Clothing for Your Irish Wedding

“And the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand …. “

There are few things more important in a person’s life, or more memorable, than the day that they get married. For many women it is the culmination of a life time of planning and dreaming. Making this day a spectacular event is something that all couples dream about. A Celtic wedding is one of those events that stays with you and brings the traditions of centuries into the magical first moments of a couple's life. From the vows that promise freedom and binding to the ornate symbols of the Celtic knots a traditional Celtic wedding is an affair to remember and it all starts with the clothes.

In Ireland brides traditionally wore a blue dress because, at the time, it represented purity.  Brides looking for something unique can always select a beautiful pale blue dress.  If you are looking to accentuate the dress of your dreams you can do so with a tartan shawl, rosette or sash, or a green wedding cloak.  Many brides will also braid their hair or wear a garland of flowers. Brides will also carry a magic hanky that symbolizes fertility and is used to make a christening bonnet for her first born child.

The maids of honor and other women in the Bridal party can wear a smaller version of the rosette or drape a sash, stole, or shawl in the same tartan as the bride or their own family's tartan. The colors lend a vibrancy and sense of an amazing married life to come.

A man who wants to get married in Celtic Tradition should consider wearing the full kilt as there are few things more magnificent or spectacular as having a wedding party of men dressed in the full regalia of a formal kilt. There are several pieces that go with full Celtic attire including: the tartan kilt, Prince Charlie Jacket and vest, fur and leather sporran, kilt socks, and flashes. Long laced shoes are typical though it is always advisable, Celtic wedding or not, to stay away from patent leather. Typically the outfit is completed with a tuxedo shirt and bow tie, though some men chose to wear a less formal Oxford style shirt. Either one is appropriate. 

A symbol of the clan has always played a prominent role in weddings and other momentous occasions. In a Celtic wedding the clan may be symbolized by the man using a clan badge or brooch to pin his fly plaid to his jacket. A fly plaid is a square of fabric kilted at one end and worn at the wedding by pinning it to the man’s jacket. 

The clothes and the spectacle of an Irish Wedding are certainly something to behold. Men dressed in tartan finery and women augmenting their beautiful clothes with the colors and history of the Islands makes a romantic addition to an already special day. Adding touches of Ireland, Scotland, or Wales in the form of brooches, tartan ribbons on the bridal bouquet, and incorporating some of the ceremonies that have been passed down through the ages can also help to make the wedding that much more Celtic. Step dancers, Irish music, and of course a little liquid courage for the men of the party (in beautiful Celtic flasks of course) are all things to consider adding as you prepare with something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.

Traditional Items for the Bride and Bridesmaids:

·         Brooches

·         Tartan Ribbons

·         Rosette or Drape Sash

·         Stole

·         Shawls

      These items are worn in the bride's colors

Traditional Items for the Groom or Groomsmen:

·         Tartan Kilt

·         Prince Charlie Jacket and Vest

·         Fur and Leather Sporran

·         Kilt Socks

At Irish Traditions we carry everything you need to make your Irish or Scottish wedding something to remember.  From clothing for the bride and groom to gifts and accessories come visit us to see how we can make your special day everything you have dreamed of.