Atomic

Atomic

Wedding & Function Bands
(42 Reviews)

FAQs

How much time do you need for setup and soundcheck?

We can complete our set up and sound check within an hour. If the schedule is running behind, then we will endeavour to work with the venue to get set up as quickly as possible.

What are your standard performance times?

Usually we play from 8pm to 12am with a 30min break included. The break in between is normally when the buffet happens and guests like to chat, eat and visit the bar! 

If you need an adjustment with these times, then we are more than happy to work with you to meet your schedule.

How flexible can you be if our timings aren't confirmed yet?

Yes of course, we will do our best to accommodate you. If we need to start earlier or later to fit in with your schedule, then let us know.

How long is your break, and do you play background music during it?

We usually take a 30min break. This gives plenty of time for refreshments and for your guests to rest their dancing feet.  Yes, we will play music via our PA system during this time. We can play a party playlist, or you can play your own custom playlist if you like.

Can we pick the songs you'll play on the night?

You are welcome to let us know if there are a few songs or artists on your set list that you definitely want us to include on the night. We will have an arranged setlist for your wedding, however, we are very flexible in terms of playing songs that will cater for all.  

We are very good at reading the room, so we will react to what's getting you and your guests up dancing!

If there are a few songs that you want excluded from the setlist, please let us know.

Will you learn our first dance if you don't already know it?

100% yes! We are more than happy to learn any first dance of your choice. We would need a minimum of 6 weeks notice in order to perfect it for you. 

We have in the past performed alternative versions of songs too, so if you would like something a little different, then let us know.

Can you take requests on the night?

We will try our best to play requests on the night, however it may not always be possible. We are more than happy to play some of your requests through our PA system during the break if we can't play them live. 

Can you keep the night going if our venue has a 1am licence?

We can offer a DJ set option to extend the night until 1am if required for an additional fee. 

What other add-on options do you offer?

We're not currently offering options other than our DJ set, but there's no harm in asking if you've something specific in mind!

Is all the equipment, like PA and lighting, included in your quote?

Yes, everything is included in our quote.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

We pride ourselves on being a high energy band with a full sound. Our big vocal presence is like no other. Our clients have commented many times regarding our musicianship, banter, crowd interaction and versatility.

Which artists are you most influenced by?

The great thing about us is that we all have a varied range of musical tastes and styles that come together to form our sound.  This is apparent when viewing our song list.

Can you provide a ceilidh set, how long does it last, and can you call the dances for our guests?

We know that people love a Ceilidh at weddings, so if you would like to add this into our set list for the night, let us know.

We offer the 3 main dances, - Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow. 

We will walk your guests through all the steps and call the dances as they happen.  We will continue playing our main instruments, but provide an authentic ceilidh sound via a recorded track.

What happens from the moment we book you?

Once you book with us, we confirm receipt of your booking and immediately block your date in our diary. This ensures everything is organised well in advance about our commitments.

How much contact will we have before the wedding, like calls, emails and planning forms?

It really depends on the couple; some enjoy contact while others aren’t bothered. We go with the flow. If we haven’t heard from them we make contact six to eight weeks before their big day to confirm everything is going well and to check if there’s anything they need. I’ve had phone calls, emails, and messages from couples. Anything to make their day easier and usually Clare handles this as she enjoys a chat.

How do you prepare our first dance once we've chosen it?

Upon receiving the couple’s first dance, we immediately add notes to our calendar to keep everything organised. We then ensure we have the correct version of the song. Learning it is a straightforward process; we each individually learn our parts and then rehearse together. I’ll record our version and send it to our group chat for easy access. There aren’t any particularly tricky elements, and we can always personalise it to make it truly special for your big day.

What if we ask for a song that's not in your repertoire?

This depends on how easy the song is to learn. We have first dances and sometimes daughter/dad dances to practice so asking for another song isn’t always feasible. However, we usually can if the members already know it. We’ll decline if it’s going to take longer and it’s peak wedding season but we can add it to a playlist and play it through our PA on the night. That way you’ll still be able to hear it on your big day.

Beyond the first dance, what else can we personalise about the night?

We receive all sorts of requests and strive to please. For example, we’ve had brides’ dads singing and guests performing a musical theatre interval. Feel free to ask, we’ll usually be able to accommodate.

What venue details should we flag early, like noise limiters, access, stage size or power?

We’ll ask you a few simple questions about your venue before the big day, including access for loading in, performance space, and whether there are any restrictions we need to be aware of. If your venue has any specific rules, we’ll work with them to make sure everything runs smoothly. We’ve performed in all kinds of venues, from intimate spaces to large function suites, so we’re used to adapting our setup to suit the room. If you’re ever unsure about anything, we’re happy to liaise directly with your venue or wedding coordinator, taking one more thing off your to-do list.

Do you deal with our venue and planner directly, or does that go through Coast?

We’re more than happy to liaise directly with your venue, wedding planner or any of your other suppliers if they wish. Whether it’s confirming timings, discussing setup, or coordinating the evening’s schedule, we’re always happy to communicate directly to help everything run smoothly. Because you booked us through Coast, they’ll also be on hand to support the planning process, so everyone stays on the same page. Our goal is to make the entertainment side of your wedding as seamless and stress-free as possible.

What do you wear on stage for a wedding?

We know your wedding isn’t just about the music, it’s about the atmosphere and the overall look of the day. That’s why we dress professionally and appropriately for every wedding, with a smart, modern style that complements your celebration. Our presentation is polished, stylish and in keeping with the tone of your event, so we look just as good as we sound.

What happens if a band member is ill on the day, and do you have deps?

While it’s incredibly rare, we always have a contingency plan in place. We work with a trusted network of experienced professional dep musicians who know our show and can step in if a band member becomes ill or has an emergency. As we’re also represented by an agency, we have an additional layer of support if one of our regular deps isn’t available, the agency will work quickly to try and source a high-quality replacement. Our priority is making sure your wedding goes ahead exactly as planned, and we’ll do everything possible to ensure you have the same fantastic performance you’ve booked.

Do you check in with us or the venue on the day to confirm timings?

Absolutely. On the day of your wedding, we don’t rely on everything just going to plan. We’ll make final contact with your venue coordinator, wedding planner or designated contact to confirm timings, access and any last-minute updates. That means you can relax and enjoy your day, knowing we’ve got everything in hand and are working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth, stress-free performance.

What should we expect if we've never booked a live band before?

If you’ve never booked a live band before, don’t worry you’re not expected to know how it all works. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from your first enquiry right through to the last song of the night, and we’re always happy to answer any questions along the way. We’ve performed at lots of weddings, so we know how important it is for everything to run smoothly. Our job is to take the stress away, keep your guests on the dance floor, and give you an unforgettable night while you simply enjoy every moment.

What happens when you arrive at the venue, from load-in to soundcheck?

Upon arrival, we speak to a member of staff who advises us on the best parking spot for loading in. We then set up our equipment. A band member, usually Clare, will greet the couple, introduce herself and chat. Throughout the process, we maintain professionalism.

If you start at 8pm, what time do you arrive, and what can change that?

We like to arrive an hour and a half early. This gives us plenty of time to set up and soundcheck. We know weddings never run on time but that never bothers us. We’ll wait to perform until everyone’s ready. There’s no rush; it’s your big day and we want you to be relaxed. We’re very laid-back.

How do you approach the start of the evening? Do you call the bride and groom onto the floor? How much of the first dance do you give them before inviting others in, and how do you read when to make that call?

We love announcing the newlyweds to the dance floor. It’s a big moment and we get your guests excited for your arrival. We’ll do a quick countdown to cut the cake and invite guests to take photos. Then when you’re ready, we’ll invite you for your first dance. The bridal party and guests usually know when to join in but if there’s any hesitation we’ll tell them over the mic to come on in.

How do you decide what to play next, and how do you read the crowd?

Every wedding is unique, so while we plan our sets in advance we’re never bound by a fixed running order. Our extensive repertoire allows us to read the room and adapt instantly. If a particular style or era is popular on the dance floor we’ll maintain that energy. If the atmosphere shifts we can change direction and select songs that reignite the dance floor. Years of wedding performances have honed our crowd reading skills and keeping the party going is always our top priority. Our varied set list caters to everyone ensuring the dance floor is always packed when you have Atomic for your band.

How do you build the energy across the evening, and where do breaks fit?

Atomic is a high-energy, big-sounding band. If you want your dance floor packed all night and your guests to have the best time, you’ve come to the right place. We break, just in time for the evening buffet, giving everyone enough time to refuel, and catch up with friends and family. Then we return for our second set.

How do you handle song requests from guests on the night?

If we know the guest’s song request, we can definitely do it. We’re a live band so please bear in mind our setlist is designed to cater for everyone. If there’s a song we don’t know but is relatively easy, we can learn it during the break. We’re usually quite relaxed and depending on the setup that night Clare has been known to hand her mic to people for a sing-along.

How exactly do you perform the ceilidh? Who calls the dances, how do you teach the steps, and how do you get reluctant guests involved?

We can offer ceilidh, if you want it proper authentic we offer a fiddle player to come along on the night at an extra cost for some real Scottish ceilidh vibes. Usually Clare calls the dances and with some humour involved gets guests up to join the dances. We usually say 2-3 ceilidh dances on the night is more than enough.

How much do you chat with the crowd between songs, and will you make announcements?

Our confident frontwoman isn’t afraid to banter over the mic and ensures everyone has a great night. She’s happy to make announcements for couples if they’d like.

If we've booked your DJ set too, how does the handover work?

If you book a DJ hour to end the night, we’re not spinning decks. Instead, you can send us a Spotify playlist of songs you want played in the last hour and we’ll play them through our PA. Alternatively, you can make requests for the last hour or even karaoke. We’re happy to accommodate either.

What happens if something doesn't go to plan, like a late meal or schedule change?

Our approach is to remain calm and communicate transparently with the guests. For instance, if the main course is delayed, we would inform the guests about the situation and offer them an alternative, such as playing music through the P.A. system to keep them entertained and engaged until the meal is ready. This not only helps in managing the guests’ expectations but also ensures that the atmosphere remains lively and enjoyable despite the delay.

How do you handle venues with noise limiters or sound restrictions?

That’s simple, we’ll just turn the master volume down. We’ve encountered this before and it’s never been an issue. You won’t notice the difference at all. We’re a loud band and turning down a few notches doesn’t make much of a difference.

What does the dancefloor look like at 8.30pm, 10pm and 11.30pm?

As we mentioned, we’re a lively high-energy band so the dancefloor remains vibrant throughout the night. We usually say everyone is up dancing from 8pm until half past then people get drinks and so on. The energy usually ramps up again before our break and in the second set we play absolute bangers so people can't help themselves but get up and dance.

How do you close out the night, and is there a go-to finale?

Clare usually begins preparing the guests for the night’s end about 20 minutes beforehand. We express our gratitude to everyone for an amazing evening. The dancing and singing along make our jobs easy and we genuinely enjoy entertaining everyone. Our final song is an absolute classic and just when people think we’re done we wind it up with Loch Lomond, of course.

How do you know when it's been a great gig?

A good night is evident when people smile and a favourite song resonates with someone causing them to jump up and dance with excitement, filling the dance floor. We often receive compliments on our band’s talent and recommendations from satisfied customers. Our reviews tell the story.

What surprises couples most about the live band experience?

Couples often mention that hearing their chosen songs performed in person - whether during their first dance, or the evening reception, heightened the atmosphere in a way they didn’t anticipate. Guests engaged more, the energy in the room lifted, and moments they thought would be simple became deeply memorable. Many say they hadn’t realised how much live music would make the day feel unique and personal until they experienced it themselves.

What's your favourite memory from a wedding you've played?

We’ll never forget our first wedding through Coast. It was memorable for being our first but also a friend of the band’s wedding. I recall the photographer asked us to play one of our songs to get everyone gathered around the band, almost like a concert-style photograph which was cool.

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