The Mighty Guidebook of Wedding Entertainment Prices & Ideas for Small Weddings “ How to get the “ WOW” without the “ Ow “
How the Coronavirus will change the culture of Irish weddings for the foreseeable future?
It feels like a long time has passed since we heard the first set of Corona Virus restrictions put in place by Leo Varadkar in March. An awful lot has changed in this space of time, and we have all had to make adjustments to almost every part of life as we know it.
Back then, many of us naively believed that this pandemic would “blow over” and that life would return to normal after a few weeks. Unfortunately, this was not the case. We are a long way from “business as usual” particularly in the wedding industry. We’ve seen so many brides and grooms left with no choice but to postpone their wedding day. And with so much uncertainty surrounding the easing of restrictions, many couples are beginning to come to terms with the fact that their wedding may not look exactly how they had originally planned, pre-COVID.
According to the latest guidelines set in place by the government, weddings are set to be allowed continue (under strict restrictions) by phase 5, which is set to happen around the 10th of August, provided there have been no change to the roadmap by then.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/dd26a8-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-10-august/
“Some larger social gatherings can take place (for example, weddings). These will be restricted due to the risks involved. Some large social (non-family) gatherings can take place – these will also be restricted
Of course, the wedding industry isn’t the only area feeling the pressure of the new social gathering restrictions. However, it is one that spans across a lot of different sectors which have been greatly affected. Travel, musical entertainment, hotels/bars, to name just a few. With no definite end in sight with regards to social distancing, I think it’s a fair assumption to make that weddings are going to look very different for the foreseeable future. But where there are challenges, you are sure to find pathfinders!
Already, in these early stages of easing restrictions, we have seen a massive surge in couples who are opting to embrace the change, and adapt their wedding day and party to fit this new normal we find ourselves in. From downsizing weddings, to live streaming private ceremonies, the people of Ireland and finding ways to carry on regardless. This enthusiasm and determination has already seen countless couples defy the odds, and create a new style of wedding that really breaks the mould. Some of the biggest trends we have seen so far include opting for a smaller wedding band, having their wedding outdoors, weekday weddings, and spreading the celebrations over 2 days to allow more guests to celebrate with them.
Irish Weddings and the Roadmap back to weddings: some points to note from the guidance given by the Irish Government.
The Irish Government have released a Roadmap to reopening the Irish economy and businesses. Below are some of the key factors to be aware of when considering the rescheduling or postponement of your wedding.
- There are 5 checkpoints that must be passed on the way to a new way of new social interactions and a new way of doing business.
- The final checkpoint is the removal of all restrictions and going back to a pre-COVID way of social interactions and way of doing business. Being able to have any wedding you like. This particular milestone may be a long way off, and it is important to be aware of this, especially for those of us who are not willing to compromise on the size, location and other aspects of our special day that would be affected by COVID 19 restrictions.
- From the roadmap, we can see 2 types of a wedding being permitted. Small Weddings in Phase 4 and Larger Weddings in Phase 5. There are currently dates provided for targets as to when the phases will move from one to another.
- All going well in phase 4 we will see hotels (and large venues) reopen. It’s important to note here that bar licences may not be permitted in early in phases.
- Phase 5 sees the opening of bars within hotels and in general, where it is possible to maintain social distancing.
- One of the most important sentences in the document is “WHO predicts that the most plausible scenario is recurring epidemic waves interspersed with periods of low-level transmission”.
- What that means is: if needed, phases will be paused/extended or even rolled back, if there is a rise in virus cases again. Meaning checkpoints may have to be repeatedly passed before we get to Phase 4 and Phase 5 and beyond.
https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/0508/1137353-calls-for-clarity-on-pandemic-wedding-restrictions/
(HSE website advice on getting married during these times)
Alternatives to the traditional big Irish wedding, and why it’s a perfect time to have an intimate and small wedding celebration.
INTIMATE / SMALL WEDDINGS
Intimate weddings are basically weddings with a downsized guest list. Couples will have to incorporate the latest guidelines into the planning of their wedding. There will be a ceremony followed by a reception, as per the usual, with a similar schedule and arrangements of a larger wedding but done to suit the small crowd.
In a pre-COVID time, this may have seemed like an inconvenience, but we have found, from talking to brides and grooms recently that sizing down their wedding held a few very welcome surprises.
Recent Surveys from RTE concluded ;
Lets a have a quick look at some of the advantages that can come with a small Irish wedding.
“The downsizing of our wedding really shifted our priorities for the better. We feel that there will be more of a focus on the personal intimacy of our special day, that can often be lost with bigger wedding parties. With less time spent worrying about the big statement of a large wedding, we focused our attention on really perfecting the smaller details. This has already made our special feel more personal and tailored especially for us.”
Where can I find bands that are Budget-friendly?
Couples who opt for an intimate wedding as opposed to a big one are always delighted to see the price tags shrink; they can then focus on the “quality not the quantity” of their wedding day. With all aspects of the day needing to be shrunk somewhat, you’ll find that your costs will also shrink. Which is always a welcome surprise to any bride and groom.
You won’t have to compromise on quality when it comes to wedding musicians. If you had your heart set on a particular wedding band, drinks reception musician, or even ceremony music, there is no need to worry. Almost all bands and acts can downsize, meaning you can customise the musical element of your wedding day to suit the new smaller scale.
Wedding Budget Advice?
** Top Tip ** Check out Ireland’s Best low-Cost Website – www.budgetweddingbands.ie
Most bands come in 5 Piece or 6 Piece Sets ups. Always ask a band if they can scale down to a trio or 3pc as you can make a considerable saving on their Fees.
“ What are the Advantages of Beautiful Entertainment at a Small Wedding?
Believe it or not… there are some big key advantages to having a small wedding.
COVID-19 has changed how Weddings will operate during 2020 and 2021. It is worth thinking about reducing final guest numbers to allow you to spend a bit more time and budget with your Entertainment.
There is a lot to be said for having a more intimate smaller wedding as you will have more time to share unforgettable and “ Individual” moments with all of your guests, whereas….at big weddings, this definitely can get lost on the day.
Have a quick look at the chart below that features the Main Advantages of Booking Entertainment Acts for Smaller Weddings in Ireland:
|
Advantages of Booking Entertainment Acts for Smaller Weddings |
Type of Act use at Smaller Weddings |
Price Range / Budget To Allocate |
|
Great Value |
Solo, Duo, Trios, |
€350 to €1500 upwards. |
|
More Intimate |
Close up Magician or Solo Singer or Piano Singer. |
€500 to €950 upwards. |
|
Unique Acts can be budgeted |
Digital Fire performers or Havana Club Trio |
€250 to €1200 upwards. |
|
Easy to Change room energy |
Drummers or Smooth Jazz Trio |
€600 to €1200 upwards. |
|
Be interactive – get involved |
Host themes around the acts and incorporate this in your invites, Celtic Dancers, Opera Singing Waiters |
€750 to €1500 upwards. |
** Chart above generated May 2020 – Advantages of Entertainment for Small Weddings
Why not make this intimate day even more special by adding some impressive live music, without having to go over the top on budget and stretching your self to thin. If you book a top-end solo, duo or trio and you can deliver the same powerful effect, as a full band.
Reputable Wedding Entertainment Agencies like www.irishweddingbands.ie or www.audionetworks.ie can provide a safe back up ( based around your budget ) with creative ideas on what can fit in best for your wedding theme.
From the drinks reception where you are looking for low key background music,
to the main evening, where you feel your guests might like to dance, but equally enjoy a few drinks and to mingle.
** Top Tip ** Click this direct link for Low priced Budget Wedding bands in Ireland; https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/category/cheap-wedding-bands-ireland/
So…..HOW DO YOU MAKE A SMALL WEDDING FUN?
A simple fun fact that you might not know, is that It is really easy to make people smile. So bring in some Entertainers along with your main Band & DJ and you can really add some more fun and energy into the room before the main meal.
Here are 30 x Fun Music & Entertainment ideas for a Small Irish Wedding on a Budget;
WEDDING BUDGET SPREADSHEET;
CHART BELOW HERE DETAILS A LIST OF 30 ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS & PRICES TO BUDGET WHEN “HOW DO YOU MAKE A SMALL WEDDING FUN”
|
ENTERTAINMENT IDEA |
REASON TO BOOK |
PRICE RANGE |
LINKS TO BOOK |
|
Singing Waiters |
Take everyone by Surprise |
€500 – €1500 |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/unique-entertainment/singing-waiters/ |
|
Silent discos |
Really different Interactive, Fun, no noise issues with Silent Headphones |
€595 to €1295 |
|
|
Dance POP ups |
Surprise your Partner & Guests |
€750 upwards |
|
|
Father Ted Quiz |
Comedy and Involves everyone |
€750 to €950 |
|
|
A Dance-off |
You and the bridesmaids do a dance-off |
Free |
Free |
|
Kids Entertainers |
Magic Show, Jugglers, Clowns |
€350 to €550 |
|
|
Surprise 1st dance |
Work a routine to your 1st Dance as a Married Couple |
Free |
Free |
|
A session for Late night Vip residents bar session |
Book a good guitar duo to Perform sing-along hits |
€500 to €900 |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/category/wedding/reception-music/ |
|
Casino tables |
Unique, Fun, if you don’t have music options this is a cool idea |
€750 Plus |
|
|
Trad Session |
2 x trad musicians or a trio are perfect for small Irish Weddings |
€600 to €1200 |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/wedding/reception-music/celtic-factor/ |
|
Comedy |
Make your guests laugh and Smile, |
€950 to €2,000 |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/entertaiment/irish-comedians/ |
|
Diva Undercover Waiters |
Soul Divas that get everyone up on tables |
€950 to €1500 + |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/unique-entertainment/singing-diva-waiters/ |
|
Undercover Chef |
A Singing Chef perfect for small weddings |
€450 – €750 |
|
|
Big…Brass Band |
Lots of energy, fun , and unique |
€1500 – €2500 |
https://audionetworks.ie/acoustic-bands/boombastic-brass-band/ |
|
Drummers in Kilts |
Bring a Fun Celtic feel to an Irish Wedding |
€600 – to €800 Plus |
https://audionetworks.ie/entertainment/unique-entertainers/drummers/ |
|
Sax & DJ |
Nothing cooler than a Saxophone player moving in between guests |
€350 to €750 + |
https://audionetworks.ie/corporate-entertainment-ireland/sax-player-dj/ |
|
Funny magic |
Close up funny Magicians are in hot demand and its perfect for a small intimate wedding |
€750 to €950 |
|
|
Old School Games when we were kids |
Remember games like moving statues , 3 legged race, Pin the donkey |
Free |
Free |
|
Irish Dancing |
Impress your guests , especially foreign visitors with a powerful Irish Dance troupe |
€800 – €1200 |
https://audionetworks.ie/traditional-irish-entertainment/celtic-dance-show/ |
|
MC or Host – Master of Ceremonies |
A good fun Host / MC could be a great addition to generate fun and laughs if you’re not great at talking |
€350 – €750 |
|
|
Limbo Dance |
A big party Classic could be fun after the meal, grab your iPad and a limbo stick |
Free |
Free |
|
Pass the parcel around the room & keep the present |
Before the main meal goes down this is a really cool fun way to share some love with a cool gist or money voucher |
Free |
Free |
|
Mystic Palm Reader |
Get your guests talking, perfect for before the meal or drinks reception |
€450 to €650 upwards |
|
|
Robots, Stormtroopers, Superhero’s |
Amaze you, guests, with fun and real robots that interact with all your guests for “selfies” |
€250 to €495 ( per robot ) |
|
|
Digital fire guys |
Put your photos into the show & guests, really funny and engaging |
€250 to €450 + |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/unique-entertainment/digital-fire-art/ |
|
Sing for your Supper |
You make the guests Sing for their Dinner, great fun and very interactive & outrageous |
€950 upwards.. |
https://audionetworks.ie/corporate-entertainment-ireland/sing-for-your-supper/ |
|
Robot DJ Show |
Make your wedding different, ps the kids and boys will love it ; |
€950 upwards.. |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/drink-reception/robot-networks-ireland-robot-ted/ |
|
Race Night |
Something for everyone with a race night if your not having music |
€750 – €1200 |
|
|
Tribute Solo Singer |
Pretend you booked the real act |
€500 – €1000 |
|
**CHART ABOVE – WRITTEN IN MAY 2020, Includes Entertainment ideas for an Intimate or Small Wedding with Price Chart – www.budgetweddingbands.ie**
What are the best Walkabout Entertainment ideas for a Small Wedding Party?
Walkabout Entertainers are performers that are able to entertain guests while moving around the room or floor area, table to table rather than standard on-Stage performances. Walkabout acts are a brilliant low-cost idea for “ breaking the Ice” at a wedding. Ask your wedding supplier what package deals can they offer for the Drinks receptions, Main band, After Dinner entertainment & DJ.
|
Types Of Walkabout Entertainers |
Advantage to use? |
Budget Price Range |
Links for ideas on Walkabout Acts. |
|
Close up Magicians |
Interactive, Funny, Moves to every table |
€500 to €1,000 plus |
|
|
Latin Walkabout Music |
Unique, Interactive, fun, make your wedding different |
€750 to €950 plus Travel |
|
|
Singing Waiters |
Use Diva or Opera Waiters to change the mood, Funny, Involves guests |
€950 to €1,200 plus Travel |
|
|
Digital Fire Performers |
Bespoke use as it allows you to Insert your photos into the show with LED fire images, very cool! |
€350 upwards + Travel |
|
|
Sax Players |
Creates attention and movement around a room , Moving around table to table before the main meal |
€350 upwards + Travel |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/wedding/reception-music/suitable-sax/ |
|
Drummers |
Helping you make that WOW entrance, loud, makes a scene! |
€600 – €1500 Depending on the number of drummers |
https://audionetworks.ie/entertainment/unique-entertainers/drummers/ |
|
Walkabout Violinist |
Really interactive, Classy, Performing to track table to table so reaches all guests |
€350 – €750 & travel |
https://audionetworks.ie/entertainment/classical-music-for-hire/ |
|
Robots for hire |
Fun, everyone wants a Selfie”, Interactive, totally unique |
€250 upwards depending on no of Stormtroopers |
|
|
Comedy |
Fast, Fun, Interactive, generates happiness around the room before the meal or just after |
€500 to €1,500 Plus depending on the profile of the Artist. |
Let’s highlight the main Advantages of booking Low-Cost Walkabout Entertainment for a Small Wedding Party;
|
Types of Welcome Hosts |
Main Advantage |
|
Welcome Hosts |
They act as Greeting hosts – The perfect way to greet guests after the ceremony and just before the meal. |
|
Fun – Fun – Fun |
It sets the tone for the evening, embraces the day, makes it more fun and less stuffy. |
|
Up close & personal |
Guests end up having a closer connection with the acts so they feel more involved in the whole wedding. |
|
More Wow less Ow! |
More WOW FACTOR, more Quality, less cost. |
** Top Tip ** Never underestimate the fun element that can be delivered into a wedding Event. Walkabout Acts mean that you have created a connection with your guests and they will thank you for it after.
DRINKS RECEPTION MUSIC?
Wedding Music Ideas for Drinks Reception at Intimate Boutique Weddings?
Prices for drinks reception music at small weddings generally go from €400 to €1500 for the upper end of the scale. If your wedding budget permits, it is a really good idea to try to book some good quality Drinks Reception Music. As your guests arrive at the venue it means the room is buzzing with people chatting and getting to know each other. So always look at booking a small Duo or Trio perhaps, so it is not too overpowering in the room. If it’s too loud guests will complain, so it’s best to find entertainers that understand this. Don’t be afraid to say it to them, those….. that understand are the ones you book.
Chart & Budget Guide below with links to perfect ideas for Epic Drinks Reception Music ;
|
Drinks Reception Acts |
Name of Artist |
Price Range |
Weblinks |
|
Jazz Style |
Blue Note Jazz Trio |
€950 to €1200 + Travel |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/drink-reception/blue-note-wedding-jazz-trio/ |
|
Quartet JAZZ band |
Classic 1920’s Style Jazz from Audionetworks |
€1200 – €1500 |
https://audionetworks.ie/drinks-reception-music/cotton-club-quartet/ |
|
Latin Music |
Havana Club Trio |
€895 to €995 + Travel |
https://audionetworks.ie/wedding-bands/havana-club-trio-latin-band/ |
|
Flamenco & Spanish |
Juan the Spanish Flamenco Jazz Guitarist |
€350 to €550 + |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/wedding/reception-music/spanish-guitarist/ |
|
Classical |
Award-winning Classical Guitarist |
€400 – €500 + |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/wedding/reception-music/jazzy-duo/ |
|
Swing Music |
Swing Society Wedding Band, for full main part & drinks reception |
€1500 to €2500 + |
|
|
Guitar Duo |
The Storehouse Duo |
€600 – €800 + |
https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/wedding/reception-music/storehouse-duo/ |
|
Singing Waiters |
Singing Chef, Diva Waiters, Opera Singing Waiters, Celtic Waiters |
€595 to €1500 Upwards. |
https://audionetworks.ie/classical-music-for-hire/the-singing-diva-waiters/ |
|
Violinist |
Walkabout Violinist |
From €250 to €450 |
https://audionetworks.ie/classical-music-for-hire/irish-violinist/ |
What Styles of music suit smaller weddings “
Style & Music go together. If you are having a smaller budget wedding and you have a central theme it can really make it fun for everyone involved, from the Music, how you dress, to the Style of band or DJ set after. For example, if you were having a festival themed party you could send out invites in the form of a Festival VIP laminate. All the guests get AAA access all areas pass to Join on the wedding day, the music in the church could be performed with a classic festival feel but change it to classic or opera style, then on arrival, the guests could listen to a live Acoustic guitar duo performing hits from current big bands on the festival circuit. Later on in the day the main band could be a full-on rock indie vibe doing covers everyone loves. Just an idea… in Dublin … Check out The Funky Buskers from Windmill lane Studios, home of U2 recordings. Then at the end why not finish on a real high with a Tribute DJ show from www.daftpunktribute.ie or a really big festival favourite as seen in Electric picnic with www.silentdiscoireland.ie
Check out the chart below with matching Budget Priced Ranges with Wedding Styles and Perfect Entertainment ideas that are suitable for Small Weddings;
|
STYLE OF WEDDING |
ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS / THEME |
BUDGET RANGE |
LINKS TO ENTERTAINERS |
|
Music Festival Wedding Theme |
Silent Disco, Acoustic Duos, Tribute DJ’s, Indie band |
€500 – €1,500 |
|
|
Traditional Irish Wedding |
Irish Dancers, Ceili with MC Caller, Trad Duo, Celtic Factor Band, Walkabout Violinist, Celtic Singing Waiters |
€500 – €2,500 |
|
|
Jazz Wedding |
Jazz Trios, Quartets, Jazzy Singer, Swing Band, 1920’s Music |
€750 to €3,500 |
|
|
Latin Wedding Style |
Salsa Dancers, Walkabout Trio, Cuban Latino band & Latin DJ |
€750 – €2500 |
|
|
Classical Wedding |
Church Singers, Drinks reception bands, Walkabout musicians, main Band, DJ set |
€250 – €3500 + |
|
|
Tribute Wedding |
Tribute Music from all Eras, Ibiza style? |
€1000 upwards.. |
|
|
Low-Cost Weddings |
General Wedding Music |
€500 to €1500 |
** Chart above includes information on Wedding Styles & Entertainment ideas that suitable for Small Weddings – Produced May 2020.
What are the best “Floor filling DJ ideas for Small & Intimate Weddings”
Getting the music right for a small tailored wedding is a total essential. It’s your wedding day so it needs to be right and to do that you really need professionals. A DJ with over 10 years experience will always get it right. Weddings can be very tricky as you have many generations of guests so they all have preferences form their time period so you need to include music from the 60s,70s, 80s, 90s, 00, with some sprinklings of Swing & Jazz Courtesy of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. So what are the best options and guideline prices in Ireland?
Read the chart below – based on findings from average 2020 Quotes ;
|
DJ Ideas for Small & Intimate Weddings |
Why? |
Price ranges? |
Links to DJ ideas 2021 |
|
Sax & DJ |
Super live, big attention |
€500 – €850 + |
https://audionetworks.ie/corporate-entertainment-ireland/sax-player-dj/ |
|
Drummer + DJ |
Powerful, funky, different than a sax & DJ |
€600 – €850 + |
|
|
Karaoke DJ |
Everyone gets involved x-factor your wedding |
€450 – €650 + |
|
|
Silent Headphone Disco Party |
No noise issues, keeps social distancing, can run late into the night |
€595 to €1200 + |
https://www.irishweddingbands.ie/wedding/unusual-acts/silent-headphone-disco-2/ |
|
Tribute DJ Show |
Just like the “ Real Thing” wow your friends |
€950 upwards + travel |
https://www.irishweddingbands.ie/wedding-bands-ireland/daft-punk-tribute/ |
|
Female DJ |
Different, More unique |
€400 upwards |
https://audionetworks.ie/djs-for-hire/dj-zoe-professional-event-entertainment/ |
|
Proper Professional Wedding DJ |
They can read a crowd and deliver full dance floors |
€450 to €700 upwards |
This featured chart document above includes DJ ideas for Small & Intimate Weddings in Ireland with their approximate Budget range – Dated; 20.05.20.
“Greeting Host Entertainment ideas for a Small Boutique Wedding Receptions.”
** Top Tip ** Here is a great place to find unique acts; https://www.budgetweddingbands.ie/category/unique-entertainment/
|
Greeting Host Entertainment ideas |
The Why? |
Budget Required? |
Video Links |
|
Fire performers |
Digital fire performers are 100% safe and more fun |
€250 to €450 + |
|
|
Star Wars Stormtroopers |
Unique and everyone loves star wars |
€250 to €450 + |
|
|
Circus performers |
Lots of movement and builds energy levels in the room |
€450 to €950 + |
|
|
Big Brass band |
Huge energy lots of Interaction |
€950 – €1500 |
This chart above contains Greeting Host Entertainment ideas for Small Intimate or boutique Wedding Receptions.
I hope you enjoyed the ideas and that we have fully explained How to get the “ WOW” without the “ Ow “ I wish you well on your wedding day, Be safe and be well and most importantly enjoy your big day. Take Care, Mark Downing ( www.budgetweddingbands.ie )
Best Top Links in Ireland for Small Wedding ideas that work?