For the Luck of an Irish Wedding

For the Irish bride or groom, St. Patrick”s Day weekend is the perfect time to say I Do! Even if you”re not of Celtic descent but are planning your wedding around the time of this festive holiday, a little Irish flair can add up to big fun.

If you want to celebrate and honor your Irish heritage, but can”t stand the idea of green leprechauns turning your stunning wedding into a cheesy show, here are a few ideas to bring the charm of the Irish to your Big Day.

Irish Blessing

Consider adding a traditional Irish blessing into your vows, or suggest one be given as a toast. Perhaps you and your new spouse can rise at the reception and toast your guests with a blessing or prayer from Ireland.

Celtic Music & Dancing

Hire a bagpiper to play for your ceremony, and liven up your after-party with some traditional Gaelic music. If you”re really feeling your Irish oats, hire a dance troupe to entertain your guests.

Irish Drinks

Add Irish coffee, Jameson Irish whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, or Kilkenny, Smithwicks, or Guinness or to your drink table.

Dress the Part

Mint green pumps and emerald jewels will add a classy hint of the Emerald Isle for the ladies, and traditional plaid patterns on ties, socks, and pocket squares are excellent ways for the gentlemen to sport the pride of Ireland. If you want to go all-out, the groom could wear a kilt, and the bride could choose an Irish gown.

Offer Traditional Irish Fare

Corned beef, colcannon, bacon and cabbage, Shepherd”s Pie, lamb stew, Irish Soda Bread, and scones are excellent choices for your St. Patty”s Day wedding buffet.

Skip the Cartoonish Stuff

Pots of gold, rainbows, green beer, and anything in the brightest color of green you can find just will not do for a classy wedding, and would make any true Irishman cringe.