Traditions for Irish Theme Weddings

Celtic Customs that Celebrate a Couple's Family Roots in Ireland

Jun 8, 2009

Claddagh ring for exchanging at an Irish ceremony, CZalewski

When planning an Irish or Celtic themed wedding, there are a number of ways to include ancient and historical traditions and beliefs into the event.

Couples who are planning an Irish or Celtic wedding may wish to include one or two traditions that have been used by Irish couples throughout the ages. The following is a list of ideas meant to bring the customs of ancient and historical Celtic Ireland alive at a theme wedding.

Ideas for Irish Traditions for Wedding Style

A sprig of shamrock placed in the Irish wedding bouquet is meant to bring good luck to the couple in their marriage.
When included in a nosegay, rosemary is meant to honor departed relatives, according to Celtic and Irish symbolism.
According to ancient Celtic custom,Irish brides may choose to wear braids in their hair as a symbol of feminine power and luck.
For an Irish themed wedding, couples often exchange a ring in the shape of a Claddagh. The heart and the crown of the symbol represents eternal love and loyalty, and the clasped hands symbolize friendship. Claddagh wedding rings are available in a variety of styles and precious metals to suit the taste of any bride and groom.
According to Celtic superstition, the bride who wears a horseshoe on her wedding day will have good luck. In keeping with this tradition, an Irish bride may elect to wear a silver, gold or platinum necklace with a horseshoe charm as a part of their wedding jewelry.

Ideas for Irish Traditions at the Ceremony

Traditionally at Irish weddings, couples were presented with a bell to keep in their home, which was meant to be rung by either of them during an argument. The sound was meant to remind the couple of the vows made on their wedding day in order to settle any argument. At the beginning of an Irish or Celtic themed wedding, the parents of the bride and groom can present the couple a ceramic or silver bell decorated with the Claddagh.
In ancient Celtic weddings, the groom presented his bride with a coin after the exchange of the rings to symbolize the fact that he will share his possessions with her throughout his life. The bride then passed the coin along to her eldest son on his wedding day for him to present to his bride. During an Irish themed ceremony, the groom can give his bride a newly minted coin to start this tradition.
During ancient times, Irish couples participated in a betrothal ceremony called "hand-fasting," in which witnesses encircled the couple as they pledged their commitment to one another. At the conclusion their vows, the couple's hands were bound together to represent their upcoming union. In modern Irish or Celtic weddings, the officiant may tie together the hands of the bride and groom before the presentation of the couple and their first kiss as husband and wife.
According to Irish folklore, throwing coins to wedding guests meant good luck and prosperity for the couple. To honor this tradition, modern brides and grooms can toss chocolate coins to the guests as they exit the ceremony site.

Ideas for Irish Traditions at the Reception

Ancient Celts often married by bodies of water, and following the service, guests threw stones into the water while making a wish for the couple. In keeping with this tradition, couples can purchase a marble stone fountain with a deep basin that can be brought to the reception. Next to the fountain, the couple can place a stack of small, decorative rocks and black, silver or white permanent markers. As guests enter the wedding, they can write down a wish for the couple on the rock and place it into the fountain. A decorative sign explaining the tradition can be placed beside the display.
At ancient Irish weddings, salt and oatmeal were consumed by the bride and groom before the wedding feast to protect them from evil. At a modern Celtic themed wedding, this tradition can be observed by serving oatmeal cookies baked with a pinch of salt at the beginning of the reception.
During a Celtic wedding feast, the bride and groom often drank out of a large goblet with two handles called a "quaich", which was presented to them by the guests as a symbol of the joining of their families. At Irish themed weddings, the fathers of the bride and groom can jointly give the quaich to the couple prior to the wedding toast, and the newlyweds can drink from it throughout the meal.
Honey wine called "Bunratty Meade" was a traditional beverage for Celtic newlyweds at their wedding feast. At an Irish themed-reception, the meade can be used in place of champagne for the wedding toast.

After deciding what traditions to incorporate in their wedding ceremony and reception, couples may also consider readings, music, flowers and favors in keeping with the Irish and Celtic theme.

The copyright of the article Traditions for Irish Theme Weddings in Wedding Services/Receptions is owned by Hayley Harrison. Permission to republish Traditions for Irish Theme Weddings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.