmcdermottband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebrianmcdband
The Heebie Jeebies Band
Website: http://theheebiejeebiesband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheebiejeebiesband
What should you ask a wedding photographer before you book them?
Your big day is fast approaching, and you’ve started looking up potential photographers to capture those beautiful moments. You’ve probably never done this before and you are not sure what to consider before you settle on that one photographer who will turn your day into stills.
What better way to know all these things than from the ‘horse’s mouth’? Meet Richard McCarthy, a wedding photographer with more than 10 years’ experience in the field.
In today’s episode, Richard shares the four most important tips you should consider before booking a wedding photographer.
“When you do book your photographer, make sure you got some sort of a contract outlining the coverage”- Richard McCarthy.
What you will learn:
Richard McCarthy’s Contact Information:
Website: https://richardmccarthy.ie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rmcphotography
Top 7 Places to Find a Wedding Band in Ireland
Presented by The Brian Mc Dermott Band
Where are the best places to find a good band for your wedding in Ireland?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Allen Neilan of The Heebie Jeebies Band and together, we’ve got you covered. We share a ranked list of the top 7 methods, platforms and venues you should turn to when looking for a high quality, crowd-pulling band. Listen in to learn foolproof practices for finding authentic band reviews and recommendations. Take our insider advice for picking a band and know what to judge by once you narrow down your list.
“The biggest marketing budget doesn't necessarily mean the best band.”
-Brian McDermott
Top Takeaways:
Why smaller is better when it comes to wedding fairs.
What to look for when watching bands perform live.
How to find authentic reviews of bands you like.
What to avoid when looking for a wedding band in Ireland.
Top 7 Places:
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.thebrianmcdermottband.ie/
http://theheebiejeebiesband.com/
Welcome to The Wedding Band Show, your guide to the absolute best wedding bands Ireland has to offer. Looking for a wedding band in Cork, Dublin or Kerry? Listen in to hear from bands across the country, along with top wedding suppliers— they’ll share tips, ideas and more on how to create a wedding reception that won't soon be forgotten. Next week we dive into advice on the best places to find a wedding band in Ireland.
• • •
“A wedding band can make or break a reception.”
-Brian McDermott
Top Takeaways:
Introduction to The Wedding Band Show.
How to connect, be featured on the show & give feedback. What's up next.
Resources Mentioned:
• TheBrianMcDermottBand.ie