You may be surprised to find that many of today’s wedding traditions actually have root in Irish culture. From “tying the knot” to “wedding bells are ringing” to “something old, something blue….,” this month we explore many of these (and some not so commonly known traditions) in our latest edition of  Waterlily Weddings: Journal — an exclusive online magazine. Here’s a little snippet of what we’re talking about this month!

Tying the Knot

The adage that’s become synonymous with getting married actually comes from ancient Celtic Ireland in origin by way of the handfasting. A part of marriage ceremonies among Celtic cultures, the process of using a chord or rope to join the couple’s hand together into one is deeply rooted in meaning, symbolism, and visually is a stunning focal point for any wedding ceremony. In our magazine this month, we take a closer look at the history behind this amazing tradition and how to get the right handfasting chord for you! We’ll talk about traditional chords, how you can personalize them, and even some DIY options.

Mishy the Stylist: “We are obsessed with this gorgeous Celtic style handfasting chord by Ceotha on Etsy. The colors are so rich and perfectly Irish — classic and elegant and will match most any wedding color palette. The incredible Celtic knot detail adds another level of meaning, using another authentically unique Irish detail. The construction is sturdy but not bulky, and it retains a great balance of structure and delicate as the rope loosens at the ends. It’s really a spectacular piece that perfectly captures the meaning and history of this tradition, that will be a keepsake for life for sure. I can easily see this as a framed keepsake in the home that gets passed down for generations. Really lovely.”

A Six Pence In Your Shoe

“Something old, something new, something borrow, something blue…. and an Irish penny in her shoe.” Many forget the very last part, but this wedding tradition also has roots in Irish culture! We’ve had many brides incorporate this into their day, and it’s a lovely tradition for that extra bit of good luck! The Coin Company on Etsy is a great place to get a quality coin!

Wedding Bells Are Ringing

Bells ringing on your wedding day have been warding off evil for millennia in Ireland. Religious ceremonies will usually ring church bells as part of the festivities, but there are many fun and unique ways you can bring your guests in on the fun for your wedding day. We’ve helped guide clients on a variety of ways to work in this element, be it in theme or actual bell pieces, that are unique to their wedding day’s style, color, and vibe.

Mishy the Stylist: “Wedding bells are a fun way to work in an Irish tradition and get your guests to actively participate. I’m a fan of wedding wands as they are super easy to customize to your exact colors and theme. There are lots of amazing vendors like The Bridesmaid Shop on Etsy that offer a variety of styles, or if you’re feeling crafty they are super easy to DIY. We can get really creative here too if you like, using simple ribbon or working with elements more unique to your day’s theme and style!”

Contact  Us For More

Where does “honeymoon” come from? Need a guarantee for good weather? What is the Child of Prague? Irish traditions for hair and floral crowns, the deal with lace, and how to get a little extra luck of the Irish on your wedding day is what we’re talking about! Contact us today for complete access to our magazine for all the great details, history, ideas and tips from our seasoned planners and stylists available exclusively through our Waterlily Weddings: Journal.