Traditional Irish Wedding Reception Customs

In a previous article, I listed numerous Irishlist to include Irish musicians such as The
customs that couples can incorporate into theirChieftains, Celtic Thunder, Gaelic Storm, Da
wedding ceremony. In this followup article, I willDanaan, Christy Moore, James Galway, U2, The
describe other Irish customs for a weddingWild Rovers, Loreena McKennett, Altan, Druid
reception.Decorating the Path. In nineteenthStone, and Enya, to name a few. Compilations of
century Ireland, it was common for people toIrish party and dancing songs are also available for
decorate the way from the bride's home to thepurchase. Two of these are titled "New Irish
church on the day of her wedding. Floral garlands,Dance Party" and "130 Irish Party Songs" by
evergreen boughs, lanterns, and torches wereRego.Toasting. In Ireland, it's customary for the
often used to lead the way to the church.In Irishbride and groom to share a cup for their first
Wedding Traditions, Shannon McMahon Lichtedrink as man and wife, rather than two separate
offers several suggestions on how this traditionwineglasses. An internet search can direct you to
can be adapted for more modern weddings, tomany sites which sales chalices and goblets with
help guests find their way to the church and fromIrish designs. And rather than sharing the usual
the church to the reception (42). You could decidechampagne, why not toast each other with
to attach flower bouquets to trees and signposts,mead?Kissing. In her book, Irish Wedding
or less expensive balloons and bows. For a moreTraditions, Lichte describes a wonderful variation
distinctive Irish touch, you could use Irish symbolsto the custom of guests clinking a glass with a
such as the Tricolor flag, shamrock, harp, or thespoon to induce the bride and groom to kiss. She
Claddaugh to adorn trees and signposts along thereports that at a recent Irish wedding, guests
way.Reception Decorations. Placing a pot ofwere asked to stand up and sing a song or recite
shamrocks in the center of each table would bea poem with the word "love" in it whenever they
very Irish and very festive. But if you preferwanted the newly-wedded couple to kiss (Lichte
traditional flower arrangements, talk to your florist140). This involvement of the guests is in keeping
about having flowers native to Ireland, such aswith the ancient Irish tradition of storytelling and
the Burnet rose, violets, hydrangeas, foxglove,merrymaking.Sharing Riches. In Ireland, it is
Bells of Ireland, daisies, Irish orchids, ivy, ferns,customary for the bride and groom to make a
and primroses.Food and Drink. Talk to yourdonation to a charity, as it is believed that they
caterer about serving Irish dishes. You can findwill have bad luck in their marriage if they do not.
numerous recipes in a Irish cookbook at anyLichte offers several suggestions for couples to
major bookstore. For drinks, have plenty of Irishre-create this custom at their own wedding. You
whisky and Guinness on hand. Also, make suremay decide to have a supply of Irish pence for
your bartender knows how to make Irishyou and your spouse to throw to guests when
cocktails, such as Irish Spring, An Irish Dog, Anyou leave the reception, you could give each
Irish Highball, An Irish Seaman, An Irish Lady, andguest a small pouch filled with Irish pence and
Irish Lady Champagne Punch. The recipes forconfetti to toss rather than rice, or you both
these drinks can be found in Lichte's Irish Weddingcould make a donation to the charity of your
Traditions.Wedding Cake. A traditional Irishchoice in your spouse's name to ensure good luck
wedding cake is fruitcake. If you prefer not toin your marriage.These are only a few
use fruitcake, you can ask your baker tosuggestions on how to incorporate Irish customs
decorate it with Irish symbols, such as swans, ainto your wedding; there are many, many more
harp, or the Claddaugh and green ribbon andwhich can be found in a book on Irish weddings,
flowers.Music. Music has always been an importantof which there are several on the market.Mary
part of any celebration in Ireland, and weddingsArnold holds a B.A. in literature and history and is
are no exception. Having traditional Irish music ata writer at Her portfolio may be found at article
your wedding presents little problem. If you preferhas been submitted in affiliation with which is a
live music, search for Irish musicians in your area.site for Wedding Invitations.
Or if you decide on a disc jockey, prepare a play