Weddings are shrouded in tradition and sentimentality. Whether you are saying ‘I do’ in Ireland or you are marrying abroad and want to embrace your Irish heritage, explore our collection of utterly romantic Irish wedding traditions and consider including some in your special day. Many Irish wedding traditions come from Celtic descent but there are also some traditions that date back as far as Ancient Greece. No matter how modern your wedding day, a few nods to Irish wedding traditions will be a fun way to add something unique and sentimental your big day and is something your wedding guests will enjoy.
From wearing blue to hand-fasting, we explore the historic Irish wedding traditions that have stood the test of time (and a few that haven’t!). Each of them are easy to incorporate into your wedding day for an extra splash of Irish charm.
Wear a blue wedding dress
Image: Claire Pettibone - Designer available online and at Ivory and Pearl
Many years ago, Irish brides traditionally wore blue rather than white. Blue took the place of white in the Emerald Isle as being a symbol for innocence and purity, making it the colour of choice for Celtic brides. If you want to embrace some tradition but you're not too sure that a blue wedding dress is for you then blue bridesmaid dresses would also be a lovely nod to this tradition.
Literally tie the knot
Image: The Lonley Hearts Co
Celtic hand-fasting is where the phrase tie the knot came from and is one of Ireland’s oldest wedding traditions. Ropes are tied around the couple’s wrists to show how they have become one and have ‘tied the knot’. As well as honouring your roots, this is also a unique addition to your wedding ceremony that your guests will enjoy.
Wear a Claddagh ring
Image: 14 ct Claddagh ring available at Fields.ie
A traditional symbol of love, friendship and marriage, the Claddagh ring dates back to the 17th-century and is linked to the pretty little fishing village of Claddagh near Galway. Wear the Claddagh ring with the point of the heart towards your own heart to show you are taken and in love. If you choose to embrace this Irish wedding tradition then make sure to tell your photographer so they can capture a few snaps of this precious piece of jewellery.
Bring your lucky horseshoe
A lucky horseshoe is a lucky wedding symbol for couples marrying across the globe and this tradition is fully embraced in Ireland. The Ancient Greeks believed the horseshoe was a symbol for fertility and that the crescent moon shape brought luck into your home. So why not walk down the aisle with a horseshoe on your bridal bouquet and then hang in your marital home afterwards for even more luck. Alternatively you might want to include horseshoe jewellery into your bridal look.
Wear your bridal hair in braids
This traditional Irish hairstyle is said to bring power and luck to you on your wedding day - and just as luck would have it, wedding braids are a big bridal trend right now. We love that this long-standing Irish wedding tradition is now a trend for brides across the world.
Include wild flowers in your hair
Speaking of bridal hair, wearing wild flowers on your wedding day is a more traditional style for an Irish bride - rather than a more elaborate veil. Consider having flowers woven into your wedding braids or wear a flower crown for a relaxed and bohemian bridal style.
Ring wedding bells
The sound of wedding bells is said to scare away evil spirits on your wedding day, this is why the bells are rung in a church after a couple say ‘I do’. A fun take on this tradition of wedding bells is to gift the happy couple with a small bell to ring or for the couple themselves to adorn their wedding stationery with pictures of bells ringing.
Have a magic hanky
The magic hanky is a linen or lace handkerchief that is traditionally carried by the bride. It’s said to be a symbol of fertility and should be kept to be made into a Christening gown for the couple’s first born child. In more modern times you may want a special hanky tucked away in your dress or bouquet in case you shed a few tears.
Have your guests lock the church door
We are not too keen on this ancient wedding tradition! But if you want to poke a bit of fun at the groom then this could be a fun one. Irish tradition states that once everyone is inside the church, that the guests should lock the church door to prevent the groom from running away.
Aitin’ the gander
Have you been wondering where the phrase “his goose is cooked” originated from? Grooms traditionally would sit down with his future-in-laws for a post-engagement dinner of goose to celebrate the upcoming wedding and once this goose was cooked, that was the moment that the groom was obligated to go through with the wedding. A pre-wedding dinner of goose with close family would be a fun tradition that would be a great excuse to get everyone together.
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We love these fun Irish wedding traditions and they are a great way to embrace some of your Irish heritage into your wedding day. If you are right at the start of planning your wedding day then explore our guide to choosing your wedding venue.