FAQ

Below are answers to some of the many questions we get asked about the Haste to the Wedding Ceilidh Band

The core band has five members, between us we play accordion, fiddle, mandolin, whistles, guitar, banjo, citern, bouzouki drums and bodhran (but not all at once). We also have a singer and caller. All our music is live with no drum machines, electronic bass or other effects - its the real McCoy!!!!!

Are you always the same members, or do you use substitutes on a regular basis?

Same faces every time - but in the event of a band member being incapacitated on the day of the gig, Haste to the Wedding has well established links with other musicians that are familiar with the bands material (we jam together!). It is unlikely that your guests will notice the change.

How much do you charge? Are there any other charges above and beyond the quoted price? How much do you charge for additional sets?

It depends on the duration and distance to be traveled - please get in touch for a personal quotation.

What will you wear? (Will you wreck our wedding video by turning up wearing Megadeath T-shirts, cut-offs and rope sandals?)

Band members will dress appropriately - but don't expect kilts, they aren't the best apparel to wear while shifting a ton and a half of PA equipment. Black Watch trousers are out as well, they itch. Usually black Haste to the Wedding shirts and black trousers.

Do you accept more than one performance a day? (This could be a problem if a band is late leaving the first gig to make it to ours).

No! We give it all we've got at every gig - it takes us a couple of days to recover!

20 - 30 minutes on average - provided the stage isn't 200 yards from the car park! Ideally we like to set up and 'sound check' before guests return to the function room, but where this isn't possible the band can set up with a minimum of noise and disruption.

We don't normally take a break during a two hour dance, but for longer Ceilidhs we will take a short (20 mins) break.

Hey - its your event, just bring your CDs. We're not a disco and there are some rules about public performance of recorded material, but within limits we'll play it.

Will you learn any special songs for us if they're not already on your song list?

We never refuse food! When the distance or duration of a gig requires the band members to eat out, a subsistence element will be added to the fee.

A £100 deposit is required on booking (not refundable if the gig is cancelled by the hirer), the remainder is payable at any time or on the band's arrival at the venue - pre-paid by cheque of creditcard - cash on the night - (it means all the band get paid and dont have to wait until cheques clear (or bounce! which has happened).

As we sit down when playing, a stage is helpful - most hotels have some sort of platform, but if not then don't worry - it means you wont be able to see our pretty faces as easily!!

As the vast majority of our gigs are private wedding functions, this can be a problem - we get around 150 queries per year and play at about 40 functions. Do the math and you can see if we had people comming to see us play before-hand it would mean a lot of people looking in. We can send a CD which was recorded live.

Yes but as with anything it may cost! We are based in Larne, Co.Antrim. There is no charge for most locations in the Greater Belfast, Co.Antrim areas. Beyond this there will be additional expenses charged - contact me for a quotation. If the cost is restrictive I may be able to organise another Ceilidh Band closer to your venue. (I will charge the standard agents 15% fee for arranging this).

"You should make a point of trying every experience once, excepting incest and folk-dancing. "

Sir Arnold Bax (1883-1953), (English composer) quoting a `sympathetic Scotsman' in Farewell, My Youth (1943) p. 17


	Haste to the Wedding - Ceilidh Band - FAQ's [Home] [Meet the Band] [Our CD] [Bookings] [Reviews] [Recommendations] [Links] [Contact] Below are answers to some of the many questions we get asked about the Haste to the Wedding Ceilidh Band How many members are in the band? What instruments? How many of you sing? The core band has five members, between us we play accordion, fiddle, mandolin, whistles, guitar, banjo, citern, bouzouki drums and bodhran (but not all at once). We also have a singer and caller. All our music is live with no drum machines, electronic bass or other effects - its the real McCoy!!!!! How long have you been together as a group? We are in our 7th year. Are you always the same members, or do you use substitutes on a regular basis? Same faces every time - but in the event of a band member being incapacitated on the day of the gig, Haste to the Wedding has well established links with other musicians that are familiar with the bands material (we jam together!). It is unlikely that your guests will notice the change. Do you play rock and roll ? No - hire a rock and roll band! How much do you charge? Are there any other charges above and beyond the quoted price? How much do you charge for additional sets? It depends on the duration and distance to be traveled - please get in touch for a personal quotation. What will you wear? (Will you wreck our wedding video by turning up wearing Megadeath T-shirts, cut-offs and rope sandals?) Band members will dress appropriately - but don't expect kilts, they aren't the best apparel to wear while shifting a ton and a half of PA equipment. Black Watch trousers are out as well, they itch. Usually black Haste to the Wedding shirts and black trousers. Do you accept more than one performance a day? (This could be a problem if a band is late leaving the first gig to make it to ours). No! We give it all we've got at every gig - it takes us a couple of days to recover! How long do you require to set up? 20 - 30 minutes on average - provided the stage isn't 200 yards from the car park! Ideally we like to set up and 'sound check' before guests return to the function room, but where this isn't possible the band can set up with a minimum of noise and disruption. How long are your breaks, and do you provide any music during the breaks? We don't normally take a break during a two hour dance, but for longer Ceilidhs we will take a short (20 mins) break. Can I request any special music during the breaks? Hey - its your event, just bring your CDs. We're not a disco and there are some rules about public performance of recorded material, but within limits we'll play it. Will you learn any special songs for us if they're not already on your song list? Yes, but we may draw the line at some material; Gangsta Rap aint us. Do you expect to be fed? We never refuse food! When the distance or duration of a gig requires the band members to eat out, a subsistence element will be added to the fee. What is your deposit and payment requirements? A £100 deposit is required on booking (not refundable if the gig is cancelled by the hirer), the remainder is payable at any time or on the band's arrival at the venue - pre-paid by cheque of creditcard - cash on the night - (it means all the band get paid and dont have to wait until cheques clear (or bounce! which has happened). Do you need a stage? As we sit down when playing, a stage is helpful - most hotels have some sort of platform, but if not then don't worry - it means you wont be able to see our pretty faces as easily!! Can we hear you play before booking? As the vast majority of our gigs are private wedding functions, this can be a problem - we get around 150 queries per year and play at about 40 functions. Do the math and you can see if we had people comming to see us play before-hand it would mean a lot of people looking in. We can send a CD which was recorded live. Will you travel far? Yes but as with anything it may cost! We are based in Larne, Co.Antrim. There is no charge for most locations in the Greater Belfast, Co.Antrim areas. Beyond this there will be additional expenses charged - contact me for a quotation. If the cost is restrictive I may be able to organise another Ceilidh Band closer to your venue. (I will charge the standard agents 15% fee for arranging this). [Home] [Meet the Band] [Our CD] [Bookings] [Reviews] [Recommendations] [Links] [Contact] "You should make a point of trying every experience once, excepting incest and folk-dancing. " Sir Arnold Bax (1883-1953), (English composer) quoting a `sympathetic Scotsman' in Farewell, My Youth (1943) p. 17