Planning an Irish Wedding

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and just be my friend."

This old Irish proverb is as timely a sentiment today as it was long ago. It perfectly expresses what a marriage should be.

If you're planning a traditional Irish wedding or simply want to add cultural touches to your wedding celebration, we'll help you get started. Weddings in Ireland are an important time for the bride and groom to connect with their roots and bring a sense of tradition and identity to the new family.

The first step in planning your Irish wedding is to sit down with your fiance(e) and together decide on the type of wedding ceremony and reception you wish to have. Decide which Irish customs you want to incorporate into both events (ideas below). Also, decide if family and/or guests will participate in the ceremony.

Celebrate your Irish heritage with stylish Irish and Celtic themed wedding accessories.
Wedding Bulletins	Irish Cake Toppers	Irish Favor & Place Cards
Irish Toasting Glasses	Traditional Lucky Horseshoes	Celtic Charm Accessories
Consider these ideas to set the tone of your Irish wedding: Order Irish-themed wedding invitations & stationery. Use Celtic-like fonts in all stationery. Lucky Horseshoe. Irish brides used to carry a real horseshoe for good luck. Today, there are fashionable alternatives that can be incorporated into your bridal bouquet. Magic Hanky. This custom involves having the bride carry a hanky that, with a few stitches, is turned into a christening bonnet for the couple's first child. With a couple of snips it can be turned back into a hanky that your child can carry on his/her wedding day. Wedding Flowers. Wildflowers are a traditional favorite for Irish brides whether worn on the head as a floral wreath or carried in a bouquet. Other flowers and decorative greenery to consider: Bells of Ireland, ivy garland, shamrocks. Have someone perform "The Irish Wedding Song" at either the ceremony or reception. If it will be sang at the reception, have typed lyric sheets on the tables for guests to sing along. Hiring a piper is another option. Recite a Druidic blessing during a unity candle ceremony. A great one to read: We swear by peace and love to stand, Heart to heart and hand to hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, Confirming this our Sacred Vow. Luck Money. After wedding rings are exchanged, the bride and groom exchange coins as a symbol of sharing worldly goods. This is a modern version of the custom that involved the groom paying luck money to the bride's family in order to bring happiness and blessings upon them. As rituals are performed during the ceremony, ask your clergyperson to explain to guests the significance of each activity. Make-Up Bells. In Irish tradition, bell chimes are thought to keep evil spirits away and restore harmony if a couple is fighting by reminding them of their wedding vows. Have your greeters hand out tiny bells to your guests to ring during the processional; let guests know (in the printed program) when and why they're to be rung. Guests could also use the bells at the reception in lieu of clinking glasses. Hire an Irish dancing group to perform at the reception. Readings. Either have someone recite an Irish proverb at the ceremony or have it printed in the wedding program. Give "lucky" wedding favors to your guests by decorating favor boxes or bags with horseshoe charms. Toast with Bunratty Meade. Bunratty Meade is a honey-based wine produced from an ancient Irish recipe. In the old days, it was served at Irish weddings because it was thought to promote virility. Incorporate traditional Irish dishes into your wedding reception menu. Find a caterer who can create Irish dishes tailored to your needs.