Wedding DJ in Kerry Paudie Walsh at the Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa in Tralee. This is one of the most popular wedding venues in Kerry and it’s easy to see why. Owned and run by the McGillicuddy family for 3 generations it is a must see wedding venue. To top off the amazing food and 6 acres of gardens, you have an amazing view of the glorious Sliabh Mish Mountains. I have been a wedding DJ in Kerry for over 7 years and have played many weddings in the Ballygarry. Over the years, I have gotten to know the staff and the service is 2nd to none. The detail and attention put into each wedding is outstanding.
The Timeline:
Usually at the Ballygarry, the music would aim to start around 9.30/9.45pm. This allows enough time to enjoy the surroundings and grab some fresh air before the entertainment starts. The evening food break is then around 12/12.15. If there is a band on first they will usually play straight through without taking a break and then as soon as they finish the hotel will serve the food. I will usually announce the break, play some background music and wait 10/15 mins to give guests a chance to eat. It is a great time for people to rest, relax and be ready for the second half of the nights entertainment. I am to start back again around 12.15/12.30 and play the 2 hour set.
Music:
Starting after a break I like to not start too fast. Something a little slower or easy listening. People will naturally and gradually make there way back onto the floor following the break. I usually encourage guests back and mix the music accordingly. After a few down tempo medleys I start to build it back up into a massive party (as seen in the video below). At the time of night I am playing a great mix of up tempo 80’s/90’s/00’s and chart works really well. Depending on what the band has played in the first half I can judge the set from there. I often get surprised with a certain genre going down really well and I will stick with that for a while before changing it. Guests will sometimes request songs and where possible I will work them in. My main aim for the music is to play what will keep the floor full and have your guests enjoying it.
Little note on equipment:
The Ballygarry function hall is a great sized room and has plenty of space for dancing. With that I bring a great sized PA and lighting system that will not only fill the room with great sound but also make a great atmosphere with the lighting. It is important to not skip on the quality of the sound or use a system that is not designed for the bigger venues. Having played there on countless occasions, I know what will work best.
Below is a wedding video from the Ballygarry House where I took the guests back to their teenage disco days. Including a lot of 90’s disco anthems from “back in the day”. I also included a few requests from the Bride and Groom, all of which were along the same lines as the 90’s dance. People went nuts to say the least. I have met this couple at a few weddings since and we still talk about the mad night in Ballygarry.