Irish Wedding Traditions

There is a popular movement these days of incorporating elements of your cultural heritage. No heritage is more colorful, historical or fun than the Irish. Of course, this lends to a great time when it comes to Irish wedding traditions. The Celtic culture of Ireland is as rich and as old as time. You will discover that with Irish weddings, you would only have to incorporate just a few elements to have a lovely Irish feel.

While you can have traditional wedding moments in your ceremony and reception, just a few hints of Irish wedding traditions are needed such as the use of shamrocks or clovers. “Luck of the Irish” is a standard in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and this holds true to even Irish weddings. Read on for some more hints into Irish wedding traditions:

1. Irish wedding music – As you can imagine, bagpipes and fiddles play a large part in traditional Irish music for a wedding. You can listen to Irish wedding music recordings to select which Irish wedding song sheet music to have your musicians play at the ceremony and reception. Per Irish wedding traditions, the most requested song is “The Irish Wedding Song.” It is a waltz which is kicked off by the bride and groom.
2. Irish wedding dresses – In ancient times, the wedding dress was blue because it was thought that it was a pure color. However, now the dresses are white as per tradition in many cultures, not just the Irish. To pay tribute to some of those old Irish wedding traditions though, some brides may wish to incorporate blue detailing on their wedding gowns. The grooms may wear a traditional kilt with their family crest of colors.
3. Irish wedding blessing – This blessing comes in many forms. No matter which blessing is used, it signifies a union before God. There is one popular blessing that can be used either for the ceremony itself or as part of some Irish wedding toasts to the newly married couple.
4. Irish wedding rings – Based on Irish wedding traditions, the wedding ring is the Claddagh. Depicted by a pair of hands holding a heart topped by a crown, each part has significant meaning. The heart is true love; the crown is loyalty and the hands stand for everlasting friendship.

Other parts of Irish wedding traditions are reflected in the favors, gifts and the guest book. Irish wedding favors are typically in the form of keepsakes. These keepsakes may have the Claddagh incorporated in it, the Irish wedding blessing or even shamrocks or horseshoes which the Irish also view as good luck. The Irish wedding guest book includes many of the same elements. As for Irish wedding gifts, besides what the wedded couple registered for, gifts of horseshoes and other Irish symbols are given as well.

Overall, the Irish wedding traditions are great fun. They add a depth and unquantifiable element to the wedding proceedings that make for a memorable time.