5 Things to Know Before Booking a Ceilidh Band for Your Wedding
- Nightjar Ceilidh Band
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
Planning a Scottish wedding? You’ve probably thought about having a ceilidh — and with good reason. A ceilidh is one of the most inclusive, and unforgettable ways to bring all of your guests together. Whether your crowd is full of seasoned Strip the Willow experts or total beginners, a ceilidh breaks the ice, creates instant atmosphere and fills the dancefloor every time.
But not all ceilidh bands are created equal. After years of playing weddings across Scotland and beyond, we’ve learned what makes for a reliably successful night… and what couples often wish they’d known earlier.
Here are 5 essential things to know before you book your wedding ceilidh band:
1. Not All Ceilidh Bands Are the Same
Some bands offer a full live sound with professional traditional musicians — others rely on backing tracks or non-specialists. The difference? Energy, authenticity, and reliability.
A great ceilidh band should:
Be made up of professional players who are experts in their field
Offer a full live sound — not just fiddle over a karaoke track
Sound tight, confident and uplifting from the first tune
At Nightjar, our lineup features seasoned Scottish traditional musicians who love what they do — and it shows. You’re not just hiring players; you’re hiring people who deeply understand this style of music and how to bring your wedding to life.
Here’s what our clients say:
“Nightjar Ceilidh Band were fantastic at our wedding. They were so accommodating and professional throughout the entire booking process and made everything so easy for us. They had everyone up and dancing the whole night. We’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for a first-class ceilidh band!”— Jessica & Richard
“Our wedding guests were blown away by Nightjar Ceilidh Band. The band was professional, punctual, and accommodating throughout the planning process and on the day. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend them to anyone.”— Mark & Elaine
2. Ceilidh Bands Don’t Always Include a Caller — But They Should
It’s a detail many couples miss: not all ceilidh bands come with someone to call the dances. And if they do, it’s not always done well.
The caller sets the tone for the night. They:
Guide guests through the steps (especially first-timers!)
Keep the pace and flow light, fun, and inclusive
Create the confidence people need to jump in and have a go
At Nightjar, our caller is also part of the band — often calling while playing live, which keeps everything running smoothly without a break in momentum. We specialise in mixed-age weddings, international guest lists, and getting nervous dancers smiling and moving.
3. Ask What’s Included: Sound, Setup, DJ Option?
Every band offers something slightly different — so make sure you ask what’s actually included in the quote.
Will they bring a PA system sduitable for your venue and know how to use it effectively?
Do they handle setup and soundcheck in a timely manner?
Is there an option to add a DJ set for later in the night?
Our wedding package includes everything: full professional-spec sound system, LED stage lighting, setup before the event starts — and the option to add a DJ set for no extra cost. That means no awkward transitions, no extra suppliers, and one trusted team looking after your whole night’s music.
4. Your Venue Matters
Not every venue works the same way for live music. Each has its own acoustic characteristics, some have large dance floors while some are more intimate spaces.
A ceilidh band with local venue experience can make a big difference — knowing where to set up, how to adapt to the space, and how to keep the vibe high regardless of layout or volume restrictions. We have extensive experience working with top wedding venues in and beyond Scotland and are expertly placed to take all of these variable into account to ensure that everything runs smoothly for your evening reception.
5. Book Early — And Ask Questions
The best ceilidh bands are often booked up 12–18 months in advance — especially for summer Saturdays. So if you’re even thinking about a ceilidh, it’s worth reaching out early to check availability.
When you do, ask:
Is the caller included and experienced?
How long do you play for — and what’s the format?
Do you handle the first dance, or play background music?
Can we add a DJ set or choose the final tune?
If you'd like to discuss anything or everything with us before considering a booking we're happy to chat via email or schedule a no obligation video/voice call to chat with you at a suitable time.
Thinking of Booking a Ceilidh?
We’d love to hear about your plans. Whether you’re still deciding on a venue or already have a date locked in, we’ll send you a clear quote within 24 hours and can arrange a quick call if you'd like to talk things through.
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