Booking a Scottish ceilidh band for your wedding can be a fantastic way to add excitement, energy, and traditional flair to your special day. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider booking a Scottish ceilidh band for your wedding:

1. Create a Fun and Lively Atmosphere: Ceilidh music is upbeat and energetic, and the traditional dances accompanying it is fun and easy to learn. Hiring a Scottish ceilidh band can create an atmosphere of celebration and joy that will get your guests up and dancing.
2. Honour Your Heritage: If you or your partner have Scottish heritage, booking a ceilidh band is a great way to pay homage to your roots. Even if you don’t have any Scottish ancestry, the lively music and dances will surely be a hit with all your guests.
3. Encourage Guest Interaction: Ceilidh dances are often done in groups, which makes them a great way to encourage your guests to interact with one another. This is especially important if you have guests from different social circles who don’t know each other well.
4. Create Lasting Memories: Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want to ensure your guests remember it fondly. Hiring a ceilidh band can be a unique and memorable experience that your guests will talk about for years to come.

Overall, booking a Scottish ceilidh band for your wedding can be a great way to add excitement, energy, and traditional flair to your special day.

How will guests know how to join in with the ceilidh dances?

Typically, Scottish ceilidh bands will have a caller who will guide guests through the various dances and steps. The caller will usually stand at the front of the room and give instructions for each dance before the music starts.The caller will typically explain the steps clearly and simply and may even demonstrate the movements so guests can get a feel for the dance. The caller will also usually encourage guests to partner up with one another and will help them get into position before the music starts.In addition to the caller’s instructions, many Scottish ceilidh bands will provide written instructions or diagrams of the dances for guests to refer to. This can be especially helpful for guests unfamiliar with the steps or who want to ‘learn in reel time’. Overall, guests should feel comfortable joining in with the ceilidh dances, even if they have never done them before. The caller and the other guests will help guide them through the steps and ensure everyone is having a good time.

Will the ceilidh band travel abroad?

It depends on the specific ceilidh band you are interested in booking. Some Scottish ceilidh bands may be willing to travel abroad for performances, while others may not be available or have restrictions. Suppose you are interested in booking a Scottish ceilidh band for a wedding or event outside of Scotland. In that case, it’s best to contact the band directly to inquire about their availability and willingness to travel. Some factors that may affect their desire to travel could include the distance, the length of the trip, and any additional costs associated with international travel, such as visas, flights, and accommodations.It’s also worth noting that there may be local ceilidh bands or musicians in your area who can provide a similar experience, even if they are not specifically Scottish. These bands may be more accustomed to local customs and dance styles and may be more readily available for performances in your area. Our band love to travel but we need as much notice as possible due to out other booking commitments.

Do you have first dance recommendations for a Scottish ceilidh? 

One popular choice for a first dance at a Scottish ceilidh wedding is the Grand March, popular in the Northeast of Scotland. It requires a decent-sized dance floor and participation from the bride and groom and as many of guests as possible. Another popular choice is the Gay Gordons, which is a traditional Scottish dance that is easy to learn and fun to do. The music for the Gay Gordons is typically played on accordion, bagpipes or fiddles, and you can choose from many different versions of the dance.Another option for a first dance at a Scottish ceilidh wedding is the Dashing White Sergeant, which is another popular Scottish dance. This dance is typically done in sets of six dancers and involves a series of turns, spins, and partner changes.If you are looking for a slower, more romantic option for your first dance, you might consider a Scottish ballad or love song, such as “My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns or “Loch Lomond”. These songs can be played by a Scottish ceilidh band, providing a beautiful and intimate moment for you and your partner. This could be a slow Scottish waltz or Old time waltz.Ultimately, choosing the first dance song will depend on your preferences and the atmosphere you hope to create at your wedding. A good ceilidh band can provide suggestions and guidance to help you choose the perfect first dance song for your Scottish ceilidh wedding.