The Most Highly Commended Wedding Band in Leinster
We won an award 🥇 A highly commended award for the Best Band in Leinster Category at this years Wedding Supplier Awards 2023. We a thrilled to have been recognised as an industry leader among out wedding supplier colleagues 🎉
It’s a massive achievement for us as a wedding band that started out in Munster and now operating across 4 provinces. We continue to offer every couple the opportunity to get the very best in entertainment from a wedding band that fills dance floors each night.
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” - Walt Disney
How Much Does a Wedding Band Cost in Ireland? 2026/2027 Guide
We often get asked how much does it cost to book the band and if we are willing to travel. It’s probably the most important question that a couple will ask for 3 reasons:
They want a good quality wedding band
They want lots of value for money
They want everyone to have a great time and feel involved
If you haven’t got to the stage of booking a band yet thats OK. Read on as we go through what to consider when trying to match your dream band with your budget.
How Much Does a Wedding Band Cost in Ireland? 2026/2027 Guide
For most couples planning a wedding in Ireland in 2026 or 2027, a professional live wedding band will typically cost somewhere in the region of €2,400 to €3,500, depending on the band, date, location, line-up and what is included in the package.
Larger line-ups, premium bands and packages that include extras such as a DJ, sax player, ceremony music or drinks reception can cost more.
The important thing is to compare like with like. One quote may include only the live band, while another may include the band, DJ, professional sound and lighting, travel and additional wedding entertainment.
In this guide, we’ll break down what affects wedding band prices in Ireland, what you should expect to receive for your money, and the questions worth asking before you book.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
When comparing wedding bands, the price only tells part of the story. What matters is what is included, the quality of the performance, and whether the band is the right fit for your wedding.
A professional wedding band quote can reflect much more than the time spent on stage. You are also paying for experienced musicians, rehearsals, sound and lighting equipment, travel, setup time, insurance, administration, and the ability to read the room and keep a dance floor moving.
At Flog the Dog, our live set combines modern wedding favourites, Irish trad, country, jives and live fiddle, with a focus on keeping different generations involved throughout the night.
When comparing bands, look at:
The quality of their live videos and recent performances
The style of music they play
Reviews from recent couples
Whether sound and lighting are included
The number of musicians in the line-up
Whether they offer a DJ, ceremony music or drinks reception music
Travel costs and any additional fees
How clearly they communicate throughout the booking process
The best value is not always the lowest quote. It is the package that gives you the right combination of performance, reliability, entertainment and service for your wedding.
Things to Check Before Booking a Wedding Band
A low quote is not automatically a bad quote, and a higher price does not always guarantee the best fit. The important thing is to understand exactly what is included and how the band operates.
Compare Like With Like
If one band appears much cheaper than another, check whether both quotes include the same things.
Look at:
Number of musicians
Performance duration
PA and lighting
Travel costs
DJ provision
Setup and finish times
Additional entertainment
Any extra charges
A lower quote may simply include less, while a more expensive package may cover the full evening.
Ask About the Band’s Line-Up
It is also worth asking who will actually perform at your wedding.
Professional bands should be able to explain clearly whether the musicians featured in their promotional material normally perform at weddings, and what happens if a band member is unavailable because of illness or another unavoidable circumstance.
A good band should have a clear deputy policy and maintain the same standard of performance regardless of the circumstances.
Check Their Reputation
Before booking, look at recent reviews, live videos and the venues the band has performed in.
You should also check that they have the appropriate insurance and that the booking process, deposit and cancellation terms are clearly explained before you commit.
Think About the Date
Popular Saturdays, bank holiday weekends and peak wedding months can book well in advance.
If live entertainment is a priority for you, it is worth enquiring as soon as your venue and wedding date are confirmed.
Wedding Band Booking Checklist
Before booking your wedding band, it is worth checking the following:
Availability
Is the band available on your wedding date?
Is your date flexible?
How far in advance do they recommend booking?
Performance
Do they have recent live videos?
Does their setlist suit your guests and the type of wedding you want?
Do they play your first dance live or use a recording?
How long do they perform for?
Reputation
Read recent reviews from couples
Check Google and wedding-industry reviews
Look at the types of venues they regularly perform in
Make sure they have appropriate public liability insurance
Package
Is the quote for the band only?
Is a DJ included?
Do they offer ceremony music?
Do they offer drinks reception music?
Are there optional extras such as sax, cold sparks or photo booth entertainment?
Quote
What exactly is included in the price?
Is travel included?
Are there any accommodation or additional travel charges?
How much is the booking deposit?
When is the remaining balance due?
What are the cancellation terms?
Taking a few minutes to compare these points will make it much easier to understand which band offers the right combination of quality, style and value for your wedding.
For more information on professional wedding suppliers and wedding bands in Ireland, you can also visit WeddingSuppliers.ie and the Wedding Band Association.
Wedding Band Cost FAQs
How much does a wedding band cost in Ireland?
For most couples planning a wedding in Ireland in 2026 or 2027, a professional live wedding band will usually cost somewhere in the region of €2,400 to €3,500, depending on the band, date, location, line-up and what is included.
How much does a wedding band and DJ cost?
A band and DJ package will usually cost more than booking the band alone, but it can offer better value than hiring two completely separate suppliers. The final price will depend on the band, the length of the DJ set and whether any additional entertainment is included.
Why do wedding band prices vary?
Prices can vary because of the number of musicians, travel distance, wedding date, performance duration, sound and lighting requirements, and whether extras such as a DJ, sax player, ceremony music or drinks reception are included.
Is travel usually included in the price?
Some bands include travel within a certain area, while others may charge extra depending on the venue location. Always ask whether travel, accommodation or late-night costs are included in the quote.
How far in advance should we book a wedding band?
Popular wedding bands and peak Saturday dates can book well in advance. If live entertainment is a priority for you, it is best to enquire as soon as your venue and date are confirmed.
How long does a wedding band usually play?
Most professional wedding bands will usually perform for around two hours, often with a short break depending on the schedule and venue. Exact performance times should always be confirmed with the band before booking.
What should be included in a wedding band quote?
A clear quote should explain the number of musicians, performance duration, sound and lighting, travel, DJ provision if applicable, setup requirements, deposit, balance due date and cancellation terms.
Want to check your date? View our wedding entertainment options or enquire about availability.
Your Wedding and a Plan-B option
What to do when considering a Plan-B option for your wedding date
Due to COVID-19, couples across the country and beyond are having to make huge decisions regarding their upcoming Summer wedding. Some couples have already moved their March, April, and May weddings with the majority of couples in June, July, and August still waiting to see what happens. There’s a lot of uncertainty out there but fear not, this will pass. We have put together some help and advice on what you should consider with your existing date and putting a ‘Plan B’ in place.
What to do when considering a Plan-B option for your wedding date
Due to COVID-19, couples across the country and beyond are having to make huge decisions regarding their upcoming Summer wedding. Some couples have already moved their March, April and May weddings with the majority of couples in June, July, and August still waiting to see what happens. There’s a lot of uncertainty out there but fear not, this will pass. We have put together some help and advice on what you should consider with your existing date and putting a ‘Plan B’ in place.
Put in place a ‘Plan B’ option
Your wedding date is still booked in so there no need to cancel it just yet. Put a ‘Plan B’ date in place either later this year or in 2021. Speak to your venue and get all of their available dates.
You need to consider that not all of your suppliers are going to be available if you decide to postpone to a weekend date. It’s recommended to consider off-peak dates and midweek options. This can save you a lot of hassle by going through the process of rebooking new suppliers when you could just as easily move your “dream-team” suppliers to a midweek date.
At this time there is no need to cancel until you’re at least 6 weeks out from your wedding date. Then you can make a decision knowing you have you ‘Plan B’ in place.
Why Midweek?
Midweek weddings are on the rise. With greater supplier availability it’s an ideal option. Out of the 70+ weddings that Flog The Dog played in 2019, 17 of those weddings were midweek. If you’re fixed on a Friday or Saturday, the chances are that your priority suppliers will be unavailable. Choosing a midweek date ensures greater supplier availability, and maybe there’s a supplier out that that you’ve been itching to book but they were unavailable on your original date.
Worried about guests not attending? From our experience of Thursday Weddings, guests will take work off and make a long weekend of it. And because of this coronavirus, they will also reschedule their plans for your new wedding date, after all, they were are all set to come and celebrate your wedding this year. If you have to postpone they will only be looking for the excuse to be there with you on your new date! There’s also a lower drop off rate of guest leaving after the meal.
No one will ever ask what day of the week you got married, they will only remember how great it was.
What about moving your date to 2022?
This is something that couples are considering. If you are set on a weekend date but you are finding it difficult to slot in your current suppliers, maybe you should consider moving your date out 18 months to 2 years. That sounds unthinkable, right? But wouldn’t all of your suppliers be available? Talk to them. See how far in advance they are able to transfer your date.
What does the future hold?
This will all pass and even though it’s frustrating and exhausting to have to sort all your wedding planning, having a Plan B in place will give you that peace of mind if you have to postpone your date.
Contact us
4 reasons to book Flog The Dog!
Here are the 4 reason why couples book Flog The Dog for their wedding day:
Our crowd engagement and rapport with you and your guests.
You can tailor our setlist and we welcome song requests.
Our reviews and awards.
Our super easy booking process.
Check out our Facebook LIVE Q&A session below to hear all about why couples book us for their wedding.
A Wedding at Jack's Coastguard
Stunning April Wedding at Jack’s of Cromane, Killorglin where Flog The Dog had the privilege of rocking the night away with the wedding party and guests.
Jack’s of Cromane is situated on the beautiful shoreline just off The Ring Of Kerry, a beautiful wedding venue, one that we have played at multiple times and one that we highly recommend to wedding couples.
Flog The Dog are an award-winning Wedding Band based in Kerry and Cork who specialize in filling the dance floor. From Jive & Irish Trad music to Chart & Country music - There is music to cater for everyone! Flog the Dog travels the breath of the country for weddings from Wicklow and Kildare to Clare and Limerick. Come see Flog The Dog play Live and chat to the band about your big day!
UCC Rugby Club Gala Ball
Great atmosphere at this years UCC Rugby Club Ball at Cork International Hotel.
Wedding Band, Flog The Dog at UCC Rugby Club Ball
Great atmosphere at this years UCC Rugby Club Ball at Cork International Hotel.
Check out some clips below!
Flog The Dog are an award-winning Wedding Band based in Kerry and Cork who specialize in filling the dance floor. From Jive & Irish Trad music to Chart & Country music - There is music to cater for everyone! Flog the Dog travels the breath of the country for weddings from Wicklow and Kildare to Clare and Limerick. Come see Flog The Dog play Live and chat to the band about your big day!
A Wedding at Dingle Skellig Hotel
Check out snippets of the night below - a fun, lively night filled with Irish Trad, the Classics and Chart Hits!
Flog The Dog Wedding Band at The Dingle Skellig Hotel, Kerry
Check out snippets of the night below - a fun, lively night filled with Irish Trad, the Classics and Chart Hits!
Thanks for having us - FTD
BAND OF THE YEAR Nomination
Flog The Dog have been nominated as ‘Band of The Year’ for the Brides of Kerry Wedding Industry Awards 2019
We are last years runners up and what an amazing year we had. Hoping to go one better this year and your vote will get us there 😁
Click on the button below to vote.
Flog The Dog on Tour
FLOG THE DOG LIVE IN MALAGA - 16th of March 2019
Flog The Dog are delighted to announce that they will celebrate St. Patrick's weekend in Little Ireland, Malaga! Jameson Whiskey will bring all things Irish to the centre of Malaga on the 16th of March as they celebrate St. Patricks day with various event throughout the day.
Flog The Dog will play 4 shows in the Tennessee Live Club in Malaga, Spain from 18:30pm til late. The band can’t wait to get over and entertain the Irish Spanish crowds 😁
☘️🇮🇪🍻🇮🇪☘️
Wedding Venues in Cork
Here are some of the best, most quirky and reputable Cork wedding venues that Flog The Dog have played in.
Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, West Cork
The Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff, West Cork - A lovely setting for a wedding and right on the banks of the harbour. The Eccles Hotel is a wonderfully traditional and reputable wedding venue that will light up any big day. Yes, it’s off the beaten track but driving to the location was one of the most memorable journeys the band had this year.
Garryvoe Hotel, East Cork
The Garryvoe Hotel, East Cork - Over looking Ballycotton Lighthouse, is one of the best in the county. The band arrived at the Garryvoe Hotel for 2 weddings this year and each time we were met warmly by staff who were generous in helping us with our equipment. Management were also keen to liaise with the wedding band to make sure they were looked after and that proceedings for the nights entertainment were well executed. And their new renovated west part of the hotel is very quirky.
Fernhill House Hotel, West Cork
Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty, Cork - Great staff, warm hotel and great finger food; thats always a plus. The band arrived on time to a wedding in October of this year and usually there would be a small waiting period for the room to be cleared. But not here! The band loaded straight in to a room that was ready to for set up. Fernhill House have a well oiled machine running and deserve the plaudits.
Christmas in Macroom
Wedding Band, Flog The Dog to play the Castle Hotel, Macroom, Cork, for their upcoming Christmas Parties.
Flog The Dog are set to entertain the cork crowds as they prepare for the upcoming Christmas Party nights at the Castle Hotel in Macroom, Cork on the 14th and 15th of December.
The band have been looking forward and preparing for these Christmas Party nights since the they were booked in to play back in January. Party goers can look forward to a lively night of music with some Irish Folk, Trad, Jives and, of course, a few Christmas songs; a must at any Christmas Party.
Flog The Dog, a popular and award winning wedding band based in Kerry, play at lives venues and weddings all over Munster and nationwide.
Why not send us an enquiry about your wedding day. Just click on the button.
Tickets for Christmas Parties are Sold Out!
More more info visit:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/castlehotelmacroom/
W: https://www.castlehotel.ie/en/
Wedding Band of the Year Finalist
Flog The Dog are delighted to announce they have been selected as 'Wedding Band of the Year' finalist for the Weddings Online Awards 2018. Judging will now commence to select a winner from 12 wedding bands as well as numerous other wedding supplier categories. We look forward to the ceremony and hope to bring home the winning title as reward for the wedding music and entertainment we have provided over the last few years.
For more info check out the awards website: https://weddingsonlineawards.com/finalists-2018/
Nominated for 'Band Of The Year'
Flog The Dog received some fantastic news this week. The band have been nominated as ‘Band of The Year’ for the Weddings Online Awards 2018.
Flog The Dog are seeking your vote.
T's & C's
Only one vote is allowed per email address.
Only votes from verified email addresses will be counted.
When you submit your vote you will sent an email with a link to confirm the vote.
Please check your spam folder if you don’t see this email.
Voting will close on the 23rd October 2017.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flogthedog/
Flog The Dog At Butefest 2017
Flog The Dog will play at Bute Fest on the Isle of Bute which takes place on the Isle of Bute, Scotland between 28th and 30th of July. Click below to buy tickets.
Flog The Dog will play at Bute Fest on the Isle of Bute which takes place on the Isle of Bute, Scotland between 28th and 30th of July. Click below to buy tickets.
Bikefest 2017 | Killarney
Flog The Dog will be playing at the Bikefest, Killarney on the Outdoor Stage at 2pm on Sunday 4th of June. All entertainment is free so don't miss out!
Bikefest2017
Flog The Dog will be playing at the Bikefest, Killarney on the Outdoor Stage at 2pm on Sunday 4th of June. All entertainment is free so don't miss out!