Planning a wedding with a little Celtic flair can be the perfect way to honor your Irish, Scottish, or Welsh ancestry and heritage.
And with the KC Irish Fest right around the corner, now is a perfect time to explore the romantic spirit of the Celtic people for your wedding.
The Celtic culture can add beauty and resonance to your wedding vows, décor, and invitations. For many brides-to-be, planning a Celtic-themed wedding is truly a pleasure. Here are some ways to get started:
Décor
A Celtic-themed wedding shouldn’t resemble a Saint Paddy’s Day celebration – it should be done with subtlety and sophistication. If you’re of Irish ancestry, little touches of emerald green, perhaps with gold or cream accents, will be more than enough. Candles, tablecloths, and place settings can all use these colors. Mix modern and Celtic elements to create original décor – then use this theme to guide your other choices.
Music
Planning this part of your Celtic-themed wedding should be an absolute pleasure. After all, the Celtic people are known for their excellence in this area. Lively fiddles, pretty, lilting folk music, and rousing “drinking tunes” can add different moods and emotions to your ceremony and reception. To find great Celtic musicians in your neighborhood or city, call Irish pubs or look at ads to see which singers and bands pubs are booking. For more sophisticated music, look for classically trained violinists who can play in the Celtic style. Celtic music has enjoyed a real resurgence lately – this type of music can be a big hit at your wedding.
Invitations
Celtic invitations and “save the day” notices can set the theme of your wedding – ahead of time! Certain fonts and colors will highlight the Celtic spirit of your ceremony. Consider using Celtic symbols, such as the ancient Trinity Knot (a symbol of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) to add beauty and meaning to your invitations. Shamrocks can be fun, if they are ornately drawn (again, avoid a St. Paddy’s Day effect!). Wild roses and Claddagh symbols (a crowned heart and tiny hands) can be very romantic as well. Have fun with it!
Jewelry
Many brides and grooms choose matching Celtic wedding bands when they exchange their vows. These rings should be handcrafted in Ireland, and they should be assayed, or stamped, at Dublin Castle – this is the only way to guarantee authenticity and quality. Many modern designs incorporate ancient Celtic symbols – Trinity Knots, warrior shield symbols, etc. If you’re looking for Celtic wedding bands, be sure to find a reputable online jeweler who can help you find the right style and size. Brides should also consider Celtic pendants, earrings, and strands of pearls to highlight their beauty on the big day.
Menu
Add some fun to your menu by making it Celtic-inspired – lamb, potatoes, and fun drinks like Irish coffee can be elegant, as well as delicious! For a true Irish wedding cake, consider a fruit cake or spice cake. Buttercream frosting is traditional, and it can be an ideal way to avoid the dreaded “fondant”!
Vows And Blessings
For true Celtic romance, using the old Irish or Celtic vows and blessings at your wedding can be a perfect way to add old-fashioned beauty to the proceedings. Irish and Celtic verse and poetry honors love, loyalty, God and nature – these themes can be very poignant on your own wedding day. Look for traditional Irish and Celtic vows and blessings online – you can modify them to suit your own needs – however, they are often so beautiful, you might not want to change them at all!
Wedding Favors
Celtic wedding favors can be inexpensive to create, and they can also be fun to make. Many brides use wedding favors to capture the essence of the Celtic-themed wedding. Some popular examples of Celtic wedding favors include: Shamrock planters, candles painted with Celtic symbols and wrapped in tulle, silver Claddagh rings (these are very popular Bridesmaid’s gifts) and CD’s with a Celtic play list. The sky is the limit here – your budget and tastes should guide your choices.
The most important part of a Celtic-themed wedding is its spirit – family and friends, romance, spirituality…all are treasured in the Celtic culture. To capture these beautiful elements during your wedding and reception can be very fulfilling…
Leigh Maher is the owner of the online Celtic jewelry store: Irish Celtic Jewels. On his blog, he gives tips and information about all things Irish, including weddings and Celtic engagement rings.
