If you’ve always dreamed of a true Irish wedding, here are seven Irish wedding traditions you can include on your big day.
Bring on the wildflowers!
Many traditional Irish brides wore a crown of flowers in their hair in place of a veil. Today wildflowers often appear in modern weddings throughout the general décor and within bridal party bouquets. The groom can also get involved by wearing a boutonniere that coordinates with the bride’s bouquet!
The Claddagh Ring
A traditional Irish wedding ring adorned with two hands holding a heart, topped by a crown. The ring represents faith, love, and honour and can be worn in a specific way to demonstrate a woman’s relationship status:
- Unmarried and not engaged: ring is worn with the heart facing outward on her right hand.
- Engaged: ring is warm with the heart facing her heart on her right hand.
- Married: the ring is moved to the left hand during the wedding ceremony with the heart facing her own heart.
Braid Your Hair
Twist a modern hair trend into a long time Irish traiditon by braiding your hair. There are so many different options, you and your stylist are bound to come up with one that looks brilliant on you. And for all of your efforts, braids are said to be good luck!
Display your lucky horseshoe!
Another fun tradition with many options to customize it for your special day, display your lucky horseshoe for all to see – pointing up, of course, to keep your luck from running out.
Handfasting
It’s time to quite literally “tie the knot!”
This ancient Celtic tradition is when the couple faces each other and holds right hand to right hand, left hand to left hand. Their hands are then gently bound together with a ribbon creating the infinity symbol, to represent the beginning of their relationship.
Add bells!
The sound of bells ringing is said to restore harmony, keep evil spirits at bay, and remind a couple of their wedding vows. Pinterest has a number of ideas as to how you can add bells to your jewelry and decor, (think bracelets, bouquets, etc.)
Share an Irish blessing or toast.
Maybe you have a favorite Irish blessing or toast you’ve heard time and time again, or perhaps you want to write your own. Either way, have the father of the bride share it with your guests to kick-start your wedding.
Something to keep in mind… once you’ve hired a wedding photographer, give them a list of all the special Irish wedding traditions you will follow during your ceremony and reception. This will ensure that these special moments are remembered forever within your wedding photos.
If you are looking to hire an Ireland wedding photographer or just want to chat about the best ways to incorporate these Irish wedding traditions into your special day, please email me at info@silkephotography.ie. I can’t want to speak with you!
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