So you've decided you want a Celtic band for your wedding reception or private party, but how do you get the best rate for your budget?  Here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Avoid paying hidden fees from "one stop shop" websites, talent agent/brokers and band listing services. Don't be fooled, you're paying hidden fees for using these services. Sure, it's free to request quotes, but when you hire a band through these sites, you pay unnecessary fees. When you find a band you like, just contact them directly and cut out the middle-man.

2. Be realistic about your budget. If a dee jay costs several hundred dollars for a few hours, you should certainly expect to pay more for several live performers producing every note from their instruments and vocals. You pay more for a fresh pizza than you do for a frozen one, because it just tastes better, and it was made individually, just for you. Live music is produced just for you, too.

3. Don't pay extra for sound systems or amplification. A professional Celtic band that performs regularly for weddings and parties should have their own PA system, and shouldn't charge you extra for them to use it.  

4. Don't pay extra for travel and lodging. You should be able to find a professional Celtic band in the DC area that's close enough to your event, without having to pay the band for travel and lodging. If the band asks you to pay extra for travel, keep looking.

5. Don't forget insurance. Your Celtic band shouldn't make you pay for their insurance. It should be included in the quote the band provides you -- not an additional line item. And be sure to ask the band to carry insurance for your event, or they might not get it. It's no different than having a contractor work on your home without insurance, or other drivers out on the road without insurance. If they don't have insurance, they probably have no way to cover damages in the event something goes wrong.

6. Make sure you talk directly to the band manager -- on the phone. For a number of reasons, you really need to talk to the band and not try to do everything over email. This can save you money. There's so much that goes into a quote for a live performance, it's very difficult to accurately quote a gig with few details and lots of assumptions on both sides. A quick conversation can help clarify details and get you the best rate. For example, your wedding might be a five hour affair but you might only need live Celtic music for 3 hours. But if the quote was for a five hour performance, you might be overpaying. Make sure you speak directly to the band manager.

7. Not too big, not too small -- just right. Some Celtic bands in the DC area have 5, 6, 7 or more members. Some have just one or two. The tradeoff is this: Large bands probably cost more. If they don't, then you might question how they will sound if their fee has to get divided seven ways. Solo or duo acts can charge less over all, but lack the full and diverse sound you need for a 1-3 hour set. A trio such as Capital Celtic provides the right balance between sound fullness, diversity and affordability.

Following these tips could save you a bundle when hiring a Celtic music band for your wedding or private party in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. To request a free quote directly from Capital Celtic -- no hidden fees -- contact us today.

​If you're looking to hire a Celtic music band for an event in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC such as a wedding, party, or corporate event, there's a lot to carefully consider. How do you know you're hiring the best band for your needs? When it comes to music for your event, you don't want to take chances. Here are ten helpful tips to consider in choosing the right band for your unique needs.

1. Reviews – You use reviews to help you choose a restaurant or a movie. Make sure the celtic music band you select has lots of recent, raving reviews on their website.
   
   
2. Actively Performing – You want to make sure you’re hiring a band that performs frequently, so you know they’re sharp, in practice, and in demand. Check the band’s website for their schedule to make sure they’re performing live Irish music in public regularly, and recently at pubs, weddings, festivals, wineries and private events throughout Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia -- with lots of future events scheduled as well. Check their Facebook page for lots of recent posts, likes and at least 100 followers.
   
   
3. Sound Equipment – There’s been a lot of advancement in sound equipment in the past 5, 10 and 20 years. Look around your house. Are you using any electronics that are that old?  Sadly, some Irish bands in the mid-Atlantic area use outdated equipment or cheap amplification from Costco or Radio Shack. Make sure your band is using only high quality, up-to-date sound equipment that’s designed for the size of your audience.
   
   
4. Celtic Music Mix – Are you looking for all instrumental trad jigs and reels?  Pub songs? Ballads? Upbeat Irish songs? Or some combination of each? How about some cover songs? Make sure your band has the versatility and flexibility to provide you with just the right mix of Irish music that’s appropriate for your event.
   
   
5. Musical Diversity – In addition to the mix of music genres, does the band offer a variety of musical instruments and vocals in their repertoire? Some DC/MD/VA Celtic bands provide only fiddlers, or a single guitarist, or no wind instruments, providing a narrow range of sound. Look for bands that provide both male and female vocals, plus a variety of instruments such as flute, whistle, mandolin, banjo and more.
   
   
6. LIVE Celtic Music Recordings – Make sure you listen to sample recordings of the band you’re considering, and make sure they’re recorded at a live performance – not altered or modified with professional studio enhancements. You’re hiring a live Celtic band, so you need to know what they sound like in a live performance.
   
   
7. Unrepeated Material – Some Celtic bands in Virginia, Maryland and DC simply can’t fill a three hour set without repeating the same material. Make sure your band has enough unique material that they can play for your entire event without playing the same songs or tunes over and over again.
   
   
8. Insurance – You wouldn’t hire a contractor to work on your house unless the person carried insurance. Your Celtic band should be no different – make sure they are insured so that they have adequate coverage in the event something goes wrong.
   
   
9. Backup – What is the band’s plan if one of the members is suddenly unable to perform for your event? Does the Celtic band you're hiring have alternate musicians at-the-ready in the event one can’t make it on your event date?
   
   
10. Price – As with everything else, you get what you pay for. You probably wouldn’t hire the cheapest caterer, use the cheapest invitations, purchase the cheapest flowers, and use the cheapest decorations at your event. Your Celtic music band should follow the same standards. There are plenty of “guys with a guitar” out there who will practically “sing for their supper.” But your guests will know the difference. To host a truly memorable event for your guests, make sure your Celtic music meets the standards of quality you want for your event. With Celtic music, that means a full, rich sound with the diversity and talent your guests deserve.​

It's your event - don't be afraid to ask these tough questions of any Celtic music band you're considering for your party, wedding, corporate event or celebration of life here in the Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland area.