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Earn a bit o’ the Irish luck and love by adding Irish
favors to your wedding
Irish traditions are steeped in love, loyalty, and friendship.
A symbol of faithful love is the Claddagh ring which shows
the heart of love delicately held in two hands of friendship
topped with a crown that denotes loyalty. It’s one
of many Irish traditions can add a new dimension to your
ceremony or reception.
You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy these loving
traditions at your wedding. Irish wedding customs add luck,
friendship, humor and love to your celebration and who doesn’t
need that? These simple ideas will add a hint of the Irish
to your ceremony or reception. You can also use them for
a bridal shower or as elements of the rehearsal and rehearsal
dinner.
As any school student who’s been pinched on St. Patrick’s
Day, green is the color of the Irish. Green is the color
of Irish pride. It is also a color of new beginnings, the
color of spring, so make sure that these traditions have
an element of green.
Some Irish traditions are simple such as giving each guest
a piece of Irish linen or lace with a green corner or embroidered
shamrock. Another Irish tradition is to send each guest
home with a small piece of the celebration cake in a decorative
box with the date of the ceremony and the name of the happy
couple emblazoned on the lid.
Perhaps your tastes run towards an Irish tea for afternoon
affairs. The tea may be accompanied by a tea ring or biscuits.
Sugar cookies topped with icing or chocolates wrapped in
foil also count as a favor with flavor. Shapes such as a
Claddagh, shamrock or Celtic crosses are great for any Irish
wedding favor.
Three-leafed shamrocks denote the Holy Trinity and are
great as a small potted plant or a simple charm on the bride
and bridesmaids. A popular reception favor is a placard
printed with an Irish blessing adorned with an artificial
shamrock or pressed one. These make wonderful keepsakes
and should have the couples’ name and wedding date.
In the floral department, shamrocks add something green
to the bride’s bouquet, but English lavender is thought
to be a symbol of love and loyalty when added.
Other wedding favors with an Irish flavor include picture
frames or candle holders sporting the Claddagh hands and
crowned heart or a trinity love knot. This can be a symbol
of love for the wedding party or for special family guests.
Irish blessings are quaint and full of good luck. Consider
making the toast in a typical Irish blessing such as:
- May your neighbors respect you
- Trouble neglect you
- The angels protect you
- And heaven accept you.
Interlocking spirals, triskeles (a triple spiral) and shield
knots are typical designs that can be uplifting and magical
for your guests. Consider purchasing symbol rings or pins
for your wedding party that will define your relationship
and how special their participation in your wedding day
is to you.
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