Old Irish Wedding Traditions & Our Top Wedding Gifts.

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

A couple in wedding attire hold hands against a sky at sunset creating a romantic atmosphere

Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well. Wedding season is well and truly upon us and we have the perfect wedding gift from Ireland for the happy couple. Before I share my top wedding gifts, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the old Irish wedding traditions. Of course as ever with the Irish, it's always about wishing that happy couple the best of luck as they begin their new life together!

Old Irish Wedding Traditions

1. The Lucky Horseshoe

Two used horseshoes are resting on a wooden surface. The image features a sepia tone, highlighting the texture and age of the metal. A blurred background suggests a rustic setting.

The horseshoe is used as a symbol of luck the world over. Usually, the page boy or flower girl presents the horseshoe to the bride with the horseshoe facing upwards in its U shape to contain the luck. The use of horseshoes goes all the way back to the time of the Greeks. Their association of the horseshoe with the crescent moon was thought to symbolize fertility.

2. Tying the Knot

A red felt heart with white stitching hangs from a piece of twine, which is tied around a textured wooden surface. The image captures a warm and rustic aesthetic, highlighting the contrast between the vibrant heart and the natural wood.

The ancient Celtic tradition of hand-fasting involves tying the wrists of the bride and groom together with a piece of rope, twine or cord to represent their everlasting union and how they will remain at each other’s sides for the rest of their lives. Now you know where the phrase "tying the knot" comes from!

3. Blue Wedding Dress

A couple dances together on a beach at sunset, silhouetted against the colorful sky. The ocean is visible in the background, adding to the romantic atmosphere. — Image by Manuel Alejandro Leon from Pixabay

Before white became the most popular choice for wedding dresses, blue was the most customary and traditional color to wear in Ireland. The color blue was the original color to represent purity way before the recent day popularity of virginal white.

4. The Irish Hanky

A neatly packaged white handkerchief tied with a teal ribbon sits inside an open box labeled "Irish Linen Handkerchiefs." A softly glowing candle is partially visible in the background.

The Irish hanky was used by the bride on the day of the wedding and was also used as a symbol for good luck. This hanky was then turned in to a bonnet for the firstborn child to wear on the day of their christening. This tradition would continue through the generations.

5. Marrying in May (Never!)

A landscape featuring a lush field of bluebells, with two sheep grazing in the foreground. A single tree stands nearby, providing shade amid the vibrant purple blooms.

“Marry in the month of May; you will surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you'll go”

As the poem states “marry in May and rue the day”. The Irish believed that getting married in May was a form of bad luck and it was therefore avoided. Hence the popularity of the June wedding!

Lulu's Top Wedding Gifts

1. Ogham Personalized Wedding Plaque With Date

Send an Irish wedding gift with a unique personal touch with this gorgeous framed wedding print. The first names or surnames of the bride and groom are beautifully hand painted onto handmade paper in stunning Ogham script, Ireland's oldest form of writing, with the date of their special day. Handmade in Knockcroghery, County Roscommon.

2. Galway Crystal Longford Decanter & 4 Glasses Set

Galway Crystal Longford Decanter & Glasses Gift Set. A wooden tray holds a crystal decanter and four matching glasses filled with whiskey. The setting suggests a cozy, upscale environment.

Wow the happy couple with the gift of Irish crystal . Our 5 star rated customer favorite decanter set is guaranteed to impress and is sure to be treasured for a lifetime. Beautifully crafted on the shores of the Atlantic coast by the renowned Galway Irish Crystal. The cutting is exquisite and it comes beautifully presented on a polished wooden tray.

3. Traditional Aran Honeycomb Wool Throw

Traditional Aran Honeycomb Wool Throw. A person stands on a rocky coastline, wearing a light-colored knitted sweater and dark trousers. They hold a large, cream Aran knitted blanket open behind them, creating a flowing effect against a backdrop of rolling hills and water. The sky is cloudy and the scene suggests an outdoor environment with natural elements.

Send them a true piece of authentic Ireland with a beautifully crafted Aran blanket. It features the classic honeycomb stitch, the Aran Islander tribute to the hardworking honeybee which is said to bring good fortune. Made from super soft merino in 4 gorgeous colors.

4. Personalized Framed Double Heraldic Print

A framed display featuring two family crests. On the left side is the crest for "MURPHY," which includes a shield with red and gold elements and lions. On the right side, the "STAUNTON" crest features a shield with a chevron design in black and white, surrounded by ornate decorations.

We have the perfect Irish wedding gift with this double family crest print. Beautifully mounted and framed, it features 2 Irish family crests sitting side by side. A wedding gift to be treasured for generations. Made in Ballina, County Mayo.

5. Himself & Herself Mugs with Hand Painted Shamrocks

Two Belleek china mugs are presented side by side, one labeled Himself and the other Herself, both featuring green lettering and a subtle leafy design. The background is plain and neutral in color.

So our final pick comes from the iconic Belleek China. Featuring their classic basketweave design and delicately hand painted lucky Irish shamrocks and the words "Himself" and "Herself" on each mug. The perfect gift from Ireland for the perfect match. Handcrafted in County Fermanagh.

Hopefully that gives you some inspiration for those all important wedding gifts.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!