Irish Wedding Traditions And Fun

Irish weddings are steeped in tradition and symbolism. From the dress to the music, there are many ways to add a little Irishness to your big day.

Irish wedding attire

Irish weddings are steeped in tradition and symbolism, and this is reflected in the attire worn by the happy couple and their guests.

Irish Wedding Dresses

Brides of Irish ancestry may choose to have their dresses specially made or embellished with Celtic symbols like knots, crosses, or shamrocks in white embroidery. Irish lace is also a prominent feature, with some brides opting for an Irish lace headpiece or veil with Irish lace accents. In colder weather, brides may wear a classic bridal cloak made of wool or a combination of lightweight wool and Irish linen. Blue was considered the lucky colour for brides in ancient times, symbolising fidelity and commitment, so don't be surprised to see this colour feature.

Irish Wedding Suits

Grooms at Irish weddings often wear kilts with a tartan that represents the county or district of Ireland they are from. This is different from Scottish weddings, where kilts are based on clan origins. The groom may also wear a Brian Boru jacket (named after an Irish warrior king), knee socks, a Sporran, a tux shirt, a bow tie, and Ghillie Brogue shoes.

Irish Wedding Guest Attire

For women, wedding attire is moderately formal. Colourful dresses are common, often paired with a "wedding hat" or a fascinator. Men typically wear lounge or business suits.

Wedding rings

Another popular Celtic wedding ring is the Celtic Knot. The twists and turns of the Celtic knot symbolise the unending love that binds two people together in marriage and their interconnectedness through life. The Trinity Knot and Dara Knot are also popular styles that can be incorporated into wedding rings.

Irish wedding rings are often made from sterling silver, gold, or alternative metals, and can be customised to include Gaelic sentiments engraved on the inside.

Irish wedding drinks

Irish weddings are known for their drinking, but they are about so much more than that. They are about celebrating and spending time with family and friends. That said, a wedding in Ireland wouldn't be complete without a toast with a drop of "crayture" (whiskey).

There are many Irish drinks to choose from for your wedding bar. Here are some of the most popular:

• Irish whiskey is a must-have, with well-known brands such as Jameson, Bushmills, and Tullamore Dew. You could set up a special Irish whiskey bar, offer whiskey toasts, serve whiskey-based cocktails, or include a whiskey tasting menu with your meal.
• Irish stout, especially Guinness, which has been brewed in Dublin since 1759. You could also serve Black Velvet, a cocktail made of half Guinness and half champagne.
• Bailey's Irish Cream, an indulgent cream liqueur with a creamy, chocolatey taste. It can be served as an after-dinner drink, either straight or chilled over ice.
• Irish coffee, a mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with freshly whipped cream. It can be served after a meal or during cocktail hour to warm guests up.
• Irish cider, either cold on a sunny day or hot and spiced in winter.
• Irish gin, such as Dingle Gin, which is produced in County Kerry and uses local botanicals.
• Mead, a traditional drink served at Irish weddings, is made from honey and can be served warm or cold. It is very sweet, so it is usually served in small amounts.
• Irish beer, such as Harp Lager, Smithwick’s Ale, Killian’s Irish Red, Beamish Stout, and Murphy’s Stout.
• Irish liqueurs like Irish Mist, a sweet and aromatic whiskey liqueur made in Dublin, and Coole Swan, a cream liqueur made with Belgian white chocolate and single malt whiskey.
• Poitín, the Irish equivalent of American moonshine, is distilled from malted grains or potatoes and milk whey. It is very potent but makes a great addition to cocktails.
• Signature cocktails with Irish ingredients or names that have personal meaning to the couple. Some examples include the Irish Mule, the Wild Irish Rose, or the Irish Kiss.

Irish wedding dances

Irish weddings are known for their lively atmosphere, with plenty of music, dancing, and celebrations. So, what can you expect from the dancing at an Irish wedding?

Firstly, it's important to note that Irish weddings are not all about drinking and partying, as some might assume. While there is often a good deal of drinking involved, the focus is more on celebrating and spending time with family and friends. That being said, the partying can go on for many, many hours!

When it comes to dancing, you can expect to see a mix of traditional and modern dances. Irish dancing will almost always make an appearance, whether it's a display by a professional Irish dancing school or a spontaneous performance by a talented guest. The music will likely include a mix of traditional Irish tunes and more modern songs, with everything from Riverdance and Galway Girl to Maniac 2000 getting an airing.

One unique aspect of Irish weddings is the presence of bagpipes or Uilleann pipes. While bagpipes are more commonly associated with Scotland, they have become popular at Irish weddings in recent decades due to their Celtic influence. The Uilleann pipes, on the other hand, are a traditional Irish instrument played sitting down, and they provide a sweeter, softer sound than their Scottish counterparts.

Another interesting dance tradition at Irish weddings is the "tie around the head" dance. By 10 pm, it's guaranteed that every man under 40 on the dance floor will have his tie tied around his head! This adds to the fun and spontaneity of the celebrations.

So, if you're attending an Irish wedding, be prepared for a night of energetic dancing, traditional music, and unique cultural touches. It's sure to be a memorable celebration!

Irish wedding superstitions

Irish weddings are steeped in superstition and tradition, with rituals to bring good luck, avoid bad luck, and keep mischievous fairies at bay.

Before the Wedding

To ensure good weather, someone from the couple's family would place a Child of Prague statue on the church grounds the day before the wedding. The bride and groom should also be careful to avoid crossing paths with a funeral procession on the way to the church, as this is considered a bad omen.

Getting Dressed

The bride's veil should be placed on her head by a happily married woman, to ensure the bride's happiness in married life. The bride should also carry a horseshoe (pointing upwards so the luck doesn't run out) and a white embroidered hanky, which would later be turned into a christening bonnet for her children. The bride might also carry a small Irish penny in her shoe, and wear a wreath of wildflowers in her hair and bouquet.

At the Church

Guests are given small bells to ring at certain points during the ceremony to ward off evil spirits. If the bride's dress gets torn during the ceremony, it's considered extremely good luck. However, if the ring falls to the floor, it's considered very bad luck.

Leaving the Church

The bride should look at the sun when leaving the church, so her future children will be beautiful. The groom should throw a handful of coins into the crowd to bring good luck to the couple, and a guest should throw a shoe over the bride's head for good luck.

At the Reception

Before the couple arrives, whiskey is sprinkled on the grounds to ward off evil spirits. During the first dance, the bride must not lift both feet off the floor, or the fairies will sweep her away. The bride and groom should also eat a small portion of salted porridge before the meal to protect them from the 'evil eye'.

After the Wedding

The newlyweds should not enter their home until at least a month after the wedding if they want a long, happy marriage. The bride's mother-in-law should break a piece of wedding cake over the bride's head as she enters the house, to ensure the two women will be friends.

Frequently asked questions