Ten Ways to Have an Irish Wedding

Honor your Emerald Isle heritage with traditions that are romantic, clever, and a couple that are downright strange. Uncover here how to fill your wedding with all things Irish save the Blarney Stone.

Harvest Knots

According to history, Irish men declared their intentions of marriage by giving their fiancee harvest knots of straw decorated with flowers or bells to wear in their hair or around their neck. Make a harvest knot to wear on your wedding day, or place one in your bouquet to symbolize your Irish heritage.

Ceilidh

The steps of Irish folkdances are called ceilidh. Treat your attendants to an Irish dancing lesson, and then "perform" a jig to traditional Irish music at the reception.

Lace!

A way to incorporate Celtic pride into your wedding attire (besides hand-beading four leaf clovers all over your gown) is to adorn yourself with beautiful Irish lace. Known for its intricate patterns and zenith quality, wear a veil or carry a handkerchief made of this intricate Irish decoration.

Playin' o' the Pipes

Infuse your ceremony with the strains of the Irish pipes. Although bagpipes have Celtic roots, they are traditionally Scottish. For a truly Emerald Isle affair, locate an Irish uillean piper to lead the processional or recessional.

Irish Wedding Feast

The customary wedding feast in Ireland was a potluck hosted at the bride's family's home. Each guest brought traditional Irish dishes such as soda bread, coddle, and stew. Even if you're having a more formal reception, you can still celebrate this Irish tradition by having a "feast" for your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.

The Wedding Cake

Old custom dictates that the Irish wedding cake (usually a dense fruit cake with white icing) was cut by one of the bride's sisters or bridesmaids. Where would they cut it? Over her head, of course. The bride remained seated while the groomsmen held the cake over her head while her sister or best friend did the honors. Our only concern: this tradition works best and safest when the cake is NOT a four-tiered confectionary concoction. Eeeek!

Noise Makers

A noisy way to ring in your nuptials with the luck o' the Irish is to have a recessional like those in Celtic history: instead of throwing rice upon exiting the church, men would fire rifles or other firearms into the air to signal that a couple is wed. Not your traditional exit (most churches would frown upon guns in the parking lot), if the men use blanks in their guns, and if you are getting married in an area without noise ordinances, then fire away, Irish style.

Giving the Claddagh

Two hands holding a heart underneath a crown is the Irish symbol for "Let Love and Friendship Reign". Share your Irish heritage with your attendants by giving them Celtic-inspired gifts marked with the claddagh. Give your maid of honor a candle gift engraved with the "faith ring", or jewelry made of claddagh. Buy claddagh wedding rings, or wear the Irish symbol around your neck on your wedding day as a reminder of your heritage.

Tokens of Hair

A more unusual Irish tradition is for the man to give the woman he loves a bracelet woven of human hair. Symbolic of acceptance, when the woman wears the circle of hair, she is linking herself to him for life. There's no mention of exactly who's hair it is, however, so if wearing hair jewelry gives you the heevies, see "Harvest Knots" for the same idea, using straw instead.

Lucky Dates

The traditionally superstitious Irish believed that the last day of the year is especially lucky, since the couple would wake up on the first day of their new life on the first day of the new year. Plan your wedding for December 31, the luckiest of Celtic days.

Jackie Duescher provides the customer service for Keepsake Favors as well as inspiration for many of the favor creations on the site. Jackie has a special knack for finding Irish themed favors for weddings other occasions, and she firmly believes that a favor doesn't have to be expensive to impress your guests.

---

Wedding Jewelry Tips Tricks and Helpful Hints

So your not one of those fabulous actresses or models... Read More

Dressing Your Bridesmaids

For a bride, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be one... Read More

Wedding Rings

Your wedding rings were meant to last a lifetime. They... Read More

To Register or Not to Register (for Wedding Gifts)

I say always register for gifts! You see, people tend... Read More

5 Tips To Select The Best Wedding Reception Location

Being disc jockeys, we get the opportunity to evaluate many... Read More

How Wives with Cheating Husbands Can Gain the Upper Hand

Too many wives with cheating husbands put up with their... Read More

Rockland: Maines BestKept Secret for A Wedding Destination

In 2004' Rockland Maine celebrated its 150th anniversary, yet very... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Traditionally, a wedding band was worn on the ring finger... Read More

The Bachelor Party: A Guide For The Best Man

If you forget the ring, there is still a chance... Read More

It?s Never Too Early to Renew Your Wedding Vows

When you think about couples who renew their wedding vows,... Read More

Should You Wear White?

White is traditionally a symbol of purity and as it... Read More

Bora Bora Honeymoon Vacations

Poets, sailors, honeymooners and other romantics have officially declared this... Read More

Florida Honeymoon Vacations

Celebrate your marriage by planning a Florida honeymoon vacation with... Read More

Alcohol and Wedding Receptions?Everything You Will Need to Know

Sure you want your guests to enjoy themselves at your... Read More

New Findings on Happiness Have Implications for Rocky Marriages

Not only do individuals who follow Time Magazine's "Eight Steps... Read More

Belize Honeymoon Resorts

The enchanting Belize honeymoon resorts captivate every visitor through the... Read More

Wedding Planning

Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More

Destination Weddings in Oregon

Oregon is one of the most marvelous places in the... Read More

Wedding Cake Design Through History

The design of the traditional wedding cake has varied greatly... Read More

The History of Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands

These days, many people take wedding bands and engagement rings... Read More

Wedding Reception Made for You

No matter how well you plan all the aspects of... Read More

A Honeymoon Like No Other

When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination it's usually... Read More

2005 Mother Of Bride Dress

A 2005 mother of bride dress tends to have a... Read More

Wedding Vows

The vows you take to become husband and wife are... Read More

Searching For A Discount Mother Of The Bride Dress

You can look fabulous at your daughter's wedding in a... Read More

Marriage Problems: Help in Preventing Them

When we want to be successful at something in life,... Read More

Wedding Planning 101: Create a Wedding Planner

Did your wonderful husband-to-be recently "pop the question" and now... Read More

Marriage Advice: What to Throw Overboard When Your Marriage Is In Trouble

When your marriage is in trouble and you're fighting to... Read More

A Wedding For All Seasons

In times gone by it wasn't uncommon for young couples... Read More

Las Vegas Casino Weddings

If you are at all familiar with Las Vegas, you... Read More

The Perfect String Quartet Repertoire for Your Wedding

Here follows suggestions and tips that will help you determine... Read More

Making a Budget For Your Wedding

Just the thought of all the expenses that come with... Read More

Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding

The job of choosing the right wedding cake style is... Read More