Fancy a ceilidh?
What will ensure it goes well? What do you need to check? What should you ask the band? What would be useful for the band to know?
Be prepared to have fun, and encourage all your friends and family to join in. The more the merrier!
You need space to dance. Ceilidhs will include some set dances where people dance in groups, and you’ll need space for a bit of swinging. Consider how many people you expect to dance, and remember the band needs some space to set up too. It is amazing how small a space you can have a ceilidh in, but if you want set dances or an Orcadian Strip the Willow with everyone at the party in one long set then you need space. 1 square metre person is a good rough estimate – but discuss with your band if you are not sure.
Smooth floors are easier to dance on than carpet, but with enthusiasm you can dance anywhere – grassy fields, farmyards, even swimming pools.
Long traditional wedding or prom dresses are challenging to ceilidh in. Consider a change of skirt for the dance, or fix a loop and button on to your dress so you can elegantly hitch it up, like this – some more ideas here.
High heels are potentially lethal. Be prepared to dance in flatter shoes, dance pumps or bare feet. On a smooth floor socks can be very slippy.
Food and ceilidhs: Often longer ceilidhs will have a break where you can provide a snack or buffet for the guests, particularly if later in the evening, but do remember dancing on a full stomach might be a bit much for some people. A break for a pasty though is often welcome to keep energy levels up! It is best not to time food at the same time as the dancing, because no matter how excellent your band is food often wins and far fewer people will take to the floor.
Booking a band – things to check – good communication is the key
Any experienced band will lead you through all this, they want your ceilidh to be fantastic too, but if you’d like a check list here are some helpful suggestions.
What you might want to ask:
- Does the band have recordings, videos or public performances coming up so that you can check out how they sound?
- How long do they need to set up and pack down afterwards?
- How much space do they need from their set up?
- How long is a standard ceilidh?
- Are there different prices for different sizes of bands (if you can’t afford the whole band, a duo or some other configuration might be possible – worth checking).
- Does the band have an experienced caller – you’ll need this if some people in your party don’t know how to ceilidh dance.
- If you want other songs for listening to, a disco, or other types of music, check if your band can offer that too – many can.
- Does the band provide (live or recorded) music for any break in dancing, or do you need to have your own playlist and device to plug into their sound system?
- Does the band have all their own equipment or do you need to provide anything? – most bands will come with everything they need, other than a bit of space and an electricity supply. Check how may sockets they might need.
- Does the band provide lights?
- Can you have use of a speaker and microphone from the band if you want to make speeches or announcements?
- Ask for a breakdown of prices, check if there is any extra cost for travel, loan of sound system, or additional services such as disco.
- Does the band have public liability insurance?
What you might want to tell the band:
- How long you want the band to play for, how long for dancing, and if you want any breaks.
- How many people you expect at your ceilidh.
- Are they familiar with ceilidh dancing?
- The rough age range of dancers.
- The size of space for dancing.
- What sort of flooring is there?
- Are there any poles or other obstacles it would useful for the caller to know about when planning the dances ahead of time?
- What the occasion is (wedding, birthday, charity event?).
- If a wedding or birthday party – the names of the happy couple or the birthday child.
- Do let the band know if you have any particular requests.
- Also, don’t forget to give the band an address – sometimes in the flurry to organise a party or wedding, such details get left out!
Ceilidh Cornwall 