PARTY MUSIC

Before you select any band to perform at your wedding, it is essential that you take a look at a list of songs that they perform. It is all well and good choosing a band who claim to play a 'wide range of music', but if the tunes on their list are load of duds and not classic dancefloor fillers, then it's probably best to give them a wide berth. Also be sure to ask how long they perform for and if they can also provide a DJ to work alongside themselves (potentially a good cost saving option).

Bands will normally offer to perform 2 or 3, 45 minute or 1 hour sets, but they may be able to perform additional sets for discounted rates. Either way, make sure you know when they can start, the space they'll need (it can be a benfeit if they've performed at the venue before, although this is not essential), the times they'll play from and till, and the cost. We always recommend that you also take a listen to them performing to make sure they're up to scratch (either live or recorded should suffice, but you'd be surprised how many couples will book their band 'blind'!). Armed with all this information, you should be well on your way to tracking down the perfect soundtrack to your big day.

Alternative Bands

For those after something quirky and extremely social, then enlisting the services of a Ceilidh, Barn Dance or Line Dance band may well be the perfect choice.

Both Ceilidhs and Barn Dances are quite similar in style and you'll find that many bands will be able to offer you a choice of either type of music. Ceilidhs are Celtic in origin and tend to feature classic Irish and Scottish folk songs such as 'The Gay Gordon' and 'The Irish Rover' for guests to dance to. Barn Dances can also incorporate such tunes, but tend to feature more American hoedown music instead. Line Dance bands will exclusively play Country and Western tunes, with the likes of Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton not far from the top of the playlist. The primary difference between a Line Dance and a Ceilidh/Barn Dance is the dance steps - the latter involves much more movement around the dancefloor and interaction with other guests, whereas the former typically requires those partaking in the dance to (you guessed it!) stand in straight lines and have little deviation from them!

No matter which you opt for, all three types of band will encourge your wedding guests to take to the floor and join in with the basic steps that have been devised for each dance. A caller will lead a short instructional session before each number to help the guests with the steps, and then it’s off you go! As long your guests are 'up for it', all all three of the alternative bands will guarantee loads of fun for everyone.

As with the 'normal' bands, alternative bands will usually perform 2 or 3, 45 minute or 1 hour sets, but discounted rates may be offered for additional sets, so this is well worth checking out.