Our First Wedding Gig as a Live Wedding Band in Ireland

The Best Men’s First Wedding: How It All Started at Liffey Valley House

Every professional wedding band has a beginning. For The Best Men, it started with a wonderful couple, a rented van, a beautiful venue, and an amp to the head.

In 2002, I decided to start a wedding band. We were already in bands playing original music, and I was always the one asked to 'bring the keyboard' to social events, for when the sing-song eventually happened - why not mix the two?

I picked the name "The Best Men", which I felt was both ceremonial and toungue-in-cheek at the same time. So these four 20-year-olds put together a potential set with no experience of playing weddings whatsoever. Funny to think about, after the literal thousands of weddings we've played since.

We advertised, got a website up and we started to get calls. Couples had to check us out in the basement of a music shop called Musician Inc on Drury Street... there was nowhere else to see us! We were a testament to the sheer optimism of youth!

One evening, Sarah and Liam came to see us and they liked us enough to involve us on their most special day. The venue was Liffey Valley House, a stunning estate outside Dublin that is now known as Leixlip Manor & Gardens (https://leixlipmanorhotel.ie/). I went to check the place out before the actual day, to try to assuage my first time nerves! It was beautiful and charming and I felt a little better. A little. Actually no, I was still terrified.

They chose Somebody by Depeche Mode as their first dance song, and it was a cool, unusual choice. The big thing back then was swing, Brat Pack revival stuff.

This was to be our first real test as a wedding music band in Ireland. How did it go? Amazingly! The relief! Everyone danced away and the mood was full-on party, everyone singing along with the band. Sarah and Liam were delighted and thanked us profusely.

I had rented a van and a driver, so after packing up, it was my turn to go in the back of the van (with no seats, mind you, just laying on the floor!). Being newbies, we had packed the van whatever way we could, but one sharp turn dislodged a guitar amp from its perch and the amp landed on my head. The consternation that followed was like something out of The Commitments. Somehow I suffered no injuries or long term damage.

This amp is hurtling towards you.

From One Wedding to a Full-Time Career: Our Journey as a Top Wedding Band in Ireland

That first gig taught us everything we needed to know. How important it is to connect with the couple, read the room, and keep the night flowing. A real wedding music experiences was the key. Also, don't put a loose amp over a dozing human in the back of a van.

Since then, we’ve played at weddings all across Ireland, helping couples bring the party to the night with live music. Whether it’s a new hit, a classic chart-topping anthem or a 90s floor-filler, it's about talent, conviction and heart.

Planning Your Wedding? Let’s Talk Live Music

If you’re looking for a wedding band in Ireland that delivers unforgettable performances and a personal touch, The Best Men are ready to bring your celebration to life.

Get in touch today to check availability and guarantee the perfect wedding soundtrack for your night.