While some traditions might best be left in the past, some are still an important part of Irish weddings while others are making a welcome return. And with celebrations for St. Patrick's Day continuing all weekend, we decided to look at our top five Irish wedding traditions.
Blue dresses
The colour blue traditionally symbolised purity before white took the reins for the universal sign for virginity. Coloured dresses have been settling into the bridal catwalks for a while now, and after the phenomenon that was Frozen, who could forget Alfred Angelo's fabulous interpretation of Elsa's stunning ice gown? And the momentum of ice blue dresses has continued into the latest collections too, with bridal fashion elite like Monique Lhuillier, Naeem Khan and Mario & Maria featuring the colour.
Horseshoes
Horseshoes have always had connotations of good luck and a bride carrying a horseshoe down the aisle would supposedly bring good luck to the wedding as well as the marriage itself. While real horseshoes are quite big and heavy, you can always incorporate small porcelain ones in your wedding bouquet for good luck.
Claddagh rings
A popular Irish tradition, the Claddagh has the story of friendship, loyalty and love in the hands, crown and heart. Traditionally, it would be worn on the right hand facing outwards if single and inwards if attached. It would then move to the left hand as a symbol of engagement or marriage. They make beautiful, symbolic wedding bands.
Leap year
Rumour has it that the superstition about women proposing to men on the 29th of February came from St Bridget asking St Patrick to grant women the right after complaints that men were too slow to propose. So he granted one day…every four years. Were there any brides who proposed to their fiancés in February this year? If not, there's always 2020!
Wild flowers
Traditionally, brides had a bouquet of wild flowers or adorned a small crown of wild flowers instead of having a veil. Wild flowers look earthy, rustic and naturally beautiful and, as it happens, wild flowers have been a major wedding trend lately. The idea behind wild flowers is that they look like they were just picked from a garden, perfect for brides looking for a more natural, boho look for their big day.
Image credits: Naeem Khan | Monique Lhuillier | Mario & Maria | Horseshoes: Everything Etsy | Personalised horseshoe: Kenzo Crafts | Claddagh rings: Pinterest | Diamond claddagh ring: Fallers | Leap year proposal: Aubrey Renee Photography | Wild bouquets: Lucy G Photography | David Lynn Photography | Blooms Blog