Tag: Wedding trends

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

Destination Wedding Trends for 2025

by Harmony Walton

The world of destination weddings continues to evolve, with couples in 2025 seeking bespoke experiences that reflect their personalities while embracing the unique allure of their chosen locations. As a luxury wedding planner, I’ve observed some captivating trends shaping the year ahead. If you’re planning a celebration that hits all the destination wedding trends for 2025, let me get you started with my predictions for the coming year.

Hybrid Celebrations

Hybrid weddings are on the rise, with couples merging the convenience of virtual participation with the intimacy of in-person celebrations. For destination weddings, this allows loved ones unable to travel to be part of the day through live streams or interactive virtual activities, ensuring everyone feels included.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

2025 couples are drawn to destinations that allow them and their guests to delve into the local culture. This goes beyond the setting—think intimate cooking classes, guided tours of historic landmarks, or even a traditional blessing as part of the ceremony. A wedding in Tuscany might include a pre-wedding vineyard tour, while an Irish castle celebration could feature a harpist playing Celtic melodies during dinner.

Eco-Conscious Celebrations

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a core value for modern couples. Eco-conscious destination weddings are growing in popularity, with couples opting for locally sourced menus, seasonal flowers, and venues that prioritise sustainability. Many are choosing locations that champion green initiatives, from eco-lodges to venues with renewable energy programmes.

Weeklong Weddings

Destination weddings are evolving into full-scale holiday experiences. Instead of one or two days, many couples are hosting weeklong celebrations. This trend is especially popular in picturesque locations like Santorini or the Amalfi Coast, where couples plan multi-day itineraries: welcome dinners, sightseeing excursions, sunset cocktail hours, and post-wedding brunches. These longer stays foster deeper connections among guests while maximising the destination experience.

Destination-Inspired Décor

Couples are increasingly weaving their destination into every detail of the wedding. This can be as subtle as menu cards adorned with illustrations of local landmarks or as bold as a reception space designed to mimic the destination’s natural beauty. In Provence, this might mean tablescapes featuring lavender and olive branches; in Marrakech, it could be Moroccan lanterns and intricate textiles.

Vibrant Colour Palettes

Neutral tones have dominated weddings in recent years, but 2025 is ushering in a renaissance of colour. Couples are embracing vibrant palettes that reflect the essence of their chosen location. Think coral and turquoise for a tropical beach wedding, rich emeralds and golds for a ceremony in an Irish forest, or terracotta and mustard hues for a Spanish vineyard celebration.

Personalised Guest Experiences

2025 couples are going above and beyond to ensure their guests feel cherished. Welcome gifts are evolving into curated keepsakes inspired by the destination—a handmade pottery piece in Greece or locally distilled whiskey in Ireland. These thoughtful touches elevate the guest experience, leaving a lasting impression.

After-Parties with a Twist

The celebration doesn’t stop at the reception. Destination weddings are embracing unique after-parties, such as bonfires on the beach, silent discos in historic ruins, or stargazing soirées in desert locales. These innovative experiences add another layer of magic to the festivities.

Destination weddings in 2025 are about more than just exchanging vows in a picturesque setting—they’re about creating unforgettable moments that resonate deeply with couples and their loved ones. With these trends, your celebration will be nothing short of extraordinary. (Ps. Just because it’s a new year, doesn’t mean last years trends aren’t relevant. You might find some more inspiration here: Destination Wedding Trends for 2024)

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Anée Atelier

Extravagant Garden Weddings Inspired by the 2024 Met Gala

by Harmony Walton

In my opinion, nothing exudes romance and sophistication quite like a garden wedding. In 2024, the Met Gala has set an inspiring precedent for lavish, nature-inspired events, making it the perfect muse for couples seeking an extravagant garden wedding. This year’s Met Gala was a feast for the senses, blending opulence with the organic beauty of nature. Ultimately, it created a vision that seamlessly translates into the ultimate dream wedding.

The Allure of Nature Meets High Fashion

The 2024 Met Gala, themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” and with a dress code of “The Garden of Time,” showcased the most glamorous interpretations of the natural world. Celebrities graced the red carpet adorned in couture gowns reminiscent of blooming gardens, cascading waterfalls, and lush bouquets. This celebration of nature’s splendor provides the perfect blueprint for a grand garden wedding.

Setting the Scene: A Verdant Venue

Choosing the right venue is paramount to capturing the essence of a Met Gala-inspired garden wedding. Opt for a botanical garden, an estate with sprawling lawns, or a historic mansion surrounded by lush greenery. A great example of this theme is found in the above image of Ryan and Emily’s Fairytale Wedding at Adare Manor. These venues offer a natural backdrop that can be enhanced with luxurious floral arrangements and elaborate landscaping. Picture a ceremony beneath a canopy of wisteria, with petals scattered along the aisle, or a reception under the stars with twinkling fairy lights woven through ancient trees.

If we are taking inspiration from the Met Gala, where florals were not just accents but central to the overall aesthetic, your wedding should feature abundant, artfully arranged flowers. Think oversized floral installations, such as arches dripping with orchids and roses, tablescapes overflowing with peonies and hydrangeas, and even floral chandeliers. Each arrangement should display the wild beauty of nature, but with a touch of curated elegance to make it feel like an enchanted forest.

Sumptuous Dining in Nature’s Lap

Continuing the theme, a garden wedding inspired by the Met Gala should offer a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. I imagine this as long banquet tables adorned with cascading floral centerpieces, gilded tableware, and crystal glassware. Menus can draw on fresh, seasonal ingredients, reflecting the bounty of the garden. I love the idea of serving dishes that incorporate edible flowers and herbs, along with signature cocktails infused with botanical flavours.

Fashion Forward Bridal and Guest Attire

The Met Gala is ultimately a fashion show, so it’s imperative to channel the high-fashion sensibility of the Met Gala into your wedding attire. For the bride, consider a gown that combines traditional elements with avant-garde details—perhaps a dress with intricate floral appliqués, a dramatic train that mimics cascading vines, or a delicate lace bodice reminiscent of spider silk. Bridesmaids can wear gowns in varying shades of green, pink, or even metallic hues that imitate the organic colours of the garden.

To take it one step further, guests should be encouraged to dress in their finest garden-inspired attire. With this motivation, your wedding will be sure to create a scene straight out of a fashion editorial. You can aid your attendees in choosing the right attire by offering the image of a natural theme with botanical prints, soft pastels, and elegant fabrics.

Entertainment to Enchant

In true Met Gala fashion, entertainment should be an unforgettable spectacle. Live music can create a magical atmosphere. For a touch of whimsy, consider adding performances by acrobats or dancers dressed as woodland creatures, bringing a fantastical element to the evening. When you give your entertainers a enchanted place to perform, they will seamlessly blend in to the celebration and likely be inspired by such a creative and marvellous atmosphere.

When you have gone to such great lengths to create an extravagant garden wedding, it’s important to ensure that every moment is captured with the same meticulous detail that characterizes the Met Gala. Hiring a skilled photographer and videographer who can capture the interplay of light and nature, the intricate details of the décor, and the joyous moments shared with loved ones will allow you to relive the magic for years to come.

Inspired by the grandeur and natural beauty celebrated at the 2024 Met Gala, an extravagant garden wedding can be a breathtaking blend of opulence and organic charm. With an event planner that prioritizes thoughtful organisation and attention to detail, your special day can become a timeless celebration that mirrors the elegance of the Met Gala and the timeless beauty of nature.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Brosnan Photographic

Wedding Cake Alternatives for 2024

by Harmony Walton

Breaking away from the conventional wedding cake and embracing the rich culinary heritage of Ireland can add a charming and memorable touch to your destination wedding. There’s a delightful array of cake alternatives to explore that can be tailored for an unforgettable Irish wedding experience. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible wedding cake alternatives:

Guinness Chocolate Cake

Combine two Irish favorites by serving a rich and decadent Guinness chocolate cake. The stout adds depth to the chocolate flavour, creating a memorable dessert for guests to enjoy. This would be especially poignant for couples getting married at Ashford Castle, a gorgeous venue in County Mayo that was once home to the Guinness family.

Irish Dessert Table

Why settle for one dessert when you can have multiples? How about an array of traditional Irish desserts such as Irish cream truffles, Bailey’s Irish cream cheesecake, or Irish whiskey bread pudding. This allows guests to sample various treats and adds a cultural flair to the celebration.

Miniature Pies or Tarts

Consider offering an assortment of miniature pies or tarts filled with Irish-inspired flavours such as apple and whiskey, or berries with Irish cream. Guests can enjoy a variety of flavours and textures without committing to a single slice of cake.

Irish Scones or Soda Bread

I love the idea of serving freshly baked Irish scones or soda bread accompanied by clotted cream, jam, and butter. This option is rustic and comforting. I think it would be brilliant for a cozy winter or fall wedding.

Irish Apple Cake

Everyone loves apple cake! This traditional Irish dessert features layers of spiced apples between moist cake layers, often served with a dollop of whipped cream or custard. It’s a delightful seasonal option for a wedding celebration.

Irish Dessert Shots

Who says dessert can’t be in a shot? Serve miniature dessert shots featuring Irish-inspired flavours such as Baileys Irish Cream, Jameson whiskey, or Irish coffee. These small treats are perfect for sampling different flavours and adding a fun element to the wedding dessert spread.

Trifle

Another idea is to create a stunning trifle featuring layers of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, perhaps infused with Irish whiskey for an extra kick. Trifles are visually appealing and can be customized to suit the couple’s preferences.

Cheese Tower

For a savory option, consider a tower of Irish cheeses accompanied by crackers, fruit, and chutneys. This unconventional choice is sure to delight cheese-loving guests and can serve as a unique centerpiece for the wedding dessert table.

From decadent desserts infused with Bailey’s Irish Cream to rustic scones and savory cheese towers, I hope this list of mouthwatering options inspires you. It’s sure to impress your guests! Need additional menu inspiration? Check out how to create an Irish wedding menu and elevate your wedding reception to a whole new level of Irish charm.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve and Anée Atelier

Destination Wedding Trends for 2024

by Harmony Walton

One of the beautiful things about life is that it’s always changing. It makes sense that love and weddings are ever-evolving, too. Here are some 2024 destination wedding trends to consider as you begin your planning adventure:

Unplugged Weddings

While this isn’t a new idea, it’s gaining popularity year by year. Some guests might struggle with unplugging from their ever-present electronic devices, but if you make it a wedding rule, you’ll find that most will thank you for the break from reality by the end of the event. Without distractions, your guests can truly spend some intentional time with one another. When you ask guests to disconnect from their devices during the ceremony, it encourages a more present and intimate experience. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the incredibly awkward moment of a ringing phone in the middle of your vows!

Virtual Elements

It might sound like I’m contradicting myself with the last point, but with the rise of virtual weddings during the pandemic, lots of couples have continued to incorporate virtual elements into their destination weddings for guests who can’t attend in person. Being able to attend in real-time, even though they are miles (or countries) away, will mean so much to your loved ones. Plus, with the ability to record and live-stream each precious moment, this reduces your guests’ compulsion to grab their devices and record for you. It also reduces the amount of cell phones inelegantly held overhead during the ceremony.

Eco-Friendly Weddings & Cultural Experiences

Sustainability and eco-consciousness have been on the rise in the wedding industry. Couples are choosing eco-friendly destination wedding locations, minimizing waste, and opting for sustainable décor and practices. They have also become much more culturally aware. Couples have been going out of their way to incorporate the customs of local culture into their wedding, including cuisine, music, and traditions. Here are some unique ways to incorporate cultural aspects and Make Your Irish Destination Wedding Stand Out.

Unique Locations & Intimate Gatherings

Couples are looking beyond traditional wedding locations and seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations for their weddings. This might include mountains, forests, historical landmarks, or (may I suggest) beautiful historic Irish castles? With locations becoming more remote, we’ve seen another trend sprout forth – smaller, more intimate gatherings. Couples are often opting for quality time with a select group of loved ones rather than hosting large affairs. Pared-down events might also allow couples to invite their guests to spend more days or attend more activities.

Multi-Day Celebrations

That being said, some couples are extending their destination wedding festivities over several days, allowing for more relaxed and meaningful interactions with their guests. Knowing there are extra days to spend celebrating means more time for conversation with family and friends. It also means more time for adventures – like hiking, hot air ballooning, boating or falconry! Yep. Falconry.

As trends vary from year to year, you can depend on your wedding planner to keep you in the loop on factors like culture, economy and current events (especially if you plan on having your destination wedding in Ireland or any other country). One thing that never changes, though, are that weddings will always be about celebrating love and bringing friends and family together for the most important moment of your lives. That’s something we can always rely on.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images collected from Story of Eve