Irish Themed Weddings Show Personality
A Memorable Way to Plan a Wedding
Whether a couple getting married is of Irish decent or just loves Ireland and its culture, having an Irish themed wedding is a fun and unique way to celebrate their marriage vows in a way that is infused with their personality. While the ultimate Irish wedding would be to go to Ireland, find a beautiful old castle and incorporate every Irish wedding tradition they can find, this is not always practical. Here are some ideas for an Irish themed wedding that can be done without leaving home.
Location
Old-style stone churches or chapels with plenty of stained glass make beautiful locations for Irish themed weddings. Most churches like this are Catholic. If the couple is looking to have a secular service, a lush, wooded grove would be very much in the theme. Parks and wineries are beautiful outdoor settings. Depending on the location, the reception and ceremony might be held in the same location.
Irish Themed Wedding Entertainment
There are many traditional Irish dance groups who perform at a variety of events, including weddings. They can be found at Highland Games, Irish Festivals, Renaissance Faires, and of course the Internet.
There are many Irish and Celtic musical groups that they can hire to play music for the ceremony as well as the reception—although they may want to switch to a DJ at some point for dance music everyone can relate to.
Wedding Party
It has become popular for men in America to wear Scottish great kilts, often with Irish tartans, to Irish themed functions. Naturally, a solid woolen Irish style kilt would be more traditional, but they might be a bit harder to find. Another look that does not involve the baring of legs is allowing the men to wear suits—earth tones and tweeds are perfect. This would be more casual than the typical wedding tuxedo, but more appropriate for the Irish theme.
Women can find dresses in an Irish style in specialty shops that carry Irish garments, but it might be easiest to order them straight from Ireland off the Internet. The bride and her attendants can wear traditional wreathes of wildflowers in their hair, and the bride must keep a horseshoe with her for good luck—it can either be a real one or one made of porcelain.
Instead of traditional wedding bands, the couple might want to exchange traditional Irish Claddaghs. These lovely rings are carved to look like two hands holding onto a heart.
Wedding Favors for the Irish Theme
If the couple wants to have a kitchy Irish themed wedding with images of shamrocks and leprechauns, there are thousands of decorations and party favors to be had. They can be found on the Internet all year round, but stores are flooded with them during the weeks surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. However, for a classy, more traditional wedding, bells are traditional Irish gifts because they are thought to keep evil spirits away. Guests should be instructed to ring them during the processional, then take them home as a keepsake of the day.
There are so many ways to incorporate love for Irish heritage into a wedding. Whether done in a silly, kitchy style or one that is rich in tradition and authenticity, an Irish themed wedding can be great fun and something to remember forever.
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