What you need to know about planning an Irish wedding

What you need to know about planning a wedding in IrelandEric Alves on Unsplash

Planning a wedding in Ireland can be trickier than you'd think. Never fear our experts are here to help you maneuver Ireland's cultural quirks when it comes to weddings.

You and your beloved have decided to get married in Ireland and you’re ready to go full steam ahead on planning your dream day in a Celtic fairyland. However, planning a destination wedding can be trickier than it looks, especially when cultural differences come into play. You might be the most organized bride that ever wore white – but what about the things you just didn’t know you didn’t know?

Never fear, we’re here to help you to maneuver through the maze of cultural quirks that you might encounter as you plan your Irish wedding.

Cash bars

In some cultures, open bars are the norm and cash bars are seen as no- go. Here on the bonnie shores of the Emerald Isle, this is not the case. Cash bars are the norm and nobody expects the newlyweds to shell out for all of the celebratory libations. The bride and groom usually provide wine with the wedding meal, and a special drink for the toasts, be it champagne or a round of drinks from the bar.

Cheers!

Tipping

Tipping in Ireland doesn’t come with the rules and expectations of tipping in the US and other parts of the world. Tipping is entirely at your own discretion.

Often, you’ll be paying a premium price for a specific service and there’s no need to add a hefty tip on top.

Check to see if a service charge is included in the price quoted for the reception by your venue and if it’s not, a couple will generally leave a collective tip for the wait staff if they’re especially happy with the service.

Cultural Quirks

Depending on where you’re from and what you’re familiar with, an Irish wedding day may be a different kettle of fish.

For instance, weddings in the US often incorporate speeches, toasts, and dancing between courses. In Ireland, while background music might play during the meal, the band don’t play until afterward, and toasts and speeches are generally made either before or after guests eat.

Traditionally, the best man will introduce each speaker, with the father of the bride, the best man himself, and the groom will all speaking for a few minutes – and if you’d like to include any further toasts, that’s up to you.

Just bear in mind that reception venues run on a set timetable when it comes to serving the meal, with courses generally following one after the other, so be sure to run through your own specific requirements with your venue’s wedding coordinator.

No matter how you choose to get married, your wedding day should be everything you’ve dreamed of and more. If you’re unsure about any aspects of planning an Irish wedding from abroad, your wedding coordinator will be happy to set you straight on the finer points of wedding etiquette here in Ireland.

And the most important tip of all? That’s an easy one – have fun!

* For more visit Weddings in Ireland's site.

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