Planning an Irish wedding can be a lot of fun for the bride and groom. The old traditions can be mixed with new, modern elements to create an unforgettable ceremony and reception!

If you’ve chosen Celtic engagement rings or wedding bands, this theme will be perfect for your nuptials. Guests can enjoy the timeless spirit of Irish hospitality, taking away memories to last a lifetime.

Here’s our list of top ten ways to have an Irish wedding!

10.) Invitations - Create fabulous invitations with unique style by incorporating the symbolic motifs of the Emerald Isle.

Popular designs include Shamrocks, Celtic interlace, Trinity Love Knots, and of course, a liberal use of emerald green for text and calligraphy.

9.) Music – Consider hiring an Irish fiddler to play at your wedding. Traditional Irish music can really liven up the proceedings.

Look for local musicians who play at Irish pubs and Celtic festivals, and ask them for a demo.

8.) Decor - Use pure white, cream or pale gold, and vibrant emerald green to create a touch of Ireland at your wedding and reception.

Mixing these elegant tones will add a coherent theme to your celebration. Tablecloths, napkins, wedding favors, and candles should all be coordinated and sophisticated.

7.) Wardrobe – Consider a romantic wedding gown trimmed in beautiful Irish lace (also known as Irish crochet) for a romantic, old-world feeling.

You can style your hair in soft tendrils, and even opt for a laurel of flowers for your hair, either attached to a veil or worn alone.

Irish brides often wear flowers in their hair, and this tradition has endured for centuries. Pre-Raphaelite curls and soft makeup will make you look as pretty as a wild rose on your special day.

The famous painting, The Lady Of Shallot, will be a good guideline for this look. The groom can wear some complementary colors in his formal wear.

6.) Food & Drink – Pints of Guinness, Irish single-malt whiskies, and potent Irish coffees (made with a little Bailey’s Irish Cream) will be comforting, delicious, and much appreciated by your guests.

Offer classic Irish entrees like beef or lamb stew, and potatoes. Keep it simple, rustic, and very fresh. Your guests will enjoy well-prepared food that isn’t too fussy or overdone.

5.) Wedding Cake – A pretty cake with Irish details will be a showstopper at your wedding. Fondant can work well, but many guests just peel it off, unwilling to actually eat it.

Instead, try butter-cream over a spice cake base, for an original wedding cake that is enjoyable to eat. Add some wildflowers, either crafted of marzipan or sugar, and perhaps some sugar shamrocks as well.

4.) Lucky Horseshoe For The Bride – In Ireland, brides often carry a small ceramic or silver horseshoe, tucked into their gowns for good luck.

This charming tradition is based on the resemblance of the horseshoe to the crescent moon, an ancient symbol of fertility.

Carrying a horseshoe in your bodice is one way to bring a little of Ireland’s culture and history into your wedding day rituals.

3.) Wedding Hankie – Another whimsical, sweet Irish wedding tradition is that of the Irish lace wedding hankie. The bride should carry it along with her during the ceremony.

These hankies are thought to bring good luck to the new couple, and many Irish brides turn their wedding hankie into a baby bonnet for their first-born.

2.) Irish Wedding Jewelry – Claddagh Rings and Irish engagement rings are a wonderful way to honor your heritage at your wedding. You can enjoy the ancient traditions of master metal work by opting for handmade, heirloom-quality pieces, made in the Emerald Isle.

Look for Trinity Love Knots, spirals, Celtic shield symbols, and other time-honored symbols of love and loyalty.

1.) Vows and Verses – Choosing Irish wedding vows for your ceremony will be romantic and individual. Many brides and grooms enjoy the romance and spirit of traditional Irish wedding vows. Here is an example of Irish vows that capture the beauty and fidelity of marriage:

“By the power that Christ brought from heaven, mayst thou love me. As the sun follows its course, mayst thou follow me.

As light to the eye, as bread to the hungry, as joy to the heart, May thy presence be with me, Oh one that I love, ’til death comes to part us asunder.”

If you aren’t particularly religious, simply change the vows to suit your own needs. You’ll still be able to enjoy the poetry and heartwarming aspects of the Irish storytelling tradition.

Toasts can be as humorous or poignant as you might wish. From lighthearted limericks for loved ones and friends, to the poetry of Yeats, the sky is the limit on your (Irish) wedding day.

Everyone wants a beautiful wedding that is memorable, romantic, and meaningful. However, today’s weddings can cost a fortune.

Smart brides and grooms-to-be are always looking for ways to cut expenses without sacrificing quality and charm.

If you’re looking for a traditional Irish wedding that doesn’t break the bank, we can help! There are some fun ways to incorporate little touches of the Emerald Isle into your wedding, and some of them won’t cost too much.

Vows, toasts, verses, and music can add beauty and romance to your nuptials without putting a huge dent in your wedding budget. As well, wedding favors and unique centrepieces can reflect your Irish heritage without breaking the bank.

Also, inexpensive Irish wedding bands and engagement rings can be stunning and amazingly affordable choices for the big day.

Here are some great ways to honor your ancestry on your wedding day – without spending a fortune!

Table Decorations -

Instead of pricey flowers at every table, why not celebrate Ireland with candles you decorate yourself?

Taking a simple white taper, or thicker candle, and adding touches of emerald green with decorative motif stencils, can be a wonderful project for a rainy afternoon, and they’ll look fantastic. If you’re artistic, you can paint them freehand.

There are special acrylic paints you can buy to decorate candles, so consider buying some pretty stencils with an Irish flavor – delicate, ornate shamrocks, spirals, or knot work stencils will be subtle and beautiful.

Paint the candles in emerald green, perhaps with a touch of paler green for contrast and place them in simple glass holders you can find anywhere – even a dollar store.

Tie some pretty ribbons (also inexpensive) around the base of the holder, and you’ll have a perfect way to decorate the tables at your reception. Candles you’ve painted and wrapped in tulle “envelopes” can also make great wedding favors for guests.

Be sure to buy a special fixative to seal the design onto the paraffin, and avoid scented candles. The oil from fragrance essences will seep into the paint, spoiling your work.

Verses, Vows and Music -

The Irish storytelling tradition come into play here, offering many wonderful options for adding depth and meaning to your wedding. If you love poetry, consider reciting a traditional Irish poem or verse to your bride or groom on your wedding day.

You can also use traditional Irish wedding vows, or special toasts, such as “may the road rise up to meet you…” etc., to inject a little Irish feel into the proceedings.

Music can be a lovely way to honor Ireland. Traditional Irish and Celtic music is lilting, spirited, and often very romantic.

Even the more boisterous “drinking songs” of Ireland will be a big hit during a lively reception. You can hire local Irish musicians, or use a DJ that knows Celtic music. If you’re looking for something more elegant, hire a classical harpist or violinist to play something Irish while you walk down the aisle.

Irish wedding jewelry is a beautiful part of the country’s tradition. You can opt for a classic Claddagh Ring, such as the one shown below. The use of CZ’s and lab-created emeralds makes this showpiece incredibly affordable.

If you prefer a silver finish, a Celtic spiral wedding band (as shown below) will be a perfect choice for you. Life force, the journey through experience, and everlasting love are all celebrated in today’s affordable Irish wedding bands.

Adding a touch of Ireland to your wedding can be very affordable, and it will ensure a memorable, joyous wedding that will become one of your most treasured memories.

Every woman wants to look her most beautiful on her wedding day. Luckily, happiness and anticipation lend a magical glow to any bride. Still, it’s wise to plan ahead and be sure that your makeup, outfit, hair and accessories are exactly right for you. If you are wondering what looks will be most flattering on your very special day, we can offer some tips on enhancing your beauty, with a little touch of Irish flair.

Jewelry – Most women realize that a bit of jewelry worn close to the face adds a glow to the skin, and sets off their skin, hair and eyes. Take advantage of the natural beauty of pearls and gemstones when planning your wedding outfit. Consider an Irish Trinity Knot pendant with a shining, teardrop-shaped pearl (and matching earrings). Pearls are very flattering to any skin tone. They add a touch of lustrous beauty to your wedding ensemble.

If you have green eyes, consider a Celtic pendant with tiny emeralds that catch the light. Emeralds will make your eyes stand out. Sapphires will set off blue or brown eyes beautifully. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with diamonds – they are timeless and always flattering with a white gown. Rubies are also a popular choice. You can cut costs by finding pendants that feature tiny rubies.

Hair – To capture a little touch of traditional Irish beauty with your wedding hairstyle, consider a laurel of flowers that rests atop loose, flowing curls. Medieval Irish brides wore charming circlets of wildflowers that gave them an innocent, pre-Raphaelite beauty. Wild roses or heather would be great additions to a modern laurel. If your heart is set on the traditional veil, then be sure to wear pretty earrings if your hair will be up. You neck and ears will be on display once your veil is pulled back.

Makeup – Fair Irish brides should not overdo makeup on their wedding day, they will look too painted. If you share the fair skin that can be a Celtic legacy, play it up with pink and purple tones that are not too bright. A little gel blush in rosy pink, and a soft plum lipstick will work very well if your skin has a pink tone. Freckled or warm-toned brides should opt for juicy peach tones and golden shades.

Dress – You can capture a touch of Irish beauty by experimenting with different styles of wedding gowns. If you love the look of the gowns you see in films like Elizabeth, or Pride and Prejudice, consider an Empire waist for your wedding gown. This is a classic look that has endured through the centuries. Adding some vintage details to your gown, such as Irish lace on the hem, will also work here. Your body type is key when choosing your gown. Don’t hide an hourglass figure if you have one! Find a gown that is fitted to show off your shape. A lean, boyish build will look best in an Empire style.

The Irish know that music, dance and food and drink are the keystones of an unforgettable wedding reception. The Irish spirit of hospitality and warmth can come through in your own celebration when you follow a few simple guidelines. If you’re interested in adding a touch of the Emerald Isle to your nuptials, we can help. We’ve researched some fantastic ways to bring the Celtic spirit to life on this very special occasion.

Some Irish wedding traditions can be traced back to past centuries, when brides and grooms honored God and nature in their own ceremonies. By referencing the old traditions, you can create atmosphere and a sense of connection with your ancestry. Here are some great ideas to consider for your own reception:

A Traditional Irish Wedding Cake – The most classic choice for an Irish wedding cake should be a traditional, rich fruitcake. The perfect cake will be rich and moist, and filled with all manner of fruit, nuts, and a touch of Irish spirits. If fruitcake is not your favorite, then get creative. Modern versions of Irish wedding cakes can feature white fondant with delicate knot work borders made of sweet butter cream frosting.

Marzipan shamrocks or wild roses will give your cake a custom feel. A color scheme of emerald, mint green, white and gold will feel Irish, and it can be as subtle or bold as you like. Using sugar flowers and shamrocks will add a charming, whimsical touch to your cake, and they will be delicious as well. As for the cake itself, simply choose what tastes best to you.

A Touching Irish Toast – For hundreds of years, Irish brides and grooms have shared a cup or goblet for their first toast as a married couple. Find a gorgeous silver chalice to share, and keep it as a symbol of your love. Consider adding an Irish blessing to toast your friends and family on this memorable day. Here is a popular Gaelic blessing that is warm-hearted and touching:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

If you are considering a gift for your wife or husband to be, a silver goblet engraved with your wedding toast would be a lovely, elegant way to honor your new life together.

Music And Dance – The best receptions feature lively music and dancing that everyone can enjoy. Luckily, the Irish have raised music and dance to an art form that is unparalleled. Take advantage of the beauty of Irish music by hiring a local musician who has experience playing in Irish festivals and in Irish pubs. The music you choose should run the gamut, from traditional ballads such as “Black Velvet Band”, to modern day cover versions of U2 or Enya. Make sure there is enough variety and modern selections to keep people interested – and keep them dancing.

Be sure to provide some excellent Irish whiskeys and beers in order to keep spirits high. For the best Irish liquor, consider Guinness stout in pint glasses, Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur (great for the ladies), and any quality Irish single malt whiskey (Jameson is excellent). Offer a variety of fun cocktails and Irish coffees as people enjoy their evening. Be sure to have a few “virgin” cocktails for designated drivers and teetotalers.

Gifts – Giving special gifts to the wedding party can add a touch of thoughtfulness to the celebration. Reward your loyal friends and loving family with special, Irish-themed gifts. For example, a best man might enjoy receiving a traditional Irish Claddagh Ring. This would also be a lovely gift for the maid of honor. Gift bridesmaids with silver birthstone Claddagh rings, customized for their own birth month. Affordable, silver Irish jewelry can be a great choice for budget-conscious wedding planners.

If you’re interested in adding a touch of Irish spirit to your wedding or reception, you may also be considering some charming Irish-inspired gifts for your bridesmaids. Your bridesmaids will be there with you on your wedding day, to help you get ready and to share your happiness. Reward them for their love and loyalty with gorgeous presents that show your thoughtfulness. Here are some wonderful (and affordable) options for bridesmaids’ gifts with a Celtic flair!

The Irish Emergency Kit – You may have heard of “emergency” kits for bridesmaids. They often contain the things a bridesmaid might need during a busy wedding day. Often, an emergency kit will contain a sewing kit (in case of a wardrobe malfunction), some cosmetics, and perhaps extra nylons and a travel toothbrush and paste.

You can create a charming, whimsical Irish emergency kit by adding in a few extra items that evoke the spirit of the Emerald Isle. Consider adding a white handkerchief made of fine Irish linen and lace as a pretty keepsake. A monogram for each bridesmaid would be an elegant touch. Also, you could add a silver shamrock pendant or other talisman (silver or ceramic horseshoes would also work here) for good luck.

Gourmet Gift Baskets – If your wedding features Irish touches, an Irish gourmet gift basket will make a lovely present. You can find a pretty woven basket and fill it with gourmet goodies such as Irish teas, soda breads and cookies. You can add in some fun, inexpensive items to add bulk (a six pack of Guinness would work well). If you can spend more, a delicious bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur will be impressive.

Search out traditional Irish companies that produce fine foods. Consider adding a tiny shamrock planter to your basket in order to give it a touch of lively greenness. Jams and jellies from Ireland will be another tasty addition to your basket. Tie it up with clear cellophane and an emerald green ribbon. Making a gift basket yourself will save you a lot of money, and it looks expensive!

Birthstone Claddagh Rings – You will be posing with your beautiful bridesmaids in a series of photographs. Make sure everyone shows their style by gifting your girlfriends with Silver Birthstone Claddagh Rings. These affordable rings feature the traditional motif of two tiny hands, gently clasping a crowned heart. In Ireland and throughout the world, Claddagh Rings are exchanged as tokens of love and affection.

Your bridesmaids will love wearing their Claddagh Rings, and they will always remind them of your wedding day! You can customize the rings according to the birth month of each bridesmaid, providing an extra touch of thoughtfulness they will all appreciate. They may not wear their bridesmaid’s dresses in the future (in fact, it’s a pretty sure bet they will not) but they will be able to enjoy their silver Claddagh Rings forever.

As you can see, a little planning and creativity will pay off when it comes to choosing bridesmaid’s gifts. It’s important to recognize your friend’s contributions to your special day with truly thoughtful presents they will be grateful to receive.

Tags: birthstone, claddagh, rings, gourmet, gift, baskets, bridesmaids, gifts, affordable

Wedding season, along with spring, is upon us. Happy couples are getting ready to say their vows in front of friends and family, planning their last minute details, all while you wander the aisles of stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond scratching your head at the endless list of wedding gifts. So what do you get a couple this year when you are faced with a gift registry list that it hundreds of items long?

One fun and different idea will take you away from the traditional housewares gifts and into something a little more outdoorsey. If you know the couple loves entertaining in their home but has yet to delve into a backyard set up, try to find them gifts that will make outdoor entertaining and BBQ’ing a breeze. Grill tool sets, some patio furniture or even a grill itself can be wonderful ways to help the married couple to be have people over for evenings of great food and company.

If you know the couple enjoys thinking outside of themselves and their own needs and has a soft spot for philanthropic endeavors, consider donating to charities in their names. Think on what is most meaningful to them: Do they have a great affinity for animals, or have a strong desire to help address poverty in the world? Donating to an organization like the World Wildlife Fund or Action Against Hunger in their names can be a very personal and thoughtful gift.

Many couples don’t think to put things like food and wine on their gift registries, getting blinded by the endless choices of table linens and silverware. Enlist a food and wine savvy friend or simply enlist the help of a store clerk and visit a high end or specialty food and wine store. They can give you ideas as to what foods are in season right now, what to cook them with and which wines are special and celebratory. Be sure to include a note about whatever you end up choosing and perhaps even a recipe it can be made with.

If you know a couple with a great love for all things Celtic, visit Irish Celtic Jewels. We feature the best in Celtic jewelry that is crafted in Ireland. We have a large selection of Irish rings, pendants and other jewelry that be unique gifts for the bride and groom. We have the highest in quality customer service and superior products, and guarantee you will always find what you are looking for.

Tags: wedding, gifts, donating, food, specialists, celtic, jewelry

Finding the perfect wedding band for your Celtic engagement ring will ensure that you make the most of its unique beauty. Choosing a complementary Celtic wedding band is a wise choice, as it will naturally echo the symbols and details that make your engagement ring such a standout. By forgoing the expected, plain gold band, you can create a dazzling matched set that has great visual impact.

Celtic engagements rings are engraved with symbols that date back as far as the sixth century. In those days, the Druids practiced the Pagan faith in Celtic lands. When Ireland converted to Christianity, the ancient spirals, interlace, and zoomorphic (animal) symbols of the Pagans evolved to become powerful signifiers of spiritual faith and love.

You might notice certain features on your engagement ring, such as delicate Trinity love knots, that may seem mysterious to you. The trefoil symbol of the Trinity Knot symbolizes the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit. It is a testament to love, commitment before God, and all the values that make marriage so sacred and beautiful. If you’ve chosen a Celtic engagement ring with these knots, you can look for a band that features the same potent symbol of loyalty and belief.

Celtic wedding bands with Trinity Knots offer the same authenticity and handcrafted beauty as Celtic engagement rings. They add a touch of modern style through the use of two-tone metals, inlays, and even pave diamonds that will reflect off your engagement ring’s central stone!

Choosing a wedding band with Trinity Knots can be easy, as there are so many different styles available. Whether you are interested in a simple style that doesn’t take center stage, or a bolder look that dazzles, you will not be short of options. Some modern Celtic wedding bands feature special touches like comfort-fit bands that make your ring so easy and pleasant to wear.

If you have chosen a Claddagh Celtic engagement ring, with all its romantic symbols, you may be curious about your choices for a matching wedding band. The distinctive, crowned heart and tiny hands that make your engagement ring so meaningful can also be found on today’s Claddagh wedding bands.

If you are unfamiliar with the Claddagh story, you will be interested in the tale of Richard Joyce, the Irish fisherman who crafted the very first Claddagh ring. Joyce was working as a fisherman, far from his native Galway, when he was kidnapped and forced to work for a goldsmith. His never forgot his true love, Margaret, and he crafted a special ring in her honor.

Years later, when he was released, he returned to Galway, and was thrilled to find his lover waiting for him. Their loyalty to one another is the heart of the Claddagh story. What could be more appropriate for an engagement ring or wedding band?

Margaret wore her Claddagh ring all of her life. You, too, will wear your ring for all your days. By choosing a band covered in delicately sculpted Claddagh symbols that are rich and subtle, you will do your engagement ring justice. You can choose from wide bands with bolder symbols, or thin, feminine designs that are sleek, elegant, and refined. Whatever your taste, there is a wedding band that will please you always.

Tags: Celtic, engagement, ring, wedding, band, jewelry, Trinity, knots, Claddagh

Sometimes having the Celtic wedding of your dreams is just that-a dream. You may not have a fiancé who agrees with wanting to have a Celtic ceremony, or perhaps you don’t have the money and resources to make it happen. Some couples are lucky enough to make their Celtic dream wedding happen, so whether you are living vicariously through them or wanting to get inspiration for your own Celtic wedding, read on to enjoy this couple’s story of their Celtic wedding.

Richie & Michelle’s Emerald Isle Gala

Although this couple met in Scottsdale, Arizona, after they got engaged they busily set out to plan their dream wedding in Ireland. After all, Michelle is Irish and wanted to celebrate in the most traditional way possible surrounded by her family and friends.

A few days before the wedding, Michelle and Richie had a mutual hen/stag party at Dublin’s famous bar, the Temple bar. The wedding ceremony was held in a church that Michelle and her family had attended during Michelle’s childhood, and they picked a priest who would help them in performing a traditional Celtic handfasting ceremony.

The couple exchanged handcrafted Celtic wedding rings during the ceremony, and the couple had asked their wedding party to dress in shades of green. After purchasing her wedding gown, Michelle had a tailor sew a small horseshoe pendant inside of her dress for good luck, as Irish tradition dictates. An Irish fiddler played the bride’s march as she walked down the aisle.

The wedding ceremony was a big, fancy celebration, held under tents and lights in Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks. While the couple did have a mix of contemporary music playing, they also made sure that their DJ mixed in a lot of more traditional Irish sounds as well.

As a surprise to his new bride, Richie and his groomsmen got up in front of the guests and serenaded Michelle with the “Irish Wedding Song.” The couple served a traditional Irish dinner (including corned beef and cabbage, colcannon and baked stuffed herring) and had a beautiful Irish wedding cake for dessert. The tables were decorated with tiny shamrocks, and the members of the wedding party received beautiful Celtic cross pendants as thank you gifts for their support and help.

Tags: celtic, wedding, story, handfasting, rings

With the advent of spring, many couples begin to plan for summer weddings. If you or your intended share Irish heritage, you may be interested in creating traditional wedding invitations that honor your ancestry.

Many couples choose to send out wedding invitations that feature the timeless symbols of the Emerald Isle. It can be a charming way to set the tone for a wedding that might include some other Irish traditions. Traditional fiddle music, Irish dancers, or even a classic recitation of an Irish blessing can add a touch of romantic whimsy to your nuptials. Sending out gorgeous invitations that hint at a touch of Irish feeling can inspire family and friends.

Here are some ways to get your loves ones excited about your wedding with Irish invitations:

• Knot Work – The delicate art of interlace is a mysterious and alluring addition to Irish wedding invitations. Consider a rich border of Celtic knot work in silver or gold. It will add a mystical and dimensional quality to even the simplest invitations.
• Wild Roses – The traditional Irish Wild Rose is pale pink to deep rose, and its soft, velvety beauty will add real appeal when chosen as a motif for your invitations. The subtle symbolism of the Wild Rose will also not be as overt or obvious as some other common symbols of Ireland. If you are interested in a touch of romance for your invitations, the Wild Rose could be a great starting point in your design.
• Emerald Green – The gorgeous, emerald green color of Ireland’s land is the inspiration for wedding invitations that feature green lettering or motifs. Choosing a rich green border, or a couple of complementary shades of green (Kelly green to ivy green, for example) will subtly reflect the symbolic shade that is always associated with Ireland. You can choose a Celtic-inspired font for your wording, to add even more visual interest.
• Trinity Knots – Rather than a border of interwoven lines, you might want to consider the classic shape of the Triquetra, or Trinity Knot. This charming symbol is a deep and meaningful one, and ideally suited to any wedding. The three points of the Trinity Knot represent the Holy Trinity, and each point is a symbol of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Adding a Trinity Knot in gold or silver is a great way to illustrate your faith and love, in a way that is uniquely Irish.
• Zoomorphic (Animal) Symbols – You can adapt the ancient Celtic art of using animal symbols to great effect on your wedding invitations. Consider using a motif of a bird, or another animal that has meaning and appeal for you. Often, zoomorphic symbols are made of interlace, and they have an intricate beauty that will really stand out.
• Spirals – The traditional spiral design that is so common on Irish art and jewelry designs can also be used for wedding invitations. Consider a border of gentle, curving spirals, which symbolize the journey through life in all its stages.

There are other ways to add an Irish spirit to your wedding day. An Celtic engagement ring and matching wedding band will give you a link to your heritage that you can enjoy on your big day and afterwards. You can also choose a Celtic wedding ring for your groom to be.

Celtic wedding jewelry can add the finishing touch to your wedding day ensemble. Accent your white gown with teardrop pearl trinity knot earrings, and a matching pendant. These beautiful pieces really will shine in wedding day photos and video!

Silver Claddagh birthstone rings make a great gift for bridesmaids. Chic and affordable, they are a wonderful way to show your gratitude to your friends -without spending a fortune.

Tags: celtic, invitations, knots, wild, roses, emerald, Trinity, spirals

If you are planning an Irish wedding, one that you would like to be as authentic as possible, having a rehearsal comprised of traditional Irish foods can be a wonderful way to stay in keeping with the culture and treat your wedding party and family to some wonderful tastes. Whether you have the food catered or you choose to make it yourself, learn what foods are considered traditional Irish fare.

Before you sit down to dinner, have some Irish drinks available to your guests. Guinness and Harp are both wonderful Irish beers. Serve Harp lager cold, but serve Guinness at room temperature, as this helps bring out its flavors best. For the non-beer drinkers, look for Jameson’s Irish whiskey. Both Guinness and Jameson’s are brewed and distilled in Ireland, so you can’t get much more traditional and authentic than that.

No matter what season you are having your wedding, traditional Irish food is going to be hearty and comforting. Irish soda bread is a snap to make, and is wonderful to have around for your guests to eat with warm butter before the meal is served, and is delicious when dipped into a robust Irish stew.

Start the meal with some vegetables-roasted potatoes and turnips are wonderful starters that hearken to traditional Irish foods. Try and make your main course as hefty as possible, because traditional Irish foods are the type that really stick to your ribs and leave you satiated. If you feel your guests might be more inclined to enjoy a stew (rather than a meat roast), serve an Irish stew. Irish stew is very simple to assemble, and involves ingredients like beef, garlic, stock, Guinness beer, red wine, potatoes, carrots, and onions. You could also serve the very Irish corned beef and cabbage, or simply do a beef roast.

While black pudding may sound like a delightful dessert, it is actually something that should be served as a side dish during your meal, as it’s comprised of lots of meat (specifically pork) and grains. After dinner is over, serve a traditional Irish breakfast tea to your guests to help them relax and digest all the wonderful food that they just consumed.

Having a traditional Irish rehearsal dinner is a wonderful way to lend an authentic “flavor” to your Celtic wedding. To find more ways to make your Celtic wedding special and unique, please visit Irish Celtic Jewels. We feature the best in Celtic jewelry that is crafted in Ireland. We have a large selection of Irish jewelry, including rings, earrings and necklaces that can help transport you to the Emerald Isle. We have the highest in quality customer service and superior products, and guarantee you will always find what you are looking for.

Tags: irish, rehersal, dinner, wedding, guinness, stew, corned, beef