Irish Wedding TraditionsFor the Irish, tradition is important and no where is this more apparent than at weddings.As an individual from a non Indo-Pak background marrying into an Indian family, I had the very interesting experience of having a completely Indian wedding. Having experienced Indo-Pak wedding ceremonies both as a spectator and a participant, I had the opportunity to create some very unique memories.Make Up BellsWhen the Irish make up bells ring, not only are the evil spirits being kept away, but harmony is being restored to the union. A traditional Irish wedding gift, when makeup bells ring out, a truce is to be called. All arguments between the Happy Couple must end, and never be brought up again.Lucky HorseshoesMany Irish brides carry a small porcelain horseshoe in their wedding bouquets for good luck. Years ago brides used to carry the real beach theme wedding invitations thing, but in this day and age that’s a little cumbersome.Some brides wear a bracelet with a horseshoe charm or carry a lace handkerchief with a horseshoe embroidered into it. The horseshoe is always carried upside down so the luck doesn’t run out.Magic HandkerchiefThe magic hanky is another wonderful Irish wedding tradition. The bride will carry or wear a handkerchief on her wedding day. After her first child is born, she will sew that handkerchief into a baby’s bonnet. It is hoped that if the baby is a girl, she will take the stitches out when it’s her turn to get married and carry the same handkerchief down the aisle thus repeating the process and creating a wonderful heirloom.WildflowersInstead of elaborate veils and large cascading bouquets of roses, Irish brides favor a wreath of wildflowers in their hair and bouquets of herbs and wildflowers to match.
