Tag: traditions

The Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony: A Symbolic Toast to Love

by Harmony Walton

When I’m asked to weave ancient traditions into elegant, modern celebrations, one of my favourite suggestions is a tradition that has captivated couples seeking a meaningful and unique ritual: the Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony. This ancient Celtic custom, steeped in history and romance, is a beautiful way to symbolise love, prosperity, and the sweet journey of marriage.

The History and Significance of Mead in Irish Weddings

Mead, often referred to as the ‘nectar of the gods,’ is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world and has deep roots in Irish history. Made from fermented honey, water, and herbs, mead was believed to have magical and aphrodisiac properties. In Celtic tradition, newlyweds would drink mead for a full lunar cycle (or a ‘honeymoon’) to promote fertility and ensure a strong and harmonious union. This is where the term ‘honeymoon’ originates, making mead an incredibly symbolic beverage for wedding celebrations.

How the Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony Works

During the ceremony, a beautifully crafted goblet or a pair of engraved chalices filled with mead is presented to the couple. The act of sharing this sacred drink symbolises their commitment to one another and the sweetness of their future together. After exchanging vows, the couple takes turns sipping mead from a shared goblet, signifying their unity and devotion. In some ceremonies, close family members or guests also take part by offering blessings before the couple shares their first sip. Others may ask their parents or closest friends read a meaningful poem before sipping the mead.

Some couples choose to have a bespoke blend of mead created, infused with botanicals that hold personal or cultural significance. The type of mead can also be chosen to suit personal tastes, from a rich, spiced variety to a light, floral-infused blend. Additionally, miniature bottles of mead can be gifted to guests as a luxurious and meaningful keepsake of the special day.

Elevating the Mead Ceremony in a Luxury Setting

For couples planning an opulent destination wedding in Ireland, the Mead Sharing Ceremony can be beautifully tailored to match the grandeur of their venue. Whether set against the backdrop of a majestic castle, a historic estate, or an intimate countryside retreat, this ritual adds a touch of old-world charm and sophistication. I often suggest collaborating with Ireland’s finest mead producers to source premium, locally crafted mead that enhances the experience. Personalised goblets engraved with the couple’s names, wedding date, or a Celtic knot design can be a beautiful and elegant addition. The mead-sharing moment can also be accompanied by a harpist or a traditional Irish toast to create a truly magical atmosphere.

The Irish Mead Sharing Ceremony is a timeless and deeply romantic wedding ritual that perfectly complements the grandeur of a luxury Irish destination wedding. It’s a tradition that sweetens the journey ahead. Whether embraced as a nod to Irish heritage or simply as a heartfelt symbol of love and unity, sharing mead with your beloved (and your beloved guests) is a beautiful way to begin your journey as a married couple—one sip at a time.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Anée Atelier and John Cain Photography

What is the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony?

by Harmony Walton

Breathtaking weddings are steeped in Ireland’s history, culture, and enchantment. One of the most beautiful and symbolic Irish wedding traditions that many couples incorporate into their ceremonies is the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony. This age-old custom is not only a romantic nod to Ireland’s past but also a meaningful way to bless the couple’s union with love and harmony.

The Significance of Wedding Bells in Irish Tradition

Wedding bells have long been associated with Irish nuptials. Historically, the ringing of bells was believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a marriage filled with good fortune. The bell’s chime was also thought to bring clarity and peace, reminding couples of their vows during times of difficulty. In modern weddings, this tradition has evolved into the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony—a heartfelt moment that adds a touch of magic and sentimentality to the celebration.

How the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony Works

During the ceremony, a small handbell—often crafted from fine silver or a family heirloom—is rung either by the officiant, the couple, or even their guests. This gentle chime symbolises the blessings of love, unity, and everlasting happiness. There are a few different ways to incorporate this tradition into a luxury wedding, and I often work with couples to personalise it to suit their style and preferences.

The Couple’s Bell Ringing: Just before or after exchanging vows, the couple rings the wedding bell together, symbolising their commitment and the joyful beginning of their life as one.

The Guests’ Blessing: Small bells can be distributed among guests, allowing them to ring them in celebration as the couple shares their first kiss or is pronounced married. This creates a stunning auditory experience, reminiscent of church bells ringing in the distance.

A Keepsake Bell: Many couples choose to have a specially designed wedding bell engraved with their names and wedding date, serving as a cherished keepsake that they can ring during anniversaries as a reminder of their vows.

Ringing Away Disputes: A charming interpretation of this tradition suggests that whenever a disagreement arises, ringing the wedding bell will bring harmony back to the marriage, reinforcing the values of love and understanding.

Incorporating Wedding Bells into an Irish Wedding

For couples seeking an exquisite destination wedding in Ireland, the Wedding Bell Ceremony adds a unique cultural and sentimental touch. I often recommend custom-made bells from renowned Irish artisans, featuring intricate Celtic designs, family crests, or even a touch of gold for added opulence. Some couples may choose to incorporate the bell motif into wedding stationery, table décor, or favours to further enhance this elegant theme.

At some of Ireland’s most luxurious wedding venues—think fairytale castles, stately manors, or coastal retreats—the gentle chime of wedding bells can beautifully echo through historic halls or open landscapes, making the moment truly unforgettable.

A Tradition That Stands the Test of Time

The Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony is a poetic and symbolic way to honour Irish heritage while embracing a timeless ritual of love and unity. What I love most about this tradition is knowing the sweet sound of wedding bells will forever resonate as a blessing upon your marriage. Here’s to your lifetime of harmony and happiness.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by John Cain Photography

The Warming of the Ring Ceremony

by Harmony Walton

Often, I am asked by my lovely couples how they can incorporate Irish culture and tradition into their wedding day. One of my favourite answers is the Warming of the Ring Ceremony. Recently, I was honoured to be interviewed by The Knot in regards to this centuries-old Irish wedding tradition.

What is it?

The Warming of the Ring Ceremony is a strongly symbolic tradition that includes everyone in attendance. Each ring is held (whether in the box or out of the box) by every attending friend and family member. Guests are encouraged to speak well wishes, pray, or internally focus on some loving intentions for the couple. In this way, the rings are ‘warmed’ with love before they end up on the fingers of the newlyweds.

How does it work?

There are a couple different ways I’ve seen the Warming of the Ring Ceremony preformed.

Typically, there is an officiant with a script for each different version. In the first, the officiant meets the guests as they arrive and offers them the rings. Before they take their seats, the officiant asks each attendee to ‘warm the rings’ with their intentions for the couple.

In the second version, the tradition takes place during the wedding ceremony. In this case, the officiant asks that before exchanging, the rings are passed around to each guest. Personally, I like this version the best. The physical warming of the rings carries such a beautiful sentiment.

How can you make it yours?

For your loved ones who cannot be in attendance, I always suggest adding a personal item of theirs: like jewelry, a linen or lace hanky to pass around with the rings. Personally, I think it is more intimate to pass the rings around without a box to make the ‘warming ceremony’ even more literal. As each guest physically warms the ring with their hands, they infuse even more warmth by way of loving thoughts and wishes. In the past, we’ve read poetry or scripture as the rings are passed to each attending guest, making these moments even more sentimental and sweet.

Are you interested in incorporating the Warming of the Rings Ceremony into your wedding day? Read my interview on The Knot or get in touch!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Image by Barry McCall