by Danielle Andrews Sunkel
Even if you can’t bring your wedding to Ireland, you can bring Ireland to your wedding. Here are some tips for a Modern Irish Wedding.
The Date
The last day of the year is considered an especially lucky time for an Irish marriage.
Wedding Rings
Claddagh rings, when worn on the ring finger of the left hand with the heart facing in, tell the world your heart is taken forever.
The Celtic Knot is another popular choice for Wedding Rings.
The Bouquet
Have florist weave tiny harvest knots into the bride’s bouquet (traditionallyIrish men traditionally gave these to their sweethearts to show their devotion).
Photo credit: www.irishcultureandcustoms.com
The Ceremony
Hire a piper to play at the ceremony. A child should present a satin horseshoe to the bride at the end of the ceremony. This represents good luck. Insert the horseshoe open end up into the bridal bouquet, so the luck won’t run out. (The horseshoe can then serve as a family heirloom to pass on to the couple’s children.)
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The Reception
- Make a special toast to the person who introduced the couple. This tradition stems from the days when a matchmaker would have been the one
to introduce the couple. - Serve a traditional Irishwedding cake. A fruit cake filled with almonds, raisins, cherries, fed with brandy or bourbon.
- Play a traditional Irish song or dance that reflects your family’s specific heritage.
- Play popular songs such as “The IrishWedding Song,” “Oh Danny Boy,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” and “My Favorite Irish Rose.”
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