Credits: 1st row: Chapel door flowers, Shamrock bouquet on Martha Stewart Weddings, Venue Castle Durrow. 2nd row: Irish coin cufflinks from Red Envelope, green bridesmaids dress on Martha Stewart Weddings, Shamrock boutonniere on Martha Stewart . 3rd row: Veil on chair photo by Gemma Comas via Sweet Paul, clover ring pillow on Martha Stewart Weddings, chandelier photo from Castle Durrow. 4th row: Bailey's mint chocolate martini on Marie Claire Australia, Bells of Ireland centerpieces on Good Housekeeping, shamrock cupcake on Martha Stewart.
Here are some charming Irish wedding traditions that would be great for anyone with Irish heritage looking to incorporate some Irish traditions into their wedding. Via The Knot.
The Claddagh Ring
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Superstitions
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Irish believed that if the sun shone on the bride, it would bring good luck to the couple. It was also lucky to hear a cuckoo on the wedding morning or to see three magpies. After the wedding ceremony, it was important that a man and not a woman be the first to wish joy to the new bride.
Locking the Door
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Irish Toast
The wedding party gathers around the bride and groom. All fill their glasses with mead and the newly wedded couple recites an Irish toast: "Friends and relatives, so fond and dear, 'tis our greatest pleasure to have you here. When many years this day has passed, fondest memories will always last. So we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God's blessing in your hour of need." The guests respond: "On this special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the old, the best of the new. God bless you both who drink this mead, may it always fill your every need."
Irish Lace
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Bagpipes and Kilts
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Lord of the Dance
Show off on the dance floor with a ceilidh, a traditional Irish set dance. Consider signing up for pre-wedding lessons -- for just you and your sweetie or for the whole bridal party. Keep in mind that some ceilidh dances are named for locations in Ireland such as the Kerry Set, the Seige of Ennis, while some waltz tunes include names such as "Galway Shawl", or "Home to Mayo" -- choose a song or dance to reflect your family's heritage or ancestral home. Be sure to share the special significance of your dance with your guests.
An Irish Feast
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The Month of Honey
The word for honey is "meala" in Irish. "Mi na meala," the month of honey, refers to the month after the wedding when the newlyweds celebrated by drinking mead, a brew made of fermented honey. Following the wedding, a sufficient amount of mead was given to the bride and groom, along with special goblets, so they could share the unique brew for one full moon after their wedding -- and thus the term honeymoon was coined. It was believed that this delicate yet potent drink was the best way to ensure a good beginning for a new marriage, and it was also believed to endow powers of virility and fertility. Source: The Knot
Sorry for the repost! Packing, moving, finals and getting ready for London have kept me super busy. I won't be posting tomorrow in honor of Japan and the blogger's day of silence, and next week I'll be leaving for London so I've lined up some great guest bloggers for the week. Next time I write to you all I'll be in London! xo - Annie
Absolutely squealed when I realized in just a few days, you'll be in London. I'm delighted you reposted-I don't think I'd seen this, and I'm fascinated by all the traditions!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful St Patty's Day, and a terrific last few days in the states!
xo, Lena
Fabulous little round up my little pumpkin! I'm like, really going to mis you when you leave.
ReplyDeleteWonderful roundup! Love the Irish blessings sealed with a toast! And an Irish lace veil would be a truly heirloom-worthy piece for a bride.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! I love this! I have a Claddagh ring that's a replacement from the first I got in Ireland when I was a kid. I love it and it means so much!
ReplyDeleteWow you must be getting so excited Annie!! I'm so envious... I miss London!!! I'm sure you'll love every bit of it (well maybe not when the tube breaks down and you need to get home.. but hey you take the good with the bad right :-)
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