Seven Ways to Have an Irish Wedding
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The key to pulling off a coordinated
event: Evoke your theme throughout the affair. Whether that theme is
as general as a season or a feeling, or as specific as a special flower, it should be the subtle thread that ties
everything together. Your location, invitations, flowers, menu,
cake, and favors should all cleverly reflect one common concept.
Then, get as creative as you can!
Honor your Irish heritage in ways
romantic and clever with these great old traditions. Add them to your
ceremony and reception to remind you of the Emerald Isle.
Harvest Knots
According to history, Irish men declared
their intentions of marriage by giving their fiancée 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.
Flowers
The traditional green flower for
Irish weddings is Bells of Ireland (pictured in the arrangements
above). Add green Limon Roses, green Hydrangeas, green Carnations,
green Mums & green Calla Lilies.
Lace!
A way to incorporate Celtic pride into
your wedding attire. 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
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.
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.
Tie the Knot with
Handfasting
Ever wonder how the saying "Tie the Knot"
originated? It was derived from the ancient Celtic
tradition of handfasting in which a couple's wrists
were loosely tied together during their wedding
ceremony to symbolize their commitment to each
other. Whether you're Irish or not, you may want to
include Handfasting Ribbons in your ceremony.
Incorporate an
ancient Celtic ritual into your ceremony with
Irish Love Knot Handfasting Ribbons, exclusive
to My Spiritual Wedding. The set includes a pewter
love knot brooch and thirteen colorful ribbons each
with a special meaning like unity, honor, prosperity
or energy. The ribbon set measures 3 feet long and
arrives in an organza bag. Included are directions
for use, suggested prayers and a complete list of
the symbolic meaning of your ribbons.
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Wedding
Invitations & Accessories
by Carlson Craft
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Luck of the Irish |
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| The
lucky 4-leaf clover invites guests to save the date for
your wedding day |
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Claddagh |
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| This
Irish symbol on a bright white card extends love and
friendship to your guests. |
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