Whether you’re attending an Irish wedding for the first time or you’ve got Irish heritage and want to pay tribute at your wedding day, we’ve put together some traditions you may not have known about. Give these a read and consider incorporating one or two into your day.

Honey wine

Let’s start with an easy one. Honeymoon got its name from somewhere, and that somewhere is in Ireland. It’s a tradition for couples to toast with mead, a wine made with honey. Although mead isn’t commonplace at modern Irish weddings, it’s a ritual that some couples continue to carry out to this day, and it’s a welcomed excuse to have some alcohol!

Wedding bands

We all know that couples need wedding bands to signify their marriage, but there are some truly stunning Irish bands that you should consider. Claddagh Rings, for example, date back thousands of years, with each sporting a heart, a crown, and hands, designed to represent love, loyalty, and friendship. Though originally offered as a wedding ring, today they’re now common as wedding rings and promise rings, so it’s up to you how you incorporate them into your special day. The idea is that, when you’re married, the heart faces towards your body.

Wedding cake

Now for something delicious. Nowadays, the average cost of a wedding cake in the U.S. is around $500 with most couples spending between $300 to $700, but if you’re looking for a more traditional cake, you’ll need to look further afield. The traditional Irish wedding cake is fruit, but if you want to appease all of your guests, you could have at least one layer baked in this rich and dense option, and the rest as a Victoria Sponge or carrot cake. In fact, some couples bake a fruit cake and save a piece for the christening; it’s a heartwarming tradition.

Sixpence

If you’re superstitious (hey, you’re reading this – chances are, you are!) then there are several things you can do to ward away evil spirits. As well as placing a lucky horseshoe above your door, you should put a sixpence in your shoe on your wedding day, designed to offer good luck as you walk down the aisle. Traditionally, the groom gives a sixpence to the bride ahead of the big day, and the coin is placed in the right shoe. If you want to ensure it doesn’t slip out, glue the coin to the inside of your shoe. One less thing to worry about!

Tying the knot

Another Irish tradition to consider for your special day is to “tie the knot” – quite literally! Back in ancient times, a druid or high-standing member of the community would tie the hands of the couple together by lace, known as “handfasting”, designed to represent their union.

Which of these traditions do you like the sound of? Let us know on social media and check back soon for more tips and tricks on organizing a wedding day you’ll never forget.

Sheri Gill