I went to my first Irish wedding and reception last month and I must say, I had a fantastic time. I haven’t laughed so hard or dance so much in ages. The Irish sure do know how to party. The ceremony was really beautiful with all the bridesmaids in very pale blue dresses with shawls in just a little darker blue, covering their shoulders. I kinda expected them to be wearing green, since everyone knows that’s an Irish color, at least on St. Patricks day. But I found out that it is considered bad luck to wear green on your wedding day, something about invoking the fairies. The bouquets were lovely, each bouquet, including the brides had tiny little green clovers among a mixture of colorful flowers. The bride wore a gorgeous blue gown, which I understand is suppose to be a symbol of purity for Irish brides. There were special little celtic knots embroidered all around the hemline. She also had a beautiful tiara with a lovely long veil. The wedding was really special and everything was so spectacular.
At the reception her tables were so elegant with all the silver candle holders and crystal champagne flutes. The wedding cake was really gorgeous too, and so big, with a beautiful celtic claddaugh cake topper. All the gifts they bought for the wedding party were nice too. The bridesmaid gifts were lovely necklaces with shamrocks, and they looked like they cost a pretty penny. They weren’t what you would call cheap bridesmaid gifts. In fact everything looked as if they would be in debt for the rest of their married lives. Later on at the reception when everything calmed down, I got a chance to talk to the bride, which is a good friend of mine and asked her how in the world she pulled off such a fantastic wedding and reception. We work in the same place, so I know what kind of salary she has and I know the groom just started a new job, so he couldn’t have all that much either. I know it was probably a rude question to ask her, but we are close enough to talk to each other about things like this. She told me that she got almost everything for her wedding and reception online and at some pretty decent discounts. I couldn’t believe that, from the wedding favors to the bridesmaids gifts it looked a lot more expensive than it actually was. I was really amazed. If I ever decide to take the plunge and get married, I’ll have to remember where to go for all my wedding and reception supplies.
The rest of the evening went great and everyone attending had a fantastic time. There was lots of terrific foods, champagne, and green beer for everyone to have a super party. We danced and laughed until way into the night and sang a lot of old Irish songs, some that made you want to cry. There was one couple there that knew some Irish dances and we were all trying our best to keep up with all the steps, but it wasn’t easy. The bride and groom looked so lovely on the dance floor as they danced their first dance together as husband and wife. But before long it was time for the happy couple to leave for their honeymoon in land of leprechauns and four leaf clovers. This was one of the most spectacular weddings and receptions I’ve ever been too, and it will certainly stay in my mind and heart for a long, long time.