Whilst we normally play for group social functions such as school PTAs, we do frequently play for weddings. Provided all the guests know they are coming to a barn dance and are looking forward to one, we invariably find they work very well.

 If you are looking for something different, but have no particular interest in a barn dance, then this may well not be for you. The same applies if you are looking for  background entertainment which your guests can sample from time to time. A barn dance is all about audience participation and getting stuck in! 
We have played interspersed with or before a disco, but in our view, this doesn't work particularly well. There is invariably contention over space. (We need four yards by three, and discos, (whatever they say) take not much less.) It also makes it a very stop-start sort of evening with little continuity and a peculiar contrast of styles. However this is your day, and this might be just what you want....

The Start:

We can start by going straight into a rip-roaring set dance. Alternatively (and many people do go for this), try a more sedate and traditional start where the bride and groom smooch around for a bit. The close relatives, best-man, bridesmaids and gradually everyone, join in at a rate that depends on the dancing prowess of the bride and groom! If they want to make a show, we can leave them there a long time; if they want to be hidden away, we can get the others to join in, within seconds.

The End:

Are the bride and groom staying right to the end, or will they be making a grand departure. If the latter, we can ask the guests to make up a guard of honour, and play suitably stirring music whilst the bride and groom make their way down the archway saying goodbye to all their guests.

The Break:

The band need to take a break towards the middle of the evening. This normally coincides with the buffet, or a break for coffee and cake. During this time, we play background music on a tape player. If you have a favourite cassette, we will happily play it for you.

Set-Up and Take-Down:

The band need an absolute minimum of 30 minutes, from being admitted to the room, until they are ready to start playing. Simlarly it takes 30 minutes to clear up at the end. It is worth bearing this in mind, when planning the start and end times. I.e. if speeches are due to end at 7, then the dance cannot start till 7:30. We can get round this and set up before-hand but we would make an extra charge, as it requires some of us to arrive much earlier. Please note also, that we cannot play past our agreed finish time. Again in planning the wedding times, it is worth bearing this in mind and allowing some contingency. Many weddings do seem to run late; it could be very embarassing if the bride and groom are uncontactable (whilst they change into their going away clothes say) as the band play their final tune. It is therefore sensible to say book the band till 11:30 and plan the departure for 10 or 15 minutes past 11:00.

Scottish Weddings or a Scottish Flavour:

We have successfully put on dances with a Scottish flavour. Two points to note here: For the musical purists amongst you, our music is led by a fiddle rather than an accordion, but it does work. Secondly we do call the dances. We invariably find, that however much the guests are supposed to know the dances, there are too many less fortunate, normally English guests, who must have the dances called. If you want a totally Scottish flavour, then we have an excellent caller who will arrive with the right apparel and accent!

Weddings at Great Fosters:

What a fantastic venue on the outskirts of Egham! We have played for many weddings there over the past few years.   The atmosphere and everything about the barn and the staff there, makes this the perfect venue.
To get in touch with Great Fosters try this link   Great Fosters in Egham
 

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