| In many cases a marriage is recognized both by a | | | | valid.A traditional Irish wedding usually concludes |
| church and the state. While the legal requirements | | | | with a toast that has been recited for many |
| for a wedding are established by the state, many | | | | years. At the end of the reception the guests will |
| couple wish to follow certain religious traditions to | | | | gather around the couple for the final toast. The |
| have their marriage recognized in their church as | | | | couple will begin the toast by saying, "Friends and |
| well. In the Catholic religion marriage is considered | | | | relatives, so fond and dear, 'tis our greatest |
| sacred and is one of the sacraments of the faith. | | | | pleasure to have you here. When many years this |
| The Catholic Church puts forth their own | | | | day has passed, fondest memories will always |
| requirements for a marriage to be recognized in | | | | last. So we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask |
| the eyes of the church.The Claddagh ring has a | | | | God's blessing in your hour of need."The guests |
| special meaning in a traditional Irish wedding. The | | | | then respond to the toast with the following |
| Claddagh ring is a traditional ring that looks like | | | | answer: "On this special day, our wish to you, the |
| two hands holding a heart that is adorned with a | | | | goodness of the old, the best of the new. God |
| crown. Tradition holds that Claddagh rings be | | | | bless you both who drink this mead, may it |
| passed down from mother to daughter. As these | | | | always fill your every need." "Friends and relatives, |
| rings are meant to be passed down for | | | | so fond and dear, 'tis our greatest pleasure to |
| generations, it is not considered proper to buy a | | | | have you here. When many years this day has |
| Claddagh ring for yourself. Yet another tradition | | | | passed, fondest memories will always last. So we |
| involving the Claddagh ring relates to how it is | | | | drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God's blessing in |
| worn. An engaged or married woman or man | | | | your hour of need." The guests respond: "On this |
| would wear the ring with the tips of the crown | | | | special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the |
| facing towards their fingertips. In this position the | | | | old, the best of the new. God bless you both who |
| ring is considered to be turned inward and | | | | drink this mead, may it always fill your every |
| symbolizes that the heart of the person wearing | | | | need."Of course, no traditional Irish wedding |
| the ring is taken. A man or woman who is not | | | | complete without the presence of bagpipes and |
| involved in a romantic relationship would wear the | | | | kilts. It is customary for friends and family |
| ring with the tips of the crown facing towards | | | | members to bring along their bagpipes and pipe |
| their wrist. This outward position of the ring | | | | the couple into the mass and into the reception. |
| symbolizes that the person wearing the ring is | | | | They may also continue to charm the guests with |
| reaching out for companionship.Traditional Irish | | | | an assortment of bagpipe tunes suitable for |
| weddings also adhere to several unusual | | | | dancing. Not only do friends and family members |
| superstitions in an attempt to ward off bad luck. | | | | enjoy performing for the couple and the other |
| A rain or overcast day might be cause for | | | | guests but they also enjoy taking the opportunity |
| concern at a traditional Irish wedding. This is | | | | to dress in traditional kilts for the occasion. The |
| because one of the strange superstitions is that | | | | look and sound of the bagpipers creates the feel |
| the sun must shine directly on the bride to ensure | | | | of a truly traditional Irish wedding.A traditional Irish |
| that the couple will be blessed with good luck. | | | | wedding is a festive occasion filled with good |
| Birds also factor into some of the traditional Irish | | | | friends, food and music. In addition to these |
| superstitions. Hearing a cuckoo bird or seeing | | | | traditional elements the Irish people also have |
| three magpies are also considered to be signs of | | | | traditions regarding the Claddagh ring and |
| luck for the couple.Another Catholic wedding | | | | standardized toasts that are used to wish the |
| tradition requires that previous marriages receive | | | | new couple well. Superstitions also play a role in a |
| an annulment before the couple can be married in | | | | traditional Irish wedding. Many of the traditional |
| the church. Even if the previous marriage was not | | | | superstitions relate to objects or occurrences that |
| held in the church or recognized by the church, | | | | are thought to bring the couple good luck.Bring on |
| they still require an annulment before they will | | | | the bride! is what we say at bridal shower |
| perform a marriage ceremony. In this situation a | | | | invitation, a thoroughly current look at the ways |
| divorce decree is not enough. The previously | | | | you can prepare for her Big Day. Your printable |
| married party will have to seek an annulment that | | | | bridal shower invitation ideas. |
| verifies that the previous marriage was not | | | | |