10 Elegant St. Patrick’s Day Wedding Ideas

Have you considered a St. Patrick’s Day wedding? Whether it’s a destination wedding in Ireland or a hometown celebration that pays tribute to your Celtic heritage, the 17th of March makes for a great wedding date. But with so many cheap Leprechaun hats and fluorescent green shamrocks about, how do you find St. Patrick’s Day wedding ideas that avoid the gaudier elements of the holiday? The good news is that a few small touches with an eye towards refinement can add a dash of Irish flair without going overboard.

Here are ten creative, elegant and stylish St. Patrick’s Day wedding ideas.

Get creative with the colour palette

To keep things elegant, it’s a good idea to avoid the obvious palette of solid emerald or Kelly green. Remember, there are lots of other gorgeous shades, such as sage, olive, or hunter green. Layering them into a tone-on-tone palette will create depth while lots of crisp whites and glamorous golds will elevate the look. And be selective – a pop of colour will have more impact than too much of it.

Make use of fresh florals

Another way to create texture and dimension in an organic way is by using lots of fresh florals, greenery, and even produce in green and white. With St. Patrick’s Day falling in mid-March, it’s the perfect time to create a spring atmosphere. For a sweet on-theme touch, tuck a fresh green shamrock into each napkin tie.

Accessorise (but don’t overdo it!)

Accessories are a great place to incorporate your St. Patrick’s Day theme, but remember that a little goes a long way. For example, instead of adding green to your dress, you could wear a pair of green velvet shoes, a delicate shamrock pendant or hairpin, or a piece of emerald jewellery. For the groom and groomsmen, consider shamrock cufflinks or lapel pins.

Serve an Irish menu in miniature

Of course, an Irish menu is a must for your Irish destination wedding, including seasonal, local produce. But why not have some fun with your canapés? Mini portions of classic dishes are always a hit with guests. For example, individual cottage pies or stout pies, colcannon bites, and mini soda breads. Alternatively, create a spread of mini Irish faves for your dessert.

Set the scene with your invitations

Your wedding invites should always set the tone for your wedding and give guests their first hint of what to expect on the day. So, if you’re planning a St. Patrick’s Day wedding, ask your stationer to weave Irish wedding traditions or cultural symbols like shamrocks or lucky horseshoes into your stationery.

Tie the knot (literally)

The saying ‘tying the knot’ actually comes from the ancient Celtic wedding ceremonial tradition of handfasting. The couple’s hands are bound together with ribbon or cord as a symbol of their bond. If you want to include a touch of Irish culture in your ceremony, this is an easy and meaningful way to do it. (Read about more Irish wedding traditions here.)

St. Patrick’s Day cocktails

For many, St. Patrick’s Day is all about taking a break from the austerity of lent and enjoying a drink (or several), so it’s only appropriate that you include a St. Paddy’s-inspired cocktail in your drinks menu. Whether it’s something cool and green (like a frozen mint lemonade or cucumber gimlet), or a drink that incorporates Irish ingredients (like Bailey’s or Guinness), your guests are sure to love it.

Set up a whiskey bar

Another great way to add some Irish flair to cocktail hour is to create a special whiskey bar, serving up the very best local tipples from across the island.

Give Irish-inspired favours

Whether they’re table gifts or included in welcome baskets, Irish-inspired gifts are a great way to give your guests a taste of Ireland. From household favourites like Ballymaloe Relish or Lily O’Brien’s gourmet chocolates to Irish-made souvenirs like seaweed soap or beeswax candles, there are lots of great options.

Hire Irish entertainment

St. Patrick’s Day is all about the craic, so of course, we couldn’t have a list of St. Patrick’s Day wedding ideas without including some rousing entertainment. Whether it’s hiring a folk band, having traditional Irish dancing, or a singalong in the small hours, this is an element guests will still be talking about for years to come.

Whichever of these St. Patrick’s Day wedding ideas you choose to add to your big day, having a wedding on this special holiday is sure to bring good luck to your marriage!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Kieran Harnett, Lisa O’Dwyer, Christina Brosnan, Story of Eve