We've written about this previously but following three panicked enquiries in December, it is time to highlight this issue again.
Wedding Band Horror Stories – And How to Avoid Them
It’s every couple’s worst nightmare:
You’ve booked your band. Paid your deposit. The big day is almost here.
Then suddenly — they stop replying to emails, the phone goes to voicemail, and their website? Gone.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare occurrence. Every wedding season, we receive urgent, emotional calls from couples whose bands have vanished — sometimes days or even hours before the ceremony. Thankfully, with our large team of professional musicians, we can often step in at the last minute and save the day. But trust us — you don’t want to be in that situation.
Real Stories from the Front Lines
Dan & Katy – Donegal
48 hours before our wedding, we got the call — our band had cancelled. We were devastated. We had booked them 18 months prior, paid deposits, signed contracts. We were left with nothing.
My mum had signed up to the Bentley Boys mailing list when we first got engaged, so she gave them a call. Dáire picked up, and he was brilliant. The very next day, he confirmed the full band would be there. We were blown away by their professionalism. Our guests were raving about them. They saved our wedding — before it even began.”
— Dan & Katy, Harvey’s Point Hotel, Donegal
A Friday Emergency – Galway
At exactly 1pm on the wedding day — while the bride was walking down the aisle — the couple’s band called to cancel. I was devastated. My first call was to Dáire from the Bentley Boys.
Within an hour, he had arranged a full Bentley Boys band to perform that evening. If they hadn’t stepped in, the reception would have been a disaster. I’ve worked in weddings for years, and I can tell you — professionalism matters. That’s why the Bentley Boys are at the top of my list.”
— Mairead Geehan, formerly Sales & Marketing Manager, The Hardiman, Galway
These are just two of many stories we’ve witnessed over the years. We don’t share them to scare you — and we certainly don’t want to be getting these kinds of calls. But we do want to help you avoid ending up in a similar nightmare.
Why Does This Happen?
Wedding bands cancel for all sorts of reasons — illness, poor planning, lack of backup musicians, going out of business, or sometimes getting a better offer. Many operate as one-person shows with no infrastructure or support behind them. If something goes wrong, they have no safety net — and unfortunately, neither do you.
How to Avoid a Wedding Day Music Disaster
Here are five essential tips to make sure your big day doesn’t end in silence:
1. Ask the Experts
Your venue’s wedding coordinator or planner has seen it all. They’ve worked with dozens — of bands and know who’s reliable and who’s not. Always ask for their recommendations.
2. See the Band Live
Any professional wedding band will invite you to a live showcase. It’s the best way to get a feel for their sound, energy, and professionalism — without crashing someone else’s wedding.
3. Get it in Writing
Never confirm a booking without a formal contract. It should clearly outline:
* Services included
* Fees and payment terms
* Cancellation policy
* Performance terms and conditions
Also ensure the band has Public Liability Insurance — your venue will often require it, and it’s a sign of professionalism.
4. Avoid “Cash Only” Arrangements
A cash-only policy can be a red flag. While it’s not always a dealbreaker, it often signals a lack of proper business practices or financial transparency.
5. Choose Flexibility & Backup Options
While a band that only books one event per night may sound ideal, it leaves no room for error. Life happens. Illness, injury, or emergencies can strike anyone — including your band members.
That’s why we offer what one couple called a “dance-floor insurance policy” — a roster of professional musicians who perform together regularly in different combinations. If someone can’t make it, the show still goes on. For you, that means peace of mind and a packed dance floor — no matter what.
Plan Smart, Party Hard
Your wedding day should be filled with joy — not last-minute panic over a no-show band.
Do your homework. Ask the right questions. Work with experienced professionals who have a track record of showing up, delivering unforgettable nights, and saving the day when things go wrong.
Because when it comes to your wedding, the music doesn’t just set the tone — it creates the memories.
