Franklin Dean
In Ireland, wedding dresses were historically more practical, with brides wearing a fancier version of their everyday dress, or an outfit that could be worn again. In ancient Ireland, blue was the colour of purity, so many brides wore blue wedding dresses. White wedding dresses became popular after Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, and by 1900, white dresses were common in Ireland, though their popularity waned during the two world wars. In the 1930s, brides wore long-sleeved, high-neck dresses, and in the 1950s, ball gowns with huge skirts became popular. Today, Irish brides may wear custom-made dresses with Celtic symbols, or designer gowns with the symbols embroidered inside.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress colour | Blue was the traditional colour for Irish brides, symbolising purity. White dresses became popular after Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, but this trend was slow to catch on in Ireland. |
| Style | Simple, practical, and often made or rented. They were usually a fancier version of everyday dress, with some lace if the bride was lucky. |
| Fabric | Silk was popular, but those who couldn't afford it used rayon. |
| Design | High-necklines and long sleeves were common, with figure-skimming silhouettes. |
| Embellishments | Celtic symbols like knots, shamrocks, and crosses were embroidered in white. |
| Handkerchief | Irish brides often carried a white Irish linen handkerchief embroidered with shamrocks for luck. |
| Veil | Veils were worn to ward off evil spirits. |
| Flowers | Carrying fragrant flowers was a tradition. |
| Day of the week | Sunday was the most popular day for weddings in ancient Ireland. |
| Music | Uilleann pipes, Celtic harp, and Irish bands. |
| Dance | Irish dancing is an integral part of the wedding reception. |
| Food and drink | Meade (or mead) is the oldest drink in Ireland and is served at weddings. |
| Gifts | Small bells were traditionally given as wedding gifts to ward off evil spirits and bring harmony to the marriage. |
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What You'll Learn
- Irish brides traditionally wore blue, a symbol of purity
- White dresses became popular after Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840
- Wedding dresses were once a fancier version of everyday dress
- Celtic symbols like knots, shamrocks and crosses are embroidered on dresses
- Bells are rung at weddings to ward off evil spirits
Irish brides traditionally wore blue, a symbol of purity
In Ireland, the wedding dress was typically a fancier version of everyday dress. Women wore outfits that they could wear again as their Sunday best, or to other weddings. Some made dresses that could easily be altered so they could be used for other life events, like christenings. While white dresses did make an appearance, they held no greater importance than dresses of any other colour. In fact, white dresses were considered appropriate for brides in mourning.
Irish brides traditionally wore blue dresses as a symbol of purity. Blue, with its cool and calming effect, has been considered a symbol of purity, fidelity and devotion since ancient times. Thus, by wearing blue, it was believed that brides would not only pledge their love to their partner but also promise a faithful, enduring marriage. The style and design of traditional blue Irish wedding dresses have changed over the years, but they have always retained their timeless elegance. Historically, Irish brides favoured blue dresses, but the exact shade of blue has varied. In the medieval period, brides often wore deep, rich shades of blue, which were the colour of piety. However, it must be noted that wealthier medieval brides wore red or gold, as these dyes were more expensive and rarer.
In the 19th century, the influence of Queen Victoria's white wedding gown began to overshadow the tradition of the Irish blue wedding dress. Through the Victorian era, the queen's wedding gown played a significant role in popularising white as the choice for brides, ultimately sidelining the Irish blue wedding dress. Today, most brides wear white, and the "traditional" white dress has become the norm. However, in recent times, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional customs, and some contemporary Irish brides are finding ways to incorporate blue into their wedding attire.
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White dresses became popular after Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840
In Ireland, the traditional wedding dress was a blue gown, a symbol of purity, rather than white. In the past, Irish brides wore a fancier version of their everyday dress, often in a colour other than white. These dresses were often altered and worn to other events, such as christenings.
However, white dresses became popular for brides after Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. The trend was slow to catch on in Ireland, but by 1900, white dresses were common. Queen Victoria wore a white silk gown with a deep flounce of Honiton lace and a satin train over six yards long. The dress was considered restrained by royal standards, with no jewels, crown, or velvet robes. Victoria's choice of a white dress was likely influenced by the perception of white as a symbol of innocence and purity. In a biography of Queen Victoria published in 1840, Agnes Strickland wrote:
> [Victoria was dressed] "not as a queen in her glittering trappings, but in spotless white, like a pure virgin, to meet her bridegroom."
Before Queen Victoria, wedding dresses came in a variety of colours. White dresses were not popular as they were difficult to keep clean, so they were viewed as a sign of wealth.
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Wedding dresses were once a fancier version of everyday dress
In Ireland, wedding dresses were once a fancier version of everyday dress. Brides would wear an outfit that they could also wear as their Sunday best or to other weddings. Some brides chose dresses that could be easily altered so they could be worn to other life events, such as christenings. In the past, wedding dresses were not expected to be worn only once and then never again. This idea would have been considered absurd, even for the very rich, before the industrial revolution.
In the 1930s, guests at weddings were photographed in their normal everyday attire. However, by the 1950s, this had changed, and guests were expected to dress more formally. In the early 20th century, wedding dresses were often simple, with cheap fabrics and a touch of lace. They were usually designed with long sleeves, high necks, and ruffles.
In the 1920s, wedding dresses became lighter, with straight lace and silk replacing the heavier ballgowns of the early 1900s. During World War II, wedding fashion was limited by rationing, and brides had to settle for practical dresses due to resource scarcity. After the war, Queen Elizabeth's wedding dress inspired romantic brides who wanted to look youthful and feminine, with features like embroidered flowers or shorter skirts.
The tradition of wearing white wedding dresses originated with Queen Victoria's marriage to Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1840. The colour white symbolized purity and was originally associated with the Virgin Mary. However, white dresses also communicated the status and wealth of the wearer, as they were costlier and harder to keep clean. While white dresses became popular in the Western world after Queen Victoria's wedding, they did not hold greater importance than dresses of other colours in Ireland. Brides in Ireland wore wedding dresses of various colours, including red, purple, and blue.
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Celtic symbols like knots, shamrocks and crosses are embroidered on dresses
In Ireland, wedding dresses were traditionally a fancier version of an everyday dress, often in a colour other than white. Women would wear their wedding dress again to other weddings or special occasions, and some made dresses that could be easily altered for events like christenings. White dresses became fashionable in Ireland after Queen Victoria started the trend in 1840, but the idea didn't gain traction until the 20th century.
Today, some brides of Irish ancestry continue to wear colourful wedding dresses, but they also have their dresses specially made or embellished with Celtic symbols. These symbols are often embroidered in white and include Celtic knots, shamrocks, and Irish crosses. The Celtic knot, with its infinite loop, symbolises unity and unending love. Shamrocks, which feature in many Irish wedding traditions, are considered lucky. The Irish cross, meanwhile, combines the Christian cross with the pagan sun symbol, representing the importance of the cross to pagan followers.
In addition to embroidery, Celtic symbols may be incorporated into other aspects of the wedding dress. For example, the Claddagh Ring, a symbol of love or friendship, can be worn as part of the bride's outfit. Similarly, shamrocks may be tucked into the bridal bouquet or sewn into a white handkerchief, which is another traditional Irish wedding accessory.
Beyond the wedding dress, Celtic symbols are also used in other parts of Irish weddings. For example, the Celtic harp, a national symbol of Ireland, is often included in the wedding music. The groom and other male wedding attendees may also wear kilts, which are considered formal attire in Ireland.
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Bells are rung at weddings to ward off evil spirits
The tradition of ringing bells at weddings to ward off evil spirits can be traced back to ancient Celtic lands, such as Ireland and Scotland. In these ancient cultures, it was believed that ringing church bells would not only ward off evil spirits but also grant wishes. The sound of the bells was thought to scare off any lurking spirits or ghosts, ensuring they did not stick around to ruin the celebration.
Today, the tradition of bell ringing at weddings continues, though it may be practised without the original intention of warding off evil spirits. Wedding bells are rung to celebrate the union of the couple and mark their grand exit from the ceremony. They may also be rung during the reception to encourage a kiss between the newlyweds.
The bell-ringing ritual can be incorporated into modern weddings in various ways. Guests can be provided with hand bells to ring after the first kiss or as the couple exits the ceremony. Small bells can be tied with ribbons and given to guests, or children's handbells that play different notes can be used for a more harmonious sound. As a sustainable alternative to confetti, bells can also be rung as the couple walks down the aisle after the ceremony.
In ancient Ireland, weddings were simple affairs, with only close family and friends in attendance. Brides often rented their dresses or had them made by family members, and these dresses were usually of simple design with cheap fabrics and some lace. The colour white was not associated with weddings until Queen Victoria made it fashionable in 1840, and even then, it took some time to gain popularity in Ireland. Before that, Irish brides wore dresses of various colours, including blue, which was a symbol of purity in ancient times.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional colour of wedding dresses in Ireland was blue, as this colour was a symbol of purity. However, white dresses became popular after Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840, and by 1900, white was the most common colour for wedding dresses.
Traditional Irish wedding dresses were typically a fancier version of an everyday dress. They were often made from silk or, for those who couldn't afford it, rayon. High necklines and long sleeves were common, and dresses usually had figure-skimming silhouettes.
No, guests at traditional Irish weddings would usually wear their normal, everyday attire. Even in the 1930s, guests were photographed looking like they were "off to the market". By the 1950s, however, guests were expected to dress up.
While white is now widely known as the traditional colour for bridal gowns in the United Kingdom, some modern Irish brides choose to wear a blue dress or accessory as a nod to this old tradition.
