With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner you can expect to see some Irish themed weddings and their unique photos on your Facebook feed. Irish weddings are seriously rooted in tradition as all wedding ceremonies are, but an Irish themed wedding is a totally different way to add one-of-a-kind color palettes, jewelry, attire, and customs to your ceremony! Below are some staples of an Irish wedding that may just inspire you to add a little extra luck to your own big day:
- Braids! Braids for the bride, bridesmaids, maid of honor, and your flower girl will add an old-world touch of class to your ceremony. Not to mention, they make for a super easy updo, keep flyaways at bay, and look great on just about everyone.
- Green and orange. Straying from the norm of pastels, pinks, and purples, planning an Irish themed wedding will ask of you to incorporate some orange and most definitely green into your flowers, centerpieces, and accents.
- The Claddagh ring. Perhaps, your Irish roots are a little distant and you don’t necessarily want the Claddagh to be your ring. However, the heart-in-hand symbol represents love, loyalty, and friendship. HELLO, can you say perfect bridesmaids gifts?!
- Tying the Knot. Ironically, the phrase “tying the knot” is rooted in an Irish wedding tradition. Once the bride and groom have signified their pledge to each other, a rope or ribbon is tied around their clasped hands to symbolize their commitment to one another.
- Irish dancing. Maybe you don’t want to go overboard and hire Riverdance to perform at your wedding, but a few Irish step dancers or Irish step dancing lessons at the beginning of your reception is a good way to break the ice and get the party started. We’re willing to bet that any of your guests can be turned into Irish dancers after a few pints of Guiness anyway!
- Kilts. Again, we totally get it if your groom (or you don’t want your groom) dressed in a traditional kilt for the big day, but try incorporating plaid vests or cummberbunds into the groom’s party. Think how cute would the ring bearer would look!
- Wedding Bells. Another Irish wedding tradition is incorporating bells into the ceremony. Some say the tradition is to give a small bell to every wedding guest to ring to ward off any evil spirits and protect the bride and groom. Others believe that it is Celtic tradition to gift the bride and groom a bell on their wedding day as a reminder of their devotion to each other. Whenever an argument is brewing, one of them rings the bell and declares a truce of sorts.
- Irish lace. Chances are you’re already considering lace in your wedding dress or veil. If you haven’t made the decision yet, go for lace! Lace is a part of Irish wedding traditions and will add a soft, feminine touch to your look for the day.
- Your Custom Irish Bride shirt! For when you’re running around making all of these plans, for your honeymoon, or for your bachelorette party, customize an Irish Bride shirt!
- Luck. Everyone wishes the bride and groom luck on their matrimonious day. But if you do it right, horseshoes and shamrocks can add a touch of the Irish flare that you’re looking for! Try putting a few four leaf clovers in your bouquet or your bridesmaids’ bouquets. They can be pulled off in a flower hair crown too. Horseshoes are perfect necklace, bracelet, or garter charms. Or print the symbol on your invitations, programs, and party favor bags! You never know if these little touches will bring you extra tidings of good luck!
- Ireland! And finally, after your Irish wedding is over and the guests have gone home, pack your bags for a honeymoon in Ireland.
However you theme your wedding just bring lots of love and we’re sure you’ll find all the luck you need.
Find more Irish wedding inspiration here!