Luck-O-The-Irish: Hosting A Haute Celtic Celebration

Jul 14, 2016 04:04 PM Back

The Irish are known to be “party” people…and what better reason to party than to celebrate the union of two people in love. And, because, for MANY years the Irish remain oppressed and were forced to practice their faith and their culture underground, Irish feasts are steeped heavily in tradition with a culture and a unique flavor all their own.

Pick A Date To Remember: Typically Irish weddings were held on Sunday….probably because it was the one day of the week when people traditionally had some time off. Additionally, Irish tradition cautioned couples from marrying between May and August, the busiest season for the Irish. As the saying suggests:

Marry when the year is new, always loving, kind, and true. When February birds do mate, you may wed, nor dread your fate. If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know. Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man. Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day. Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you'll go. They who in July do wed, must labor always for their bread. Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see. Marry in September's shine, your living will be rich and fine. If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry. If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come, remember. When December's rain fall fast, marry and true love will last."

Wear Your Heart On Your Finger: The Claddagh is the traditional Irish bauble worn by brides to be. Most Claddagh rings were traditionally family heirlooms, handed down from mothers to their daughters. The Claddagh is a symbol of love, friendship and loyalty. Single young women traditionally wear their Claddagh on their right hand with the point of the heart facing outward toward the fingertip. Once in a serious relationship, the ring is turned around, signifying that the lady’s heart has been captured. Once engaged, the ring is then moved to the young woman’s left hand, with the point of the heart once again facing her fingertip. Once vows have been officially exchanged, the Claddagh is once again turned around.

Tie The Knot….Literally As Well As Figuratively: Ever wonder where the expression “tying the knot” came from. Well, probably from this age-old Irish tradition. In ancient Ireland, couples literally had their hands tied together symbolizing their joining together as husband and wife.
Add Some Lucky Charms To Your Nuptials: Horseshoes are seen as symbols of luck and prosperity. You may want to use the horseshoe on your invites, as part of your bouquet or decorations, etc. Just make sure it’s facing upward, resembling a “U”, so, as per legend, your luck doesn’t run out.
Tap Into Your Inner “Wild” Child: Traditionally Irish brides adorned their surly tresses with wildflowers and/or carried a wildflower bouquet. Consider adding a sprig of lavender, the cultural symbol of love and devotion to your hair or incorporate it into your floral arrangements. Other traditional options include: herbs (symbolic of the bride’s fidelity to her husband) or Belles of Ireland.
Harp On Your Heritage: Quite literally. The harp was the national emblem of Ireland up until the end of the 19^th century, so consider having a harpist entertain guests with traditional Irish music before your ceremony. You may even want to have Irish dancers as part of your entertainment during your reception when the DJ or band are on break.
Bless Your Betrothal: Most Irish are staunch Catholics who take their faith very seriously. So, why not start your celebration with a special blessing typically given by the father of the bride.

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future Be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May your hands be forever clasped in friendship And your hearts joined forever in love. Your lives are very special, God has touched you in many ways. May his blessings rest upon you And fill all your coming days.

Opt For All The Bells And Whistles: Traditionally Irish brides and grooms were given the gift of bells. Chiming of bells was THE way to ensure keeping evil spirits away. So, consider ringing a bell together after exchanging your vows, hand out bells to all your guests and ask them to ring them as your exit the church or use bells as mini place card holder. Store YOUR bells in a safe place in your home and ring it during major arguments to remind you of your vows and commitment.
Dish Out Some Traditional Delicacies: Consider adding some of Ireland’s most famous or should we say infamous foods and drinks to your dining menu. Think about a corned beef and cabbage carving station or serving colcannan in lieu of mashed potatoes….and don’t forget to stock the bar with Guiness, Bailey’s Irish Cream…and perhaps some good ole Irish Whiskey.
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: How about serving a traditional Irish fruitcake with some Irish coffee for desset. Top the cake with shamrocks or four leaf clovers for an extra burst of “good luck”
Dress For Success: Rather than a green sash, consider a blue one or some blue accents for your wedding dress. Blue, believe it or not is considered a lucky color (for the bride) by the Irish. And, for the groom, how opting foregoing pants for a more traditional kilt. And, ladies…don’t forget to braid your hair. It’s the quintessential Irish symbol for power and luck.
Green Getaway: Consider honeymooning in a traditional Irish castle. Why not host your event there too (if possible). Keep in mind that in Gaelic, honeymoon means month of honey. Traditionally couples spent a month alone together after the wedding dinking a sweet Irish wine made of fermented honey…known as mead. Babies born nine months after the honeymoon were attributed to the mead, and its fertility enhancing abilities.