It's one of the most common questions couples ask when planning their wedding entertainment: do we book a singer or a band? Both can create an incredible atmosphere — but they suit different couples, different venues, and different budgets.
As a professional wedding singer based in Kilkenny, I'll give you the most honest answer I can — even when the answer might not be me.
The Honest Cost Difference
Let's start with money, because it matters.
A professional solo wedding singer in Ireland typically charges between €400 and €900 for a ceremony and drinks reception set. Evening entertainment from a singer runs €600–€1,200 depending on set length and travel.
A wedding band in Ireland typically costs between €1,800 and €5,000+ for an evening performance, depending on the number of musicians, reputation, and demand.
That's a significant difference — often €1,500 to €3,000. For many couples, that's the deciding factor.
Head to Head — Singer vs Band
Wedding Singer
- Ideal for ceremony music — bands rarely offer this
- Works in any space, any size venue
- More intimate, personal atmosphere
- Learns specific songs just for you
- Covers ceremony, drinks reception, and dinner
- €400–€1,200 depending on set
Wedding Band
- Unbeatable dancefloor energy for evening
- Visual spectacle — impressive for large crowds
- Raw energy of live drums and bass
- Suits large weddings 150+ guests
- Evening reception only, typically
- €1,800–€5,000+ for evening set
The Hybrid Option — Most Popular in Kilkenny
Smart Budget Move
Here's what a lot of Kilkenny couples are doing right now: Book a singer for the ceremony and drinks reception. Book a DJ for the evening.
A professional DJ costs €400–€800. A singer for ceremony and drinks reception costs €600–€900. Total: €1,000–€1,700. You get live music during the emotional moments of the day, and a DJ who can read the room and keep the floor packed all night — for half the cost of a band.
Questions to Ask Yourself First
- How important is a packed dancefloor? If it's your number one priority, lean towards a band or DJ for the evening.
- What's your guest count? Under 100 guests, a singer often works better. Over 150, a band makes more sense for the evening.
- What's your venue like? Some Kilkenny venues have noise restrictions. Check with your venue first.
- What part of the day matters most? Ceremony and intimacy? Singer. Evening party above all? Band.
- What's your total entertainment budget? Be realistic. A stretched budget on a band means cutting corners elsewhere.
Kilkenny Venues — What Works Best
Ceremony-only venues (churches, civil ceremony rooms): Solo singer every time. Bands don't work here.
Intimate country house venues (under 100 guests): Singer for ceremony and drinks, DJ for evening.
Larger hotel venues (150+ guests): Consider a band for the evening if budget allows, singer for ceremony.
Outdoor / marquee weddings: Both work well — check sound restrictions with your venue.