Irish wedding ideas

It's interesting:
"It seems that just a couple of days before the wedding, he chose a tall, striking blonde behind his fiances back. He voted for Boris Johnson on Thursday…"

Whether you're a little bit Irish or a lot Irish, a few Irish traditions in your wedding can make it one everyone will remember, enhancing what will be one of the most special moments in your life.

1. The Ring

   • Start your Irish traditions with the engagement ring, according to Shannon McMahon Lichte's book "Irish Wedding Traditions." Emeralds depict the color of Ireland. Unquestionably Irish, Claddagh rings combine symbols of heart (love), clasped hands (friendship) and crown (fidelity).

     Celtic knots, precious metals wrought in elegantly entwined strands or simple twists, possibly your own designs, symbolize the eternal bonds of love for wedding bands.

   Finery

   • Today's Irish couples wear white bridal gowns and tuxedos, so choose Irish accessories. White-on-white Celtic design embroidery enhances a gown's bodice, hemline or train. Tiaras are attached to elegant Irish veil headdresses. Honoring the ancient artistry of handmade Irish lace, your veil may be specially ordered from Ireland. Or choose domestic lace.

     Brides of Ireland traditionally wear older shoes. Forget fancy sneaker fads, and wear comfortable slippers dressed up with custom fabric covering or dyed to match.

   The Flowers

   • For greenery, use shamrocks, the national flower of Ireland, which represent the Holy Trinity. Ivy symbolizes wedded love, and ferns symbolize shelter or confidence.

     Flowers may be white roses (respect), white lilies (purity), honeysuckle (bonds of love), daisies (innocence) or Bells of Ireland (good luck).

     According to Lichte, brides of Northern Ireland carry a white Bible rather than a bridal bouquet. Streamers of ribbon, tipped with flowers and greenery, mark a favorite scripture or 1 Corinthians 13, known as the love chapter.

   The Music

   • Add to the Irish experience with Irish musical instruments. The harp is Ireland's national symbol and brings sweet music.

     An Irish uillean bagpiper might march down the aisle just prior to the wedding march, or entertain guests arriving at the reception hall.

     Irish fiddlers bring lively fun to receptions. If none of these options are available in your area, recorded authentic Irish melodies abound.

   Food, Toasts & Blessings

   • Forget corned beef and cabbage. Wedding dinner ideas include Irish liquor and liqueurs, seafood, salmon, chicken or lamb. Champ and Colcannon are authentic potato dishes, and breads should be Irish soda or brown breads.

     Unlike our towering confections, Irish wedding cakes, rich with nuts and fruits, are baked three months in advance, liberally soaked with Irish whiskey or brandy and stored in airtight containers. Top marzipan frosting with flower arrangements for the crowning touch.

     A bride's cake is served to the single ladies. A trinket of choice, such as a silver Claddagh or Celtic design ring, is hidden under the top layer of frosting. The young lady receiving that slice is destined as the next bride.

     Humorous or tender, Irish toasts and blessings are selected by wedding helpers. Written on small note cards placed in a decorative basket, reception guests may draw one. Read aloud and signed by its presenter, each card becomes a cherished souvenir for the newlyweds.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bonds love, Celtic design, Irish Irish, Irish traditions, Irish wedding, Irish wedding ideas