Are you curious about Irish wedding traditions? Whether you’ve been invited to an Irish wedding or simply want to learn more about the Irish wedding culture, we’ve put down a list of 13 Irish wedding rituals and their significance you should know about.
Wedding traditions, influenced by cultural practises and religion, vary globally. While these traditions may be routine for those who observe them, they might appear peculiar to outsiders. Irish wedding rituals are especially distinctive and imbued with deep cultural significance.
Know Everything About Irish Wedding Traditions
In Ireland, many wedding traditions are an essential part of modern celebrations. Here are some of the most common ones that you might encounter at a typical Irish wedding.
1. Bride’s Attire
Traditionally, brides may wear white, but in Ireland, a bride can wear a blue dress due to its cultural significance. The attire is often embellished with traditional symbols such as crosses, Celtic knots, shamrocks, and Irish lace, especially on the veil. In winter, brides might layer up with a traditional bridal cloak made of linen or warm wool for extra warmth.
2. Groom’s Attire
The groom typically wears a traditional Irish kilt, which represents Irish counties. The outfit is paired with matching knee-length socks, formal Ghillie Brogues shoes, a tuxedo shirt, a bow tie, a sporran adorned with shamrock and Celtic symbols, and a Brian Boru jacket named after the legendary Irish king.
3. Something Blue
The traditional Irish wedding tradition of ‘something blue’ ties back to Irish history when Ireland’s flag was blue with a gold Celtic harp. Blue accents are added to the wedding decor, bouquet, or other aspects of the wedding. The colour is considered lucky for the bride, and it symbolises a commitment to their partner.
4. Pre-Wedding Drinks
This is one of the fun traditional wedding ceremonies in Ireland. On the eve of their wedding, the bride and groom separately enjoy drinks with their bridesmaids and groomsmen, respectively. This helps them get rid of any pre-wedding jitters.
5. Claddagh Ring
This Irish-style wedding ring features two hands clasping a heart topped with a crown. Originating from Galway in the 1700s, the ring symbolises love, friendship, and loyalty. Looking to infuse some Irish traditions into your own wedding? Cheque-out wedding rings with Irish design at Angara.
6. Tying the Knot (Handfasting)
This ancient Celtic tradition dates back 2,000 years and involves the officiant binding the couple’s hand together with a cord or ribbon during the vows. The tradition allows the couple to live together for a maximum of one year and one day. After which, if the couple finds themselves incompatible they can easily separate.
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7. Horseshoe
In Ireland, a horseshoe is considered a symbol of good luck and is presented to the bride on her wedding day to ward off evil spirits. The groom later hangs it in their home for protection. This Irish custom is still practised today and you’ll find that many households have horseshoes displayed as a symbol of good fortune.
8. The Music & Dancers
An Irish wedding reception is incomplete without Irish dancers and traditional pipe music. This entertainment is an essential part of the wedding to liven up the party and get the guests grooving on the dance floor.
9. Traditional Irish Instrument
The Irish Uilleann Pipes are traditional Irish instruments that are quite similar to the Scottish bagpipes but are smaller in size. This instrument may be featured in a traditional Irish wedding to entertain guests before the ceremony and during the reception. It can be played during the bride’s entry and also when the bride and groom walk down the aisle after the ceremony.
Read: Wedding Band Significance
10. The Dowry
A dowry is the transfer of money or goods from the bride’s parents to her when she gets married. This is a way for the bride’s parents to ensure she has financial security in case of a neglectful or irresponsible husband, or case of widowhood. The size or amount for the dowry varies from family to family and can include family heirlooms, jewellery, or even property.
11. Food & Drinks
At an Irish wedding, after the main meal, keep your eyes peeled for the second round, which includes an assortment of finger-licking food. This may include sausage rolls, cocktail sausages, or delicious crisp sandwiches you can gorge on.
Read: Best Jewellery for Wedding Guests
12. Toast
At an Irish wedding, the bride and groom often toast their guests with Meade, the oldest drink in Ireland, made from honey. Other drink options might include Irish whiskey, Irish mist liqueur, cider, cream liqueur, and beer. Raise your glass and enjoy. Sláinte!
13. Speech Betting
A traditional Irish ceremony includes speeches which the guests will turn into a fun game. Each person at a table will bet on how long the speech will take and the winner takes all the bettings but has to buy a round of drinks for the table.
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FAQs
1. Can the bride wear something other than white at an Irish wedding?
Yes, she can. At an Irish wedding, a bride can wear blue, a colour considered lucky.
2. What are the handfasting rituals in an Irish wedding?
The handfasting ritual, also known as tying of the knot, involves an officiant binding the couple’s hands during the exchange of their vows, symbolising their union.
3. Is there any special music or dance in the Irish wedding tradition?
Yes, traditional Irish weddings feature Uilleann pipes and Irish dancers, providing unique entertainment.
4. Are there any symbolic gifts or rituals in Irish weddings?
A horseshoe is a symbolic gift given to the bride for good luck and protection against evil.
