The use of traditions and customs is what makes an Irish wedding so special.
Irish weddings often include some fairly modern customs, as well as traditions of times long past. It is not hard to have an Irish themed wedding, even on a budget. Below we’ll explore some of the more common and even some of the more whimsical traditions, but there are many others that you could choose to include.
1. Be sure to include an
Irish blessing during either the ceremony or the reception. You could include such a blessing in your vows, in a speech, or even as small cards at each place during the reception.
2. By tradition, Irish brides often carry a horseshoe down the aisle. It is a symbol of good luck, and the open end of the shoe is normally kept pointing upwards (so that the luck does not run out).
3. Using Celtic or
Claddagh unity candles can be a wonderful way to include your heritage in the ceremony itself. The two tapers are often lit by the families, and during the ceremony, the bride and groom use those tapers to light the unity candle.
4. You can use an Irish wedding cake topper as part of the decoration on your cake. They are normally available in either fine pewter, or china, and are truly beautiful accents.
5. Exchanging
Irish wedding coins is another traditional custom. Sometimes the groom gives his new bride the coin right after exchanging rings. It is a symbol of all his worldy goods. In other weddings, both the bride and the groom exchange these coins. It is said that if they “clink” during the exchange that the couple will be blessed with the gift of child.
6. There’s also the old Irish saying of “Marry in May and rue the day” meaning that it is considered bad luck to marry during the month of May.
7. Using an Irish wedding bell is another great custom. The bell can be used during the ceremony, and can also be used to announce toasts, etc. at the reception. After the wedding day, the bell is kept in a convenient place around the house. Should the new couple find themselves in a disagreement, one of them can ring the bell signalling a moment to reflect upon their wedding day, and their love for each other. This has proven to be a very popular Irish wedding gift.
8. Inviting your future husband over for dinner in the days prior to your wedding is another fine Irish tradition. For this meal, a cooked goose is normally served, and the term “his goose is cooked” originates from this custom. This meal is considered to bring good luck to the couple.
9. Consider drinking Bunratty Meade,a honey wine, both at the reception, and for one full moon (a.k.a. one month) afterwards. It is one of the oldest drinks in Ireland, and is thought to promote male virility. The drinking of Bunratty Meade for a period following the wedding is what led to the phrase “The Honeymoon.” If you are interested in obtaining this beverage, please call their US headquarters at 1800 422-6356.
10. Use wildflowers as your bouquet or in your hair to accent your headpiece. Many Irish weddings were rural in nature, and brides had to use what was readily available. This is a wonderful way to continue a rural Irish tradition.
Celtic By Design offers a large selection of fine
Irish wedding accessories for your wedding. We also offer
Irish and Celtic wedding bands, Irish wedding gifts, and a gift registry. Visit us online at
www.celticbydesign.com.
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