| When we think of weddings, most of us picture the | | | | weather permits). These cloaks are very beautiful |
| traditional ceremony that has been handed down | | | | and would make a lovely addition to your wedding |
| from Victorian England. In recent years, however, | | | | attire. |
| many engaged couples elect to forego those | | | | But if the traditional Celtic gowns aren't your style, |
| traditions and use their wedding to celebrate their | | | | you can still incorporate some Irish customs into your |
| cultural roots. In this article, I'll provide many ways in | | | | attire. You could have your gown embroidered with |
| which couples can incorporate Irish customs into their | | | | Irish symbols, such as the Celtic knot. You could use |
| own wedding ceremony, and in a following article, I'll | | | | handmade Irish lace on your veil and/or dress. You |
| describe traditions regarding the wedding reception. | | | | could carry a traditional Irish linen handkerchief and/or |
| Invitations and other wedding stationery. In most | | | | wear a green garter with a shamrock on it. |
| stationery stores, you can find images and symbols | | | | The groom could dress in traditional Celtic apparel, to |
| common to Ireland, such as shamrocks, heraldic harp, | | | | match the bride. Or for a more modern ceremony, |
| Celtic cross, Celtic love knot, swans, and the | | | | he could wear a green cummerbund or tie with his |
| Claddaugh. You might also find that many places have | | | | tuxedo. Cufflinks sporting Celtic symbols might also |
| fonts derived from the Book of Kells for the wording | | | | be located or specially-ordered. |
| in your invitations. | | | | Another tradition regarding wedding attire is that the |
| Choosing a date for your wedding. Traditionally, most | | | | Irish consider it lucky to be married in a pair of old |
| Celtic wedding ceremonies were held during one of | | | | shoes. Lichte, in "Irish Wedding Traditions," states this |
| the four major festivals. If you wish to have a spring | | | | custom may derive from the "idea of beginning a |
| wedding, why not during Beltane, which occurs | | | | new journey with something familiar, like a favorite |
| around the first of May? For a summer wedding, | | | | pair of broken-in shoes" (46). Lichte also suggests |
| Lughnassadh was celebrated in early August. Samhain, | | | | using old shoes, rather than tin cans, on the back of |
| on November 1, is thought by many to be the Celts' | | | | the couple's getaway car as leather is believed to |
| New Year and is a popular time for wedding | | | | ward off evil spirits and shoes symbolize fertility (47). |
| celebrations. The last of the four major festivals is | | | | Engagement and Wedding Rings. Today, many brides |
| Imbolc, which is celebrated on February 1. | | | | are choosing emerald engagement rings, rather than |
| Other days considered especially lucky to be married | | | | the traditional diamond, to symbolize the Emerald Isle. |
| on include: the last Tuesday before Lent, Christmas, | | | | In Ireland, the most popular style of wedding rings is |
| New Year's, St. Patrick's Day, and December 31. In | | | | the Claddaugh. This gold band features two hands |
| "Irish Wedding Traditions", Shannon McMahon Lichte | | | | holding a heart which is topped with a crown. The |
| explains that "it is thought that your last memories of | | | | hands represent friendship, the heart love, and the |
| the year you marry should be the happiest ones" | | | | crown loyalty. This ring has several legends |
| (13). | | | | surrounding it dating back to Medieval times. |
| Wedding Attire. If you are able to do so, consider | | | | In addition, there are many manufacturers of |
| ordering your wedding gown from an Irish designer. | | | | wedding rings who utilize Celtic themes, such as the |
| There are many places on the internet where you | | | | triquetra or Celtic knot. With so many styles to |
| can find traditional Celtic wedding apparel. Even in | | | | choose from, there's sure to be one to please |
| America, you can find Celtic wedding designers; a | | | | everybody. |
| web search will bring up numerous hits. | | | | This ends part one. I hope you've found these |
| If you do order a traditional Celtic wedding dress, | | | | suggestions helpful and that you'll also find part two |
| you might like to also wear a Kinsale cloak (if the | | | | equally informative. |