Probably the Best Ceilidh Band in the world!
Reviews
If you have booked us, or been to one of our ceilidhs, we would love to know what you thought. This allows us to continually improve. We are interested in your views on the booking process, communications, our music, the caller, our pricing and any other comments or suggestions that would help us be the best Ceilidh band in the world!
We can provide the e-mail and telephone numbers of references - just get in touch. If you wish to add any comments please send an e-mail. Below are a few received over the years:
Phelim & Oonagh (Dunadry, Nov 2011)
Catherine & Aidan (Belfast Castle, Oct 2011)
Tony (Edenmore Counrty Club, Oct 2011)
*Note from Haste to the Wedding - we take about 20mins to set up - usually quicker than the venue will turn the room around. Covered in our FAQ!*
David (Radison Limavady, Sept 2011)
From http://www.youandyourwedding.co.uk/community/forums/thread/300897?page=2 Posted : Feb 19, 2010 09:44:15 PM
Subject: NI Wedding Bands
Oh FutureAggle
We had Haste to the Wedding play at our wedding last year. They were great and everyone raved about them afterwards. It takes a lot of people on the floor to make it work but they were good at getting people up. We got the ceilidh/DJ package and the DJ afterwards was excellent too.
The only problem was I couldn't do traditional dances properly due to my dress and so i missed out on some of the fun. I may stalk you on here, find out the details of your wedding and then gatecrash! I'll get my ceilidh yet!
Neil & Hannah (Rosspark, Aug 2011)
Kate & Chris (Lisanoure Castle, Aug 2011)
Duncan (Belle Isle, Aug 2011)
*Note from Haste to the Wedding - Belle Isle do not allow music after 10pm in the main function room, so as this wedding started late, we only got to play over 1 hour. Disappointing for us and the wedding couple.
Chris (Clandeboy Est, July 2011)
Peter & Joy (Malone House, June 2011)
Kirsty & Richard (Carnalea Golf Club, June 2011)
Evelyn (Galgorm May, 2011)
Kelly (Belfast Castle, May 2011)
Lisa & Mark (Corick House, May 2011)
Jacqui & Wesley (La Mon, May 2011)
Hannah & Greg (Ballyduggan Mill, April 2011)
Sarah (Fermanagh, April 2011)
Ian & Charolette (Portadown, April 2011)
Sam (Newcastle, Jan 2011)
Comments: The night with you guys was supper. The children from New York and Chicago were able to participate and I have never seen so many people wanting to get on the floor. Booking was easy and your fee was fair. I thought the caller was very good and patient with the slow learners and had a nice balance of humor. I would strongly recommend you to others for a similar occasion. You cater for all ages whereas discos are too noisy and not suitable for all ages. Many thanks for all your good work.
David & Heather (Clandeboy Lodge, Dec 2010)
Comments: Dear Haste to the Wedding, Just to say thank you for playing at our wedding on 1st December. Everyone really enjoyed the Ceilidh dancing. A great nights craic. Thanks again.
Cathy & Chris (Dublin, Dec 2010)
Comments:
John & Carol (Clandeboy Lodge, Dec 2010)
Comments : Once again a brilliant job! This is now the 5th wedding I've been at in recent years where the band has played and you have never disappointed - that's where the repeat business comes from and I know it isn't finished yet. Great music and musicianship, and Colin is just what is needed for the craic and clarity of instruction. There are always reluctant guests who become quickly converted and wish they had been dancing from the first dance. We had people from Canada, the Bahamas, all over the UK, first timers and those who were a little more familiar - the best bit is that everyone was involved and had a great night. I can't wait for the next wedding! Best wishes.
Suzanne & Ross (Galgorm, Oct 2010)
Comments: Just an email to say thank you so much for playing at our wedding in the four seasons last Saturday. The ceilidh was amazing fun and everyone thought your band was just excellent and just what we needed to get everyone on the dance floor. Our whole family (Scottish and Irish) has an amazing time thanks to yourselves. Thanks again.
Al (Ballyliffen Lodge, Donegal, Sept 2010)
Comments: Just to say thanks a mil for Saturday. Had a great time as did everyone! Lots of compliments on you and the rest of the guys, I will be sure to pass your details on to anyone needing a band in future. Cheers.
Josephine (City Hotel, Armagh, Sept 2010)
Comments: Just wanted to send you all our thanks for the wonderful entertainment provided by the band on Saturday night. We have had many guests who have expressed how much they enjoyed the night. Your music is terrific and Colin does a good job with the dancing instructions. A good time had by all. We already have had a few enquiries as to who the band was and we are delighted to pass on your details. It has been a pleasure. Sincere thanks.
Nicola (Ballyduggan Mill, July 2010)
Comments: We just wanted to say Thankyou so much for providing such wonderful entertainment for our wedding. Everyone had a fantastic time and I am so glad we booked you. You were worth every penny and Colin the caller was awesome. Having the headset and being on the floor with us really helped those that didn't know the dances, which was nearly all of us! As the bride I have to say you really made me feel special and taken care of. It was a fantastic night, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the Ceilidh and we cannot thank you enough.
Lynsey & Lawrence (Belfast Castle, July 2010)
Comments: Dear all at Haste to the Wedding, Thanks for the excellent entertainment you provided at our wedding reception in Belfast Castle on 23rd July. We had a fantastic time dancing with our guests - adults and children alike - and we're all still talking about how much fun it was! Thanks again.
Karen (Belfast Castle, July 2010)
Comments: Just a note to let you know how much your contribution to Lynsey and Lawrence's wedding was appreciated. All the guests thoroughly enjoyed the ceilidh - even those who weren't dancing have commented on the music and their Indian guests had never experienced anything quite like it! I think Lawrence's Dad has captured almost every moment on video for some of their guests from India, Canada, USA and Belgium who couldn't attend the wedding, so your performance will be circulated worldwide! Thanks again for giving everyone such a great time to round off such an enjoyable and memorable day. All the best.
Peter & Lindsay (Lissanoure, July 10)
Comments: Peter and I would like to pass on our sincere thanks for playing at our wedding reception on 3rd July at Lissanoure. We had a wonderful day and the party in the evening was the perfect ending. All our guests thoroughly enjoyed it and many have told me since that they were really surprised how much fun it was as dancing is not usually their thing! It was a brilliant way to get everyone up onto the floor and we definitely recommend you all to our friends!! The booking process and payment were made very straight forward. Thanks once again.
Lesley & Laurence (Ballygalley Castle, May 10)
Comments: Just wanted to say thanks so much for playing at our wedding - we had a wonderful day. I'm sorry I didn't get to say thanks on the night but it was all a bit of a whirl. And we're sorry for delay in starting - I didn't even realise we were running late until the next day! Thanks again.
Nick & Becca (Brookhall, Lisburn, May 10)
Comments: Becca and I just wanted to e-mail and thank you for the wonderful ceilidh that you provided at our wedding on May 6th of this year. We had a brilliant (and exhausting!) time. The caller was brilliant, as were all the band, and many guests commented that it was the best ceilidh they had ever experienced! Thanks again. Best wishes.
Robert (Portstewart, Feb 10)
Comments: Found the booking process easy and any query was answered promptly and efficiently.
With so many things to pay for, the price seemed at first to be on the high side, but my daughter had been at a wedding in Fermanagh that you played at and thoroughly enjoyed it so there was no question. Having seen you perform the price now seems extremely fair.Caller and band - absolutely fantastic,Appearance - my wife Aileen answers from here as I only took part in the first few sets and retired to the safety of the bar after being carried down the room by a very strong and very attractive Scottish lady!! Aileen says 'looking good boys'Best parts - all of itEverybody said how good it was and went out of their way to tell us. Couple of flashbacks - an 83 year old lady up giving it all. An English primary school headmistress with a glint in her eye flinging me hither and thither in strip the willow. Have to say you handled any overexuberant guests well ensuring they didn't spoil the enjoyment of others. Young people especially enjoyed the disco. Special thanks for allowing my son to take the microphone close to the end to sing Angles to his wee sister bride.Thoroughly enjoyable night. Would highly recommend you.Tracy & Simon (Galgorm Manor, Jan 10)
Comments: I just wanted to thank you all so much for the fantastic job you all did. We have been to a few weddings where you performed and let's just say we were not dissapointed an the night! As always, the Ceilidh was so much fun and everyone enjoyed it immensely. Obviuosly, we are a little biased but I think it's the best entertainment for a wedding I've ever been at and we both just wanted to pass on our grattitude for making our day so special and providing the excellent entertainment. We are definitely recommending you to all our unmarried friends! Thanks again.
Michelle & John (Culloden, Dec 09)
Comments: Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the band for a very enjoyable ceili at our wedding. The music was fantastic and Colin did a great job keeping everyone on the right foot. Looking back on the video our guests had a great time ceili dancing and even though I had sore arms from the helicopter - it was so much fun! You provided an excellent. professional service from the booking right through to the wedding reception and it ran so well on the night. Thanks again for everything.
Vanessa (Lough Erne Golf Club, Dec 09)
Comments: Hi Pete, I wanted to drop you a quick note to say thanks to the Band and DJ who played at our wedding. The ceilidh band were just great - even letting my uncle join them on stage to play the spoons and the tambourine! And the caller was just brilliant. He made the dancing such an enjoyable event - pitching it perfectly for those who were unfamiliar with ceilidh dancing and the old pros. He really made a big difference. Everybody raved about it afterwards.
And the DJ played pretty much everything we had requested - which we weren't expecting at all! He was also very patient with additional requests from inebriated guests! Thanks so much for making our evening such a great success.
Judith & Tim (Radisson, Limavady, Dec 09)
Comments: In response to your points above:
Booking/Communications: All went well.
Music: Music was great - enjoyed by all there...not too loud or too quiet.
Caller: Great - got people involved without being pushy!!
Value for money: Given the number of people involved we understand the cost, and really enjoyed the evenings entertainment.
Was it good craic? Most definitely - lots of positive comments, and requests for your contact details!
Overall: Would highly recommend. Many thanks for making our wedding very enjoyable!
Thibault (Larchfield Est, Oct 09)
Comments: I'd wanted to get in touch to thank you and the band so much for your music at our wedding and making that part of the day such a big success. The dances, the music and the band's playing were excellent, and Colin was complimented by many on his skills at getting people firstly onto the floor then getting them moving once on it. Everybody dancing thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking back at some of the photos it seems to me that many more participated than I'd thought, which is testament to the band. I know even those who didn't still enjoyed listening and watching the spectacle! Brigid especially like to show the photos of her being swung round at 45 degrees.
Pete, you were among the most professional people that we dealt with in organising our wedding. You always responded quickly to our e-mails and the CD is an excellent way to showcase the band, and the quality of the website was a big factor when I was looking for bands and trying to find out a bit about them.
The band was excellent value for money and you all create an excellent and inviting atmosphere. I've been to a few ceilidhs over the years and seen a few bands but none have been as fun as yours.
So again thank you very much. We were delighted by you and would not hesitate to recommend you. Hope to see you again in the future.
Arlene & David (Dunadry Oct 09)
Comments:
1. The booking process was excellent and you were great at corresponding to my random questions and requests!
2. The music was fantastic, I can honestly say it made a great day even better and all our guests Irish, Scottish and English had a ball and many commented it was the best wedding entertainment they experienced.The ceilidh really made everybody get up and dance and it was noticed at no time was the dance floor empty.
3. The caller was fantastic, there were a few giggles at the Madonna esk headset, but it worked very well as everyone could hear what was supposed to be happening even though their feet didn't quite end up following the instructions!!
4. We actually didn't price any other bands / DJs as we found you's very early on from an Internet search. However, the price you charged for the band and DJ was excellent and worth every penny.
5. The craic was great, the ceilidh really brought everyone together for lots of fun and made sure there were no inhibitions fir dancing to the DJ after the band.
6. We would have no hestitations in recommending you and I really think the way you are running things at the minute is excellent.
Liane & Chris (Clandeboy Est, Sept 09)
Comments: Hi Pete, I wanted to thank you and the rest of the band for your contribution to our wonderful wedding day - I only managed one or two ceili dances at the start of the night, but my guests all enjoyed your music and dancing. Your whole service from the initial enquiry has been very professional and I would recommend you to others. Thanks.
Philip & Catherine (Galgorm Manor, Aug 09)
Comments: Cathy and I were absolutely delighted with your performance at our wedding on 31st August, we had a great time and have had nothing but positive comments from our guests. In terms of the questions you ask:
1. Booking: Perfect, Professional, Rapid and extremely helpful.
2. Music: Excellent
3. Caller: We were especially pleased with the caller's work on the evening. The mix of music that was played was really good, the atmosphere he encouraged was positive and friendly, with just the right amount of 'banter' thrown in. Interspersing the Ceilidh with more relaxed dances was a masterstroke, as it meant that the group that was dancing got a chance to rest between sessions and it engaged lots of older guests as well.
4. Value for money: Definitely
5. Overall: As above, everyone involved had a great time. Thank you very much indeed.
Happy for you to use these comments on the website, many thanks again for all your help and for making the evening so enjoyable.
Emma & Eimear (International conference Queens Aug 09)
Comments: Hi Pete -My colleague booked the band and he reported that it was a very efficient and uncomplicated process. I then took over and contacted you a number of times in relation to the booking and then later in relation to the times for the performance. All my e-mails were responded to within a 24hr period and all my questions were answered, so I never had to follow up on any of the e-mails and this definitely made me feel very confident that I was 'in good hands'. You accommodated all our requests without any problems and were very flexible, we changed out times and also had asked if you could play some background music for Irish Dancers before the Haste to the Wedding set. These requests were met with gracious acceptance from yourselves which we really appreciated. I found the e-mail communication was excellent and I felt your customer service was super. in terms of the music, we felt that the band judged the audience just right and played the perfect music for them. The caller was fantastic and did a great job of trying to organise a very anarchic crowd. He was also funny which was nice. It did feel like he 'managed' things very well. We were very happy with what we paid for the evening. It was really good craic and I think our international delegates will be talking about it for years to come. It was also exactly what they all needed, something physical to let off a bit of steam after a day of thinking. One of them referred to it as the 'dancing congress' which I thought was great. We would definitely recommend Haste to the Wedding again! In fact my colleague has already done so more than once. Best wishes.
Laura (La Mon Aug 09)
Comments: We had a fab wedding thank you so much for being there. The booking / communication process was really good. You were very prompt at returning the e-mails and answering questions. Excellent band - couldn't fault them. The caller was very good. He was really encouraging the guests to get up and was very funny - Brilliant! It was value for money - would def pay the price again. We started late but you advised me that we would so it was my fault! - wish it could have gone on for longer as it was so much fun. Excellent craic - a lot of the guests said it was the best wedding evening reception they have been to and was excellent fun! Would recommend you to any friends who wanted a Ceilidh. My husband who hates dancing even had fun! It was such a good way to involve everyone and doesn't matter if you don't have rhythm it makes it even funnier. You are doing a fantastic job so keep up the great work. Once again thanks so much for making my wedding day really special!
Willy & Rachel (Newcastle Aug 09)
Comments: Hey guys - the booking and communications were easy, professional and quick - The music was excellent - The caller was enthusiastic and precise with a good sense of humor - Its was definitely value for money, not cheap but worth the cost - the craic was mighty - would definitely recommend - everyone had a wonderful time dancing. Much better than the wedding "disco favorites'. Keep up the good work!
Evan (Ballygalley Castle Aug 09)
Comments; Hi Pete, The Ceilidh was really well done. Everyone loved it. We has Swedish guests so I wanted them to experience some good quality real celtic entertainment and that's exactly what we got. The natives were really impressed too. The music was really good quality and the caller was excellent craic and got us laughing straight from the start. All things considered, it was well worth it. I count myself lucky that the band was available when I enquired. The booking process was clear, straight-forward and the bank transfer payment method was very convenient. I think everyone who was there would recommend you. I'd certainly hire the band again if the opportunity arises. Cheers
Laura & Adam (Tullyglass Hotel Aug 09)
Comments: Thank you so much for playing at our wedding - it was a great ceilidh and we and our guests really enjoyed it!! The music was super and the calling was very clear without being laborious! It was really good that Colin had a mike attached so he could walk around and help people while still being heard. We also really appreciated your flexibility when, despite our best efforts, timing of the evening went away a little away, and your willingness to liaise with the hotel staff about changes to supper / dancing times, leaving us free to enjoy ourselves. Thank you! We were recommended to you by a family member, and have found the whole process of booking and communication very smooth. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on the 5th August and would definitely recommend you to others! Thanks again for helping to make our wedding a really fun and special day.
kyle (Campbell College, Belfast Aug 09)
Comments: Thanks you so much to yourself and the band for really making the party at our recent wedding. Booking and communications was generally very good. The band was really good value considering the number of people involved. The music and caller were fantastic and the whole band couldn't have done more to ensure good craic. We don't have any suggestions for improvement. Thanks!
Sarah & Gavin (Galgorm Manor Jul 09)
Comments; I just wanted to say a big 'THANK YOU' for making our wedding day so special. We had so much fun dancing, a lot of us did not have a clue, but having a caller was the best thing we did. Our guests all enjoyed your music and I am so pleased that mostly everyone got up and joined in. We were very impressed with your service and will definitely recommend you. Thank you.
Janice (Malone Lodge Belfast Jul 09)
Comments: The booking process was very easy and the prices were set out so you knew exactly how much it was going to cost on the night. The music was great. Everyone had a really good time and the dance floor was full all night. The caller was excellent. especially for those who had never been to a ceilidh before. He was on hand to help if anyone got lost and quickly helped them move in the right direction. Although the band was expensive in comparison to a DJ it was definitely worth the money and a bargin when you think of how many musicians you are getting for the night. A good time was had by all. I would thoroughly recommend your band to anyone who wants to have a lively evening reception for any occasion. Fingers crossed we get invited to a wedding you'll be playing at again shortly. Honestly everyone had a great time. Cheers again.
Dave (Lisanoure Castle July 09)
Comments: Thanks for your input on the day, everyone had a great time and you've gained many fans and possible future gigs from our friends and family. Thanks again, we'll be recommending you guys to anyone who asks.
Sharon (Galgorm June 09)
Comments: We loved your music at our wedding - the booking process was easy & relaxed yet reliable, the music was fantastic lively, with a great atmosphere. Lots of life in the caller & overall great fun. I will be recommending you to others for any occasion - Again many thanks. Keep up the great work.
Christine & James (Rosspark May 09)
Comments: Having never heard of you guys before until we googled you, you were very professional in sending us a sample CD of your music to Scotland. I must say it was a gamble in booking Haste to the Wedding as we didn't know anybody in Northern Ireland who'd availed of your services before, but it was definitely the best gamble/decision we made. The booking process was very straightforward and trouble-free. You guys were very reliable and turned up at the required time with minimal fuss and disruption to the speeches that were ongoing. The caller Colin was excellent and had the patience of a saint when it came to directing our guests around the floor!! Having lived in Scotland for 7 years I know a good Ceilidh band when I hear one and you guys were excellent. Our guests were very impressed as most had never done Ceilidh before and they most enjoyed themselves and those who came from Scotland rated you very highly. Far superior to a DJ alone as it gets all the guests involved and up on the floor and value for money wasn't too bad either! Thank you very much for making our day so enjoyable we will definitely be passing on your number!!
Paul & Alison (Belfast Castle Mar 09)
Comments: Sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to you on the evening but we we're really pleased with everything thanks. The music was great, the caller was great and everyone had a great time, would definitely recommend you boys to anyone. Only suggestion is keep it up! Thanks very much.
Titans RFC (HMS Caroline, Burns Night, Jan 09)
Comments: Had a great time and everyone did. I was really impressed with your music and Colin was great directing everyone (patience of a saint if you ask me!) Everyone got up really quickly right from the start which is a sign they all enjoyed it too.
Julia & Grant (Slieve Donard Jan 09)
Comments: Dear Pete, I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU on behalf of Grant and myself for playing at our wedding last week at the Slieve Donard. We just had the best party of our lives - and a lot of it was due to you guys in the ceilidh band. As I think you realised pretty early on, most people there had never danced ceilidh before, but your caller was brilliant at getting everyone involved - so thanks, and I will be recommending you to anyone who will listen!! Thanks again and best wishes.
Amy & Gavin (Great Hall, Queens University, Jan 09)
Comments: Hi Pete, Thanks so much for the Ceilidh and sorry for not getting back sooner. Everyone is still raving about it and thought it was the best wedding they had been to and a large part of that was the Ceilidh dancing. Thanks you so much. Everyone was so professional and really got the party started! Thank you. Amy
Natalie & Simon (Galgorm Manor Dec 08)
Comments; Thank you so much to you and all in the band for playing at our wedding it was brill!! Everyone loved it! Colin, your caller had the patience of a saint and got everyone involved. 'Haste to the Wedding' was the perfect ending to a perfect day, thank you!
Kerry & Alex (Galgorm Manor, Nov 08)
Comments: Hi Pete, Just a little note to thank you so much for playing at our wedding. We had an absolute blast. So much fun and all our guests have been raving about it. We would have no hesitation in recommending you guys. Thanks again.
Siobhan & Rene (Londonderry Arms, Carnlough, Aug 08)
Comments: Hello Pete and all the band - We just wanted to say a massive thankyou for playing at our wedding in Carnlough. We cannot praise the band enough, from beginning to end the level of service was excellent and extremely professional. I was immediately impressed when my initial enquiry, and the CD was sent so quickly.
On the night of the wedding the music was brilliant was very well received by all our quests, many of whom did not join in the craic and dancing on the night were still talking about it the next day.
Thank you to your caller Colin whose patience with the delay with getting the Irish Dancers on the floor and his helpfulness trying to solve the slippy floor situation. Even though our ceilidh time was short we enjoyed every minute, and the Dutch guests will not forget their time in Ireland quickly. Thank you also to the band for playing the music for the traditional Rathlin set dance, even though we messed up on the steps!
Also pass on our thanks to the DJ, I didn't dance much more after the ceilidh although from what I hear he was excellent and I know he kept everyone on the floor. Love and every success for the future, you all deserve it.
Joanne & Graham (Cabra Castle, July 08)
Comments: Hope you are well. Graham and I are now back to reality after a wonderful wedding day and honeymoon. We wanted to write to thank you and the band for an excellent ceili at our wedding in Cabra Castle. You did a fantastic job! everyone had such a great time. A lot of the seasoned Scottish dancers said you were top notch! Thanks again.
Lee (Templeton, July 08)
Comments: Let me start by thanking you and your guys for such a great night!! To anyone wishing to have a great wedding reception look no further than Haste to the Wedding. Colin, your caller managed to coax our family and friends onto the dance floor, many of whom I've never seen dance before!!! And as for your band and the music, the quality cannot get any better! We are so pleased and count ourselves very lucky to have had you guys involved in our day, and would not hesitate to have you do it all over again. I will be recommending you at every opportunity. Good luck with the future, I hope our paths will cross many more times though I intend to be the groom only once!
My gratitude and best wishes.
Rebecca & Ray (Galgorm Manor, July 08)
Comments: Thankyou so much for everything! You played brilliantly & really got everyone involved. We had a ball & enjoyed every moment of it. Thanks for making our wedding party so memorable for the right reasons!! XO
Barry (Marine Ballycastle, June 08)
Comments: Many thanks for the very successful Ceili at the Marine on Friday eve. Everyone really enjoyed it and commented on how much fun it had been. Hope you are all recovering and success for the future.
Noelle (Europa, June 08)
Comments: Just wanted to thank you and the rest of the guys for Friday night, it was really great fun, don't think I have laughed so much in ages. I'm sure I will see you soon. Many thanks again.
Henry (Carlingford, Dec 07)
Comments: A belated big thanks for everything (just back from honeymoon) – everyone had a great time and we’d have no hesitation in recommending you to others. Your caller was excellent and I hope we managed to reciprocate all your efforts by being an enthusiastic crowd. The disco went really well too, with the DJ happy to indulge me with my own personal playlist.
Lisa & TJ (Portaferry Hotel, Oct 07)
Comments: Right from the first contact with you, your professionalism was outstanding - the most organised ceilidh band I have dealt with. You knew your available dates and the cost of the party with no hesitation, which made things easy for booking. It was great to be able to listen to a CD before confirming the booking, although reading about the band left me in no doubt as to your musical prowess. On the day the band were there on time and set up very quickly, taking control of a total mixture of wedding guests to get them all on the floor enjoying the dancing. Some were experienced ceilidh dancers, some had never heard ceilidh music before, but all thoroughly enjoyed the party. You made great use of a small space and all in all we want to say a huge thank you for making our wedding celebration a great day! Thanks very much! Lisa and JT.
Claire & Lee (Malone House, Oct 07)
Comments: Dear Haste to the wedding, just a wee note to say thankyou so much for playing at our wedding. We had a wonderful day and you just topped it off. I really think having a Ceilidh band was the highlight of the day. All the guests loved it and it certainly put them through their paces! You were brilliant! Thank you again.
Andy & Kathy (Portrush, Sept 07)
Comments: The booking process was very straightforward, and we found you extremely flexible in meeting our needs. Communications were clear and polite and to the point. The Music was faultless and a perfect mix of Scottish and Irish, just perfect. The caller was fun and was just stern enough to prevent absolute chaos. It was definitely value for money, we hired you guys to get everyone on the dance floor and let their hair down, and it worked. The dance floor was full to the very end (Nothing worse than sitting through a wedding watching a desperate bride and groom trying to coax people onto the dance floor). Everyone praised us for having a Ceilidh, and said you were all brilliant, we wouldn't hesitate in recommending you to anyone.
Many many thanks once again, my biggest worry for the day was a dull reception, but you guys prevented that. The ceilidh was fantastic,it got everyone on the dance floor, and got everyone to let their hair down. Please pass on our thanks to the DJ; he had a great mix of music that kept the dance floor bouncing till the end.
Thanks so much for helping to make a perfect day for us.
Neal & Susan (Galgorm Manor, Aug 07)
Comments: The ceilidh at the wedding was absolutely fantastic – everybody has been saying how much fun it was & it was so nice to see all of the guests up on the dance floor.
Neal & I would like to thank you all so much for being such an important part of our day – it was perfect!
Thank you again! In relation to the booking process and communication it was easy, the music was fantastic, the caller was fantastic. As for value for money - No question about it. We would recommend you to anybody – could not have hoped for it to go any better!
Oonagh and Paul (Slieve Donard, Aug 07)
Comments: fabulous music, got everybody up to dance. The caller was brilliant in that he didn't mind people not doing what he said, it was all part of the fun. Recommendations would come easy as it was a brilliant start to partying all night. got everyone up to dance at the beginning of the night.
Thanks
Hayley and Keith (Ballymena, July 07)
Comments: An e-mail to say a big thank you for such an enjoyable time. The booking process was fine and it was definitely good when you emailed nearer the time of the wedding just to confirm that everything was still on and to make final arrangements. For a busy/stressed bride, this kind of initiative and good communication counts! The music was great, just as good as we'd hoped and it was good to have received the CD beforehand to get an idea of what you play. The caller was spot on - loud enough, funny, and enthusiastic and he didn't go too fast for people.
It was definitely value for money and great to have the whole five piece band. Our overall view of Haste to the Wedding was really positive and it just 'made' our special day. Well done and thank you!
Greg (Raddison, July 07)
Comments: Hi we all were extremely pleased with all aspects .the music/caller brilliant could have gone on all night.the whole wedding party and guests had a great time.will continue to recommend your band
Kerry & James (Galgorm Manor, July 07)
Comments: Thanks Pete to you and all the band - everyone's talking about the ceilidh band, it went down a treat.
David (Malone House, Apr 07)
Comments: Your musical performance was excellent. I would certainly use you again and would recommend you to others, and all for a fair price.
John & Janice (Belfast Castle, Mar 07)
Comments: This is a note to say thankyou so much for the fantastic evening of Ceilidh dancing at our daughter Leslie's Wedding at Belfast Castle on 16th Mar 07. This evening was an enormous success and that was all down to you and your band. Please pass on our thanks to the rest of the lads, everyone thought the evening was superb. Many thanks again.
Iris & John (Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, Feb 07)
Comments: Hi, We've just returned from honeymoon and wanted to say a big thank you to all of you for playing for us at our wedding on the 1st of February at the Old Inn. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and you made our evening special and memorable.
We appreciate too that you were playing in difficult circumstances due to the lack of space, apologies for that once again. We had told the folks at The Old Inn we were having a ceilidh well in advance, and had they raised the issue with us we would have gladly booked a larger room. The last thing we wanted to do was create a difficult situation for yourselves.
Thanks again, we would have no hesitation in recommending you to others.
All the best,
Note from Haste to the Wedding: Another mention of more space needed for dancing - don't use upstairs room at the Old Inn - too small (unless very small party) - downstairs is fine.
Karen and Euan ( Sligo, 20 Oct 06)
Comments: The best Ceilidh band ever. They made the evening for us. The dancing got everyone involved and chatting to each other. The music was so lively and the guys playing are amazing. Great caller- who can really work the crowd. We would 100% recommend this band to anyone looking for that something special to get the party started.
Orla (RDS Dublin, Dec 06)
Comments: Thanks so much for playing at our wedding in the RDS on 29th December. We enjoyed the ceilidh beyond belief and so did everyone else! Excellent emails always answered promptly. The music was fantastic (to my uncultured ears!) and the caller was excellent (v. patient!) I would definitely recommend you. Only one pointer - it might be a good idea to let your clients know roughly what sort of floor space is likely to be required for ceilidh dancing - we were a little tight due to a very enthusiastic crowd, and that was after we had removed 3 tables over and above the number we had initially planned to take out of the dining room.
Note from Haste to the Wedding: fair comment - anyone considering booking us should allow for extra dancing space - more than you would allow for a disco.
Elaine & Ian (Old Inn Crawfordsburn, Nov 06)
Comments: Hi all, Just a little note to say a very big thank you for playing at our wedding. The band sounded amazing and it was great to see all our friends up dancing and enjoying themselves. I would definitely recommend you to friends.
Thanks again,
Darren (Gardener's Restaurant, Magherafelt Oct 06)
Comments - Hi , Please pass on my thanks to the band for a super evenings entertainment. Thoroughly enjoyed by all (even a few I wasn't expecting to enjoy it!). We hope you had a good time too and wish you every success in the future. Many thanks, Darren
Leona (Clandeboye Hotel Sept 06)
Comments: A few comments on the Ceilidh. The booking process was very efficient, all queries and worries I had were dealt with straight away. The prices were fine and were reflected in the good music. Sound quality was good and not too loud. Music was excellent and everyone had a fantastic time. The caller was excellent, got in the middle of the dancing had a good banter with everyone and his directions were good as we had no reported injuries on the dance floor! The band were good, I don't have a bad word to say, they were happy to play tunes requested by some of our guests. The Ceilidh was an excellent end to a wonderful day. Many of our guests had never been to a Ceilidh so didn't really know what to expect. But I have to report they all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Frank & Vicky (Co.Kildare July, 06)
Comments; Thanks for a great wedding reception, the music, the caller and the value was all brilliant, I wouldn't have anything bad to say. We've recommended Haste to the wedding to a few of our friends. everyone loved the night. All our guests have commented on the night been great, with Haste to the Wedding being the highlight (apart from the actual wedding of course!)
Again, many thanks from Vicky and myself, please pass on my thanks to the rest of the band.
Alan and Claire (Cabra Castle Jan 06)
Comments: We had a brilliant time and your ceilidh music contributed largely to that. More than half of our guests were Irish and had never seen a Scottish ceilidh before, so we were a bit nervous about how they would react. However, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of the band and the caller lots of the locals joined in as well as the Scots and we're still getting feedback from the Irish side that they thought it was great fun. Value for money. Thanks.
Catherine & Giles (Royal Court Portrush, Aug 2006)
Comments: We had a great time at the wedding and everyone we spoke to loved it, especially the people from England and America who had never done it before. Caller gave good instructions and easy to follow. WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND YOU TO OTHERS. THANKS AGAIN.
Claire & Jim (Ballymac, June 2006)
Comments: It was simply awful, I was disapo... Just kidding! The Ceili was by far the best part of our reception and its such a joy to watch back on the dvd.
The booking process was simple and your website was an excellent tool for finding out more. The demo CD is a great idea and we often put it on at our house parties. The musicians were fabulous and a lot our guests were from a dancing or musical background and commented on the high standard. Your caller was excellent and really broke the dances down to a method that was easy enough to grasp. To be honest, I could not have wished for better entertainment and I am happy to recommend you to others.
Tess (Culloden, July 06)
Comments: Thank you so much for a fab night. Everyone enjoyed themselves during the ceilidh and disco. The booking process was very smooth. Correspondence was via email, which is preferable to me. Booking form arrived as promised. Payment was made, band showed up - perfect. The prices were reasonable - average I believe, and the music was great
Just to say thank you for your flexibility and patience. Letting my brother sing and putting up with my endless questions and requests!
Michael & Gillian (Galgorm Manor 3/6/06)
Comments: Thanks for the great music - it went down a treat, everyone loved it!
Frank & Vicky (Keadeen Hotel, Kildare 1/7/06)
Comments: On behalf of my wife Vicky and myself, I would like to thank you very much for the wonderful Ceilidh which you provided on our wedding day on 1st July 06 in the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge. The wedding party really enjoyed the dancing. This was down to your magnificent encouragement and the brilliant music provided. Once again thank you very much.
Ian & Victoria (Berwick Upon Tweed May 06)
Comments: to Pete and Haste to the Wedding - thanks for making the great music on our wedding, the guests all enjoyed the celidh and the entertainment that followed late into the night.
Cat & John (Galgorm Manor 19/11/05)
Comments: Just a quick note to say thank you for an amazing evening. The music was fantastic as was the calling. We had so many people say how good they thought you were and how much they enjoyed themselves dancing. I think it is testament to how good you were the number you had up their on the dance floor.
If ever you need a recommendation or reference we would be more than happy to provide one.
Cameron & Karen (Holywood 13/8/05)
Comments: Dear Haste to the Wedding - This is just a small note to say thank you for your wonderful playing. All who attended have not stopped talking about it and singing your praises. Your band succeeded in making our wedding extra special. Many Thanks once again.
Rose (Limavady 16/7/05)
Comments: A big thank you for providing excellent entertainment for our wedding reception. A good bit of dancing was exactly what was needed after our Huge meal. Every guest I talked to really enjoyed it, especially the Scottish. They were a bit surprised at the first version of Strip the Willow, but happy to settle in to the proper one. I definitely had a great time! Many thanks again.
Katherine & Simon (Templeton 6/7/05)
Comments: Thanks you so much for organising the Ceilidh. We knew our guests would enjoy the dancing and the craic! Best wishes.
Barbara and Gary (Templeton 6/6/05)
Comments: We both would like to say a big thank you for your great entertainment at our wedding reception, we had a ball and our guests have not stopped talking about how much craic they had!!! thanks a million!!!
Laura (The Edge 11/3/05)
Comments: I thought I'd drop you a line to say that we were very happy with how things went. As expected
everyone joined in and more would have had we had more space! Many people have since commented on how great an idea it was to have a ceili band. Everyone young and old had a ball - (my 6 year old flower girl and my 84 year old grandfather amongst them!!). I would have no hesitation in recommending the band to others
Kind Regards
Lynsey (Dunadry 19/3/05)
Comments; This is just a short note to thank you and Haste to the wedding for providing our evening entertainment at our wedding reception. We had a great day and all the guests Scottish or otherwise thought the ceilidh was fab.
Thanks again,
Campbell and Katrina (Culloden 16/10/04)
Comments: Just a quick note to say thanks to you and the guys. It was really a great night and just what we wanted.
Regards
Stuart and Maria (Sligo 1/10/04)
Comments: We just got married on the 1st of October and are now back from our honeymoon. Wanted to say a huge thanks for being so accommodating in the booking process and such a professional, energetic and friendly bunch on the night. All our guests are still talking about it and I think you may be getting some bookings from our friends. Thanks a million.
The Ferguson and Logan Clans (C'burn Aug 04)
Booking process
Excellent - very easy and well managed. I particularly liked the personal touch: as well as business, little jokes and banter as we went along! Also, your answers came quickly, which is always a great help where wedding preparations are involved. Well done here!
Prices
Very competitive, as they say. I was talking to David Hammond before the wedding and happened to mention that we'd booked you. He said you were very reasonable, especially considering what you were offering (meaning instruments and number in the band) - so praise indeed from the horse's mouth, so to speak!
Equipment
Very good. The one thing we'd been a little concerned about beforehand, to be honest,was your amplification - so many ceilidhs we've attended have been too loud for comfort - but it was spot on.
Music
Just what we wanted! We were particularly impressed by the way your handled the dance arranged by the Scottish folk. Hope you enjoyed it, too!
Caller
Great fun!
Other comments
The above is singularly lacking in adverse criticism, I know - but this isn't because we're scared of insulting you!! It's simply because you fulfilled all our expectations - and to have Scottish dance champions sing your praises, too, means that you were GOOD (maybe I should say, in modern terminology, "COOL")! Many thanks once more: we'd book you again!With very best wishes to you all from all of us,
From the Kinnity Castle comments website
10/10- They came all the way from Northern Ireland and were fantastic. I am sure there must be other ceili bands around in Ireland, but I couldn't find one that had samples to listen to on-line at the time, so I took the "safe route" and booked Haste to the Wedding.
Leona and Andrew. (Clougher Aug 04)
Comments: Myself and Andrew wanted to say thank-you again for an amazing evening of music and dancing on our wedding day. So many of the guests commented on the fun of the Ceilidh, in particular the guests from home were most impressed as not many had been to one since their school days which was quite a different affair!
You also may have noticed the Scottish contingent appreciated the dancing by the fact that hardly anyone could secure a space on the floor!
We have been to quite a few wedding ceilidhs in Scotland and if I'm not too partial can I say ours was the most enjoyable. Even from the outset arrangements couldn't have been easier. As you know I found your name on the Internet, booking was straightforward with clear indication of cost. With regard to the latter I feel the price was fair, and we appreciate your band had traveled quite a distance on the occasion. The caller was clear and precise and most importantly appreciated a fair proportion of the dancers hadn't done this before which was reassuring as
none of the party felt disadvantaged. In short, we had a superb time, myself and Andrew thoroughly enjoyed the evening (as did all the guests) and we would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for an excellent, professional Ceilidh band for any truly special occasion.
Thank you again,
Johnny and Lorna Aug 04
Comments: Just a short message to thank you and the rest of the guys for a really SUPER night last Monday at our wedding reception in The Old Inn. All our Scottish guests were delighted with the ceilidh, and everyone had a WONDERFUL time. We really are tremendously grateful to you all.
With all good wishes,
Debbie & Alan
Comments : Did a brilliant job at our wedding!! Great music, great guys great fun and a great time had by all! I think you should be expecting a couple more bookings from those who were dancing at the Crawfordsburn! Even the kilted Scottish contingent were impressed
Joanne and Peter
Comments : Pete, Just a quick note to say that your band really made our wedding reception - everyone thought you were very good, and we would have no hesitation in recommending you to other people. All the Best Joanne and Peter (Mount Stewart 11.08.01)
Elaine & Craig
Comments; Dear All
Just a wee note to say a big 'thank you' to you all for playing at our wedding on Saturday night (29/9) at the Dunadry. Your playing was amazing and really got the crowd going!!
I'm sorry I didn't ask the video guy to stay longer to capture it all - but the memories will stay with us.
You will come highly recommended to all !!
Thanks again
Laura & Archie
Comments; Dear all in Haste to the Wedding
Just a quick note to thank you again for all the hard work you put in playing at our wedding on the 7th June. Everyone commented on the great time they had, even those not able to join in the dancing enjoyed the excellent music. The Ceilidh worked really well in getting everyone mixing. Best wishes and Thanks again for the wonderful Ceilidh. All our guests enjoyed the night from the youngest to the oldest. A great way to get friends and families mixing. (La Mon )
Larne Borough Council
Comments; On behalf of the Larne Alive Committee & the Council I would like to thank yourself and the other members of 'Haste to the Wedding' for their assistance during the Halloween Event at Carnfunnock Country Park on Friday 1st November.
The evening was a resounding success and 'Haste to the Wedding' performance certainly added to the programme. We really appreciated all your hard work and for pulling out the stops on the evening. I would appreciate if you could pass on our thanks to all the band members. Once again thank you for your assistance & I look forward to working with yourself in the near future.
Mairi & Michael
Comments: Thought I would write a quick note to express our thanks for a fantastic evening on the 12th Oct. We had a great Ceilidh in the Drumnagreagh Hotel. All the foreign guests were totally taken by the music & fun they had (they flew home really impressed) & the ones from local areas attempted to remember the steps from years ago. It was the perfect way bring everyone together - even if we were a bit left footed or elephant footed at times! Brilliant. Once again pass on our deepest, heartfelt thanks to the band - you made our special day EXTRA special.
We'll recommend you to anyone looking for a band. Your music and kindness will be remembered by us and every guest. Thanks for such a brilliant night. All the best to all in 'Haste to the Wedding' (Drumnagreagh)
Zoe Kyle
Comments; Just a quick note to say thanks for the fantastic Ceilidh Band & DJ you supplied for my wedding at Lissanoure on 15th June. Please pass on my best wishes to them - I think they enjoyed themselves too! It really helped make the day perfect
Thanks Again
Anne Steele
Comments: I had to write to thank you and to let you know that you were right.
You said I would be happy with the Ceilidh Band & Disco and believe me our guests are still talking about the brilliant entertainment and we have passed on your number to a friend of ours.
Thanks so much it helped make our day extra special.
Jacqui & James
Comments: Just a quick note to say thankyou again for a wonderful evenings' craic at our wedding last month. Everyone had a great time, even those who only watched, but especially those who got up and joined in. Thanks again.
Caroline Weaver
Comments; 'Haste to the Wedding' were fantastic, exactly what I wanted. Everyone in our party had a great time doing Ceilidh and commented on how much they enjoyed themselves afterwards. I spoke to the band before and they listened, and did what we wanted.
Tory & Trevor
Comments: Dear Pete & all in 'Haste to the Wedding'. re wedding 9/8/03 - Thank you so much for the huge part you played in our wedding day. The music you provided in the church and afterwards at Castle Grove has given us and our guests many happy memories. We hope some day that we will be able to hire you again. In the meantime we wish you continued success. With best wishes.
Emer & Stuart
Comments: Dear Pete & Haste to the Wedding, Thanks for traveling to Fermanagh to make our day even more special. The ceilli went down a storm!! Thanks to all involved. Aug 03
