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The Traditional Irish Wedding by Bridget Haggerty
The Tradional Irish Wedding by Bridget Haggerty
Written by an Irish mother who put on a traditional Irish wedding for her American daughter, this book explores the rich history and lore surrounding the exchange of vows beginning with the practices of ancient Gaelic tribes. Dress, Claddagh rings, gifts, food, music, prayers, toasts, and readings are adapted for contemporary ceremonies, with extensive resources provided.
"Marry in May and rue the day..." "When I told my daughter about this Irish superstition, she changed her wedding date so that she'd be married in April - Marry in April if you can, joy for maiden and for man. What began as a search for traditions and customs that she could incorporate into her celebration ended up as an incredible pile of notes that eventually took on a life of its own. Long after her wedding, I was still obsessed with delving into history and folklore, looking for everything I could find on how weddings were celebrated in Ireland long ago.
The pile of notes grew into a 200-plus page manuscript - the book I'd been looking for when my daughter first expressed a wish that her wedding reflect her Irish heritage. So here it is. As complete as I could make it, with suggestions and ideas for attire, decor, menus, recipes, music, toasts, vows, and perhaps of most value, a resource listing that will help you find everything from Irish wedding gowns and tiaras to sheet music for a Celtic Mass. My hope is that when he says to you "would you like to be buried with my people", or you say to him "would you like to hang your washing next to mine", you'll say yes, and then allow me the privilege of playing a helpful part in your wedding plans. And for all engaged couples and their families in the midst of pre-wedding chaos, I raise a parting glass-- May all your joys be pure joy and all your pain champagne. Sláinte!" --Bridget Haggerty
Paperback, 216 pages.
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