Irish Wedding Traditions |
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Are you thinking of having an Irish wedding? Whether you’re Irish or just want some of their luck, there are a number of charming Irish wedding traditions you can consider to enrich your wedding day.
Probably the most famous Irish wedding tradition is the claddagh ring, with its beautiful heart, hands, and crown design. It’s a popular and lovely symbol of love and loyalty both in Ireland and the world over.
Before the wedding, an Irish bride can ensure good luck for herself by rising to the songs of birds. She also should not fasten on her veil – instead, a happily married woman should do the honors, to help bring happiness into the marriage. Some Irish brides carry a horseshoe for good luck, which must always be carried like the letter “U” so the luck won’t leak out. And to show her dedication to her new life, the bride should take a different road home from the church than the one she used to get there.
An old Irish wedding tradition is the handfasting ceremony – tying the bride and groom’s hands together with special ribbon as part of the wedding ceremony. While the origin of this tradition is unknown and many variations occur, the symbolism is pretty straightforward, signifying the “tying” of a bond between the couple.
During the wedding ceremony, Irish wedding music or Celtic music, which is the traditional music used for weddings, can be played.
Of course, after the wedding, the newly wedded couple should toast their guests with an Irish blessing using some Irish wedding toasting glasses, and the guests respond in turn with a toast of their own. There are many beautiful Irish blessings – the hard part will be choosing just one or two! An t-adh leat! (Good luck!)
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July 9th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
There are movies with an Irish wedding theme: Leap Year (2010), Laws of Attraction (2004), The Commitments (1991 but not really much in this one), Ryan’s Daughter (1970 – set in 1916 era) and The Quiet Man (1952). All present various traditions that you might want to follow and others that you surely don’t. I’d love to hear if anyone knows of any more movies with Irish Wedding traditions. All are fun to watch.
July 10th, 2010 at 9:17 am
This is my Celtic wedding theme information
There is an Irish saying, “Marry in April if you can, joy for maiden and for man.”
Irish themed wedding attire: The bride’s gown can be complimented by adding a Celtic Trinity Knot necklace, which can be found by browsing online shops. A custom made cloak of Irish linen, fully lined with raw silk and attachable hoods, will give an authentic cover up for the bride marrying in colder climates and wanting the Irish look. The groom can also keep with the Irish theme by donning a green cummerbund and Irish tuxedo vest.
The horse shoe plays integral part of an Irish themed wedding. It can be used in favors, on a necklace for the bride and her bridesmaids or simply as an ornament to enhance seating cards.
Shamrock plants make great wedding table centerpieces, favors and even small bouquets.
The four leaf clover symbolizes wealth, fame and good health, so use that image everywhere/anywhere in your wedding decor. Best for printing on wedding programs, invitations and favors. Bride’s wedding day hankies can have clover embroidered into the fabric for that sentimental touch.
No respectable Irish themed wedding can be without use of the traditional Waterford crystal.
You may still require a trip to Ireland to fully integrate the Irish culture with your wedding plans. Happy travels!
July 27th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I have to say, weddings in Ireland can be amazing. If you can afford it, a castle along the west of Ireland cannot be beaten. This is the main reason so many celebs decide to enter the Emerald Isle and get married. France for engagement, Ireland for wedding. The dream destinations.
August 3rd, 2010 at 10:07 am
Agree with Aine so much. Castle wedding here can be so amazing.
The Claddagh ring is an old Irish wedding ring – myself and my wife have them. It is named after an area in Galway in the west of Ireland. The Crown signifies loyalty, the Hands signify friendship and the Heart, of course, for love.
The brides veil is generally pinned in place by the brides mother.
Probably the one tradition missed here is the putting of “The Child of Prague” (Catholic statue) in the garden to ensure good weather on the day of the wedding. This is put in the garden on the night before the wedding by the brides family.
Celtic music is not a must for your wedding, brides tending more towards contemporary music though there is a growing trend to have a Celtic Dancing group provide some wedding entertainment before the music starts.
June 24th, 2011 at 7:31 am
Hi Mike,
The very first ever claddagh ring is on display in Dublin at the moment, sii it at Weldon’s Antiques.