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  Choose Your Date Wisely -169842

  In ancient times, Irish couples were cautioned against marrying between May and August — the busiest time in Irish life. As the saying goes,

  "Marry when the year is new, always loving, kind, and true. When February birds do mate, you may wed, nor dread your fate. If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know. Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man. Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day. Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you'll go. They who in July do wed, must labor always for their bread. Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see. Marry in September's shine, your living will be rich and fine. If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry. If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come, remember. When December's rain fall fast, marry and true love will last." 

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  Claddagh Ring

  The claddagh ring is one of the most well-known Irish wedding traditions. Typically passed down from mother to daughter or grandmother to granddaughter, the ring represents love, friendship, and loyalty. Single ladies wear the ring on their right hand with the point of the heart facing the fingertip. When in a relationship, the ring is flipped around so that the point faces the wrist, symbolizing that her heart has been captured. And when the woman becomes engaged, the ring is moved over to her left hand, with the point of the heart facing the fingertips. The ring is flipped around at the wedding.

  Photo courtesy of claddagh.com

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  Flowers

  Another one of the most popular wedding flowers in Ireland is the Bells of Ireland.

  Photo Credit: Scott Piner

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  Entertainment

  Make a bold statement by having bagpipes as you exit the ceremony or during the cocktail hour.

  Photo Credit: Allyson Magda

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  Bells

  Use modified bells as candle holders.

  Photo courtesy of Malmark

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  Irish Blessings

  Kick off the evening by having the father of the bride offer an Irish blessing:

  "May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May your hands be forever clasped in friendship and your hearts joined forever in love. Your lives are very special, God has touched you in many ways. May his blessings rest upon you and fill all your coming days."

  Photo courtesy of The Birdman of Orange/Etsy

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  Cake

  The Irish wedding cake is a hearty fruitcake made with honey and soaked in an Irish whiskey, then frosted with a sweet white glaze. Top the cake with shamrocks or four-leaf clovers for good luck.

  Photo Credit: Michael Paul Photo

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  Horseshoes

  Add some good luck to your wedding day with a horseshoe. Make sure you keep the horseshoe upright, resembling a "U" — otherwise, legend says the luck will run out! Incorporate a horseshoe in your bouquet, wear a horseshoe necklace, or sew a small porcelain version inside your gown.

  Photo Credit: Michael Paul Photo

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  Food & Drink

  During your cocktail hour, add a corned beef carving station or an elaborate potato bar. Be sure to stock the bar with plenty of Guinness, Bailey's Irish Cream, and Jameson, and display an appropriate Irish proverb. A favorite: "An Irishman is never drunk as long as he can hold onto one blade of grass and not fall off the face of the earth." Sláinte!

  Photo Credit: Milou + Olin Photography

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  Flowers

  Many Irish brides traditionally carry wildflowers.

  Photo Credit: Sweet Little Photographs

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  Flowers

  Wear a wildflower wreath in lieu of a veil. Add a sprig of English lavender; it symbolizes love and devotion. And herbs stand for the bride's fidelity to her new husband. 

  Photo Credit: Three Nails Photography

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  Bells

  A traditional wedding gift for Irish couples, the chime of the bell is said to keep evil spirits away. Ring a bell together after reciting your vows. As you venture into married life, keep your wedding bells in a safe place at home; if you argue, ring the bell and it'll remind you of your wedding vows. 

  Photo courtesy of Malmark

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  Your Look

  Although green is the color most commonly associated with Ireland, it's actually blue that's said to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day.

  Photo Credit: Turner Creative Photography

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  Your Look

  Many Irish grooms opt to wear kilts.

  Photo Credit: Lauren Rutherford Photography

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  Horseshoes

  Wear your horseshoe around your neck.

  Photo courtesy of Blue Nile

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  Horseshoes

  Add a horseshoe (and four-leaf clovers!) to your wedding stationery.

  Photo courtesy of Minted

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  Handfasting

  In this ancient Celtic tradition, the hands of the bride and groom are literally tied together to symbolize the joining of husband and wife. It's the origin of the phrase "tying the knot." 

  Photo Credit: Larissa Cleveland

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  Honeymoon

  What better place to honeymoon than in a traditional Irish castle? In Gaelic, "honeymoon" is "mi na meala," meaning "the month of honey." It was customary for the newlyweds to spend a month alone together drinking mead, a wine made of fermented honey.  The sweet wine is said to boost virility and fertility — babies born nine months after the wedding were attributed to the mead!

  Photo courtesy of Dromoland Castle

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  Entertainment

  Have a harpist play traditional Irish music before your ceremony — the harp was the national emblem of Ireland from the early times to the end of the 19th century.

  Photo Credit: Brawns Photography

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  Bells

  Transform a bell into a vase.

  Photo courtesy of Malmark

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  Bells

  Hand out bells to your guests and have them ring away as you exit the ceremony or reception, and let those bells work double duty as escort card holders at the reception.

  Photo courtesy of Malmark

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  Claddagh Ring

  Already have an engagement ring? Incorporate the claddagh in your invitations:

  Photos courtesy of Minted 

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  Your Look

  Dress up your braid with a few pretty flowers.

  Photo Credit: Michelle Lemley

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  Your Look

  Incorporate a braid in your hair; it's an ancient Irish symbol of power and luck.

  Photo Credit: Hair and Makeup by Steph

20+ Ways to Include Irish Wedding Traditions in Your Big Day

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  1959: The original Wedding Day Barbie Doll and Ken Set -138247

  Re-released in 2009 to celebrate the doll's 50th anniversary, this iconic doll's sweetheart neckline and gloves perfectly reflect the era's wedding-day style. 

  Photo courtesy of Mattel

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  1963: Barbie Wedding Bride’s Dream

  Sweet and feminine, this short-sleeved gown with a ruffled skirt is topped off with a fur cape.

  Photo via Ebay

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  1979: Wedding Belles

  Looking hippie-chic with their bridesmaid and flower girl, Malibu Barbie and Ken tie the knot.

  Photo via Ebay

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  1989: Barbie Fantasy

  With its oversized puffy sleeves and high neckline, this dress perfectly reflects '80s bridal fashion.

  Photo via Flickr

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  1992: Bob Mackie Empress Barbie

  The details on this gown are just stunning!

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  1995: Star Lily Bride Barbie

  Part of a special collection dedicated to wedding flowers, this Barbie's gown features floral detailing, and she carries a beautiful bouquet of lilies.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  1996: Romantic Rose Bride Barbie

  From her rosette crown to the hem of her billowing skirt, this bride is covered in her namesake flower.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  1997: Blushing Orchid Bride Barbie

  Another bride from the Wedding Flowers Collection, we love how the lace on her skirt resembles flower petals.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2000: Millennium Wedding Bride Barbie

  Barbie kicks off the new millennium in style with a strapless princess ballgown.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2000: Elizabeth Taylor in 'Father of the Bride'

  Part of a collection celebrating the screen legend, this doll wears a replica of Taylor's beautiful wedding gown from the hit film.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2001: Romantic Wedding Barbie

  A whimsical princess gown with embroidered flowers on the bodice and a floral pattern on the skirt. 

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2002: Sophisticated Wedding Barbie

  Slim-cut with a dramatic jacquard train, this dress is a welcome departure from Barbie's typical princess-style wedding dress.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2002: Maria Therese

  With a sheer bateau neckline and full skirt, this Barbie exudes elegance.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2004: Badgley Mischka Bride Barbie

  Fashion-forward with a bit of a Gatsby vibe, the illusion top covered in iridescent beading and rhinestones is complemented by a simple organza-covered satin skirt.

  Photo via Ebay

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  2004: David's Bridal Unforgettable Barbie

  David's Bridal's first wedding-day Barbie features a Basque-waist dress with a sparkly tulle skirt, elbow-length gloves, and a sweet rose bouquet.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2005: Carolina Herrera Bride Barbie

  The famed designer created an elegant all-over lace gown for her signature wedding-day Barbie.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2005: David's Bridal Perfect Pair Tommy and Kelly

  David's Bridal added an adorable ring bearer and flower girl, complete with a ring pillow and a basket of petals! Check out the 15 cutest child attendants in real weddings.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2005: David's Bridal Eternal Barbie

  David's Bridal's second Barbie style features a glittery top with a satin skirt.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2006: David's Bridal Romance Barbie

  The last of David's Bridal's wedding-day Barbies, this gown was inspired by one of the most popular styles that year.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2006: Monique Lhuillier Bride Barbie

  Known for her romantic wedding gowns, Lhuiller's Barbie version is no different. The lace bodice with a tulle skirt is accentuated by an oversized sash.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2006: Couture Confection Bride Barbie

  A fantasy wedding gown designed by Bob Mackie (best known for outfitting divas like Diana Ross and Cher), this sparkly floral gown is topped with a dramatic veil.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2007: Reem Acra Bride Barbie

  We love the pearl details on this gorgeous train!

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2008: Elvis and Priscilla Presley Barbies

  The King and his beautiful bride are commemorated in these lookalike dolls.

  Photo via Barbie Collector

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  2011: Vera Wang Bride: The Traditionalist

  This luxurious dress, based on the designer's "Dovima" gown, features a watercolor pattern on the skirt.

  Photo via Amazon

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  2011: Grace Kelly Bride Barbie

  Specially-sculpted to resemble the princess, this beautiful doll wears a gorgeous replica of Grace Kelly's iconic gown from her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco.

  Photo courtesy of Mattel

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  2012: Twilight's Bella and Edward Cullen

  Following the release of Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Mattel released Bella and Edward dolls in their wedding-day attire. 

  Photo courtesy of Mattel

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  2012: Twilight's Bella and Edward Cullen

  Here's a back view of Bella's gorgeous dress.

  Photo courtesy of Mattel

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  2012: William & Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset

  In honor of the Prince and Duchess's first anniversary, Mattel released wedding-day replicas of the couple.

  Photo courtesy of Mattel

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  2012: William & Catherine Royal Wedding Giftset

  Here's a closer look at the royal couple.

  Photo courtesy of Mattel

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  2016: Oscar de la Renta "Something Blue" Barbie

  A vision in ivory, the stunning guipure and chiffon trumpet silhouette trails with voluminous tiers of light blue tulle, marrying a modern, clean-lined design with Oscar de la Renta’s romantic artistry.

Our Favorite Wedding-Day Barbies

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  Candelabras -169956

  Antique gold candelabras never fail to bring a romantic touch to the table, especially when accented with organics.

  Photo Credit: Lissa Ryan Photography

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  Cake Display

  A ring of votives illuminates a lightly-frosted wedding cake adorned with burgundy and peach flowers, engulfing the cake in a mellow light.

  Photo Credit: Jose Villa

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  Reception Chairs

  Sheer fabric draped over a vintage chair and fastened with miniature flowers calls on Old World romance.

  Photo Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography

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  Reception Area

  From sumptuous greenery and pale roses to flickering candles and twinkling bulbs, this lavish reception area maximizes all romantic details for an enchanting effect.

  Photo Credit: Redfield Photography

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  Quote Backdrop

  It’s hard to beat a ceremony backdrop as romantic as declaring your love for one another — quite literally — by printing of your vows, a quote, or favorite passage on a cascading piece of fabric.

  Photo Credit: Lauren Fair Photography

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  Mood Lighting

  Bistro lighting creates an intimate feel, casting tawny radiance over the dance floor and setting the tone for the whole reception.

  Photo Credit: Jose Villa

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  Lounge Area

  Gauzy drapes, a chandelier wreath draped in greens and florals, and an ensemble of red, pink, and gold furniture combine for a luxe look drenched in modern romance.

  Photo Credit: JoPhoto

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  Lit Tree

  String lighting and Mother Nature meet for a fairytale backdrop that twinkles magically.

  Photo Credit: Jamie Mercurio Photography

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  Escort Cards

  Simple and sweet, tie your escort cards onto miniature vases holding baby’s breath, a carnation, or roses in pastel shades.

  Photo Credit: Katie Nesbitt Photography

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  Escort Card Display

  Cupid has struck this contemporary escort card display, complete with vibrant arrows and a heart-shaped design.

  Photo Credit: Jose Villa

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  Door Décor

  Twig wreaths festooned with soft blooms and greenery take on the shape of hearts to sweetly adorn entrance doors.

  Photo Credit: Redfield Photography

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  Curtains

  Billowing blush curtains tied with a ring of roses instantly transform structural columns.

  Photo Credit: Samuel Lippke Studios

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  Chuppah

  Lace curtains and bountiful pink flowers combine for a feminine and charming chuppah.

  Photo Credit: Rachel and Noah Ray

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  Chandeliers

  A row of sparkling chandeliers among lush greenery over the reception table creates a decadent ceiling of glowing romance.

  Photo Credit: Michael and Anna Costa

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  Ceremony Setting

  White rose petals scattered along the ceremony aisle are a classic romantic touch, but they take on a new level when complemented by crystal chandeliers and a fireplace lined with candles and greenery.

  Photo Credit: Love & Light Photographs

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  Ceremony Aisle

  Clusters of candles lining the ceremony aisle elicit an amber ambiance, setting a sensual tone.

  Photo Credit: Lily Rose Photography

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  Centerpiece

  Nothing says old storied romance like a centerpiece of stacked books. Vivid florals, apothecary vases, and mismatched candle holders play up a glam vintage vibe.

  Photo Credit: Lev Kuperman Photography

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  Wreath

  A suspended wreath intertwining pink carnations and wild greens is all-organic romance.

  Photo Credit: Amy Shore Photography / Floral Designer: Garden Gate Flower Company

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  Tablescape

  A berry-toned floral arrangement flanked by navy tapered candles and gilded accents emit moody and elegant romance.

  Photo Credit: Kurt Boomer

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  Table Runner

  Light and airy chiffon linens effortlessly run down the table, pooling delicately at the ground for a dreamy look.

  Photo Credit: Julie Kay Kelly

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  Sweetheart Chairs

  This glam sweetheart table is all about gilded romance, but the flowing white fabrics crisscrossed through the chair backs really steal the show.

  Photo Credit: Magnolia Grace Studios

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  Suspended Florals

  Mauve roses attached to varying lengths of twine put a new, beautiful twist on ceiling décor — perfect to hang above a sweetheart table.

  Photo Credit: Heike Moellers Photography

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  Stair Accents

  Flowing vines and white candles bring warmth and romance to an old staircase.

  Photo Credit: Matoli Keely Photography

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  Welcome Sign

  Richly-hued flora and fauna complement a wooden welcome sign for deep, rustic romance.

  Photo Credit: Jillian Bowes

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  Seating Chart

  A wrought iron fence embellished with candles and bouquets of flowers is a secret garden delight.

  Photo Credit: Victor Sizemore Photography

25 Romantic Wedding Décor Ideas