This page is under construction but you can get a sneak peak

before I organize everything.

You just might find something useful in the meantime.

Top Characteristics People Want in a Partner

1. Honesty
2. Kindness
3. Respect
4. Compatibility
5. Humour

Top Reasons Why People Marry

1. Marriage signifies commitment
2. Moral values
3. Children should have married parents
4. The natural thing to do
5. Financial security

Top Reasons Why Couples Divorce

1. Different values and interests
2. Physical and emotional abuse
3. Alcohol and drugs
4. Infidelity
5. Career-related conflict

SOURCE: Vanier Institute of the Family

CBC News poll:
Conducted by Environics Rearch Group

The Top 5 Things to Pack for Your Honeymoon

1. Sunscreen
   Whether you’re skiing the slopes, touring by foot or splashing in the waves, you will need to keep that skin looking lovely, not leathery. Protect yourself and your hubby from the sun’s harmful rays. It is so important, consider it part of your new vows!
2. Wrinkle-Free Clothing
   You would rather gaze into your man’s eyes than iron, right? A nice jersey dress will get your through many different situations. From walking on the beach to dining out, this vacation staple will be the perfect fit, so you can spend more time holding hands and less time gripping the iron.
3. Comfy, Cute Shoes
   Sleeping in and “staying in” are necessities during your honeymoon, of course, but you’ll want to experience new things out and about. Keep the strappy stilettos for a fancy dinner, and get some cute ballet flats for skipping around town.
4. Stylish Tote
   This versatile accessory is a necessity. Having one item that does many things is a must to save on hassle. Whether a cute carry-on for the plane ride, a helpful carryall for lazy days at the beach or a stylin’ bag for nights out exploring, this can help you get a handle on organization without all the fuss.
5. Passport, Tickets and I.D.
   Oh yeah, we need to be responsible, too! Keep all your information safe and secure. If you are carrying your information on you, make a mental check every time you leave a store or restaurant that it is still with you.

Do’s and Don’ts on How to Wear your Hair   (down or upswept)

QMy wedding is only three weeks away. I have my tiara but I'm still not sure if I want to wear my hair up or down. Does it matter? Is there a proper way to wear a tiara?

AYes, it definitely matters. You want to keep the hair neat and off of the front of the neckline so as not to interrupt the line of the gown. You should keep the hair back behind your shoulders if you intend to wear it down. A hairstyle should be created to complement the bride's face and neck. A tiara can be worn in front of an up do or with any other style of hair as long as it is anchored properly.

The Story of the Bonbonnière

Bonbonnieres - A Historical Tradition
It's a special day made extra special by family and friends in attendance.  How do you thank those you love most?  You give them a gift to remind them of the extraordinary event and their participation.

The tradition of the bonbonière (or bomboniere in Italian, bonbonnière in French or boubouniere in Greek) provides the host with such an opportunity.  The tradition's origin is potentially centuries old, but its geographic point of origin is still in dispute.  In ancient Greek culture, it was customary to offer guests "hospitality" whereby the host would treat them as family.  He would present them with feasts and presents as indications of his generosity and care.  There is also evidence of Roman aristocracy (patricians) having given their guests tokens of thanks at functions for their attendance and to important dignitaries at political functions.  There is some documentation that in the 16th century, French aristocracy began giving gifts of thanks to their guests at weddings, baptisms and other large functions - usually made of gold, silver or crystal.  There is evidence linking other cultures with this tradition (i.e. England, Russia, the Dutch) throughout history.

Regardless of the actual point of origin, there is a need for hosts of particularly special events to thank their gifts for their attendance.  These gifts can be simple or extravagant but they all are individual reminders of that special day. As with all things that have evolved over time, there is tradition built into the components of the bonbonière itself.

The Candy
In today's society, the bonbonière is made up of candied almonds usually tied together within a tulle holder or a more extravagant knit or structured holder in the shape of a star or flower.  The candied almonds (also known as Jordan almonds, Koufetta or Confetti) are said to symbolize the bittersweet times within a marriage.  The number of almonds is also important.  Traditionally, the bonbonière is made with an odd number of candies for luck and if there are three they are said to be symbolic of the new family - the husband, the wife and the promise of children.  If there are five candies, they are said to represent the qualities of a successful marriage - health, wealth, fertility, happiness and long life.  Modern brides and hosts are substituting the Jordan almonds for other candies more suitable to their own tastes (i.e. chocolates, sugar-coated jellies, jellybeans etc.) to personalize this ancient tradition.

The Gift
In centuries past, the gift of sugared almonds was an exquisite indulgence due to the expensive nature of refined sugar.  Today, the Jordan almonds and their packaging can be given on their own, but usually can be found attached to a keepsake reminder of the extra special day.  The gift varies from fully functional gifts such as cappuccino cups or serving tools, to extravagant statues and glassware.  The only limitations are the imagination and budget

Do’s and Don’ts for Votive Candles

• Never leave discarded matchsticks burning inside glass cups. Heat build up will crack the glass.
• DO NOT USE WOODEN OR PAPER MATCHES to light wax votive candles inside glass cups as breakage may occur due to extensive heat build-up from match flare-up.
• Use standard long nose butane BBQ lighter with child-proof switch to prevent burning fingers. Lighters will be made
• available from Victorian Keepsake Candles.
• WICKS SHOULD NEVER BE TRIMMED
• To ensure a longer burning time, do not stand wicks straight up before lighting. Please leave the wicks on side upon lighting.
• To extend the burn time of wax votive candles, place in freezer for 24 hours.
• Place a couple of tablespoons of water into the glass votive cups before inserting the votive candle. This will prevent the wax from becoming stuck to the glass when the candles burn down.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Keep out of reach of children

Do’s and Don’ts on How to Wear your Hair   (down or upswept)

QMy wedding is only three weeks away. I have my tiara but I'm still not sure if I want to wear my hair up or down. Does it matter? Is there a proper way to wear a tiara?

AYes, it definitely matters. You want to keep the hair neat and off of the front of the neckline so as not to interrupt the line of the gown. You should keep the hair back behind your shoulders if you intend to wear it down. A hairstyle should be created to complement the bride's face and neck. A tiara can be worn in front of an up do or with any other style of hair as long as it is anchored properly.

Interesting Facts

Did You Know?

153,306 :: Wedding ceremonies conducted in Canada in 1997. (StatsCan)

20,000 :: Approximate cost, in dollars, of an average Canadian wedding. (Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association)

93,750 :: Approximate cost, in dollars, of an average Japanese wedding. (Association for Wedding Professionals Int.)

188 :: Number of guests seated at a typical Canadian wedding reception. (CODJA)

114,000 :: Wedding ceremonies performed annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, the self-proclaimed "Wedding Capital of the World." (AFWPI)

166,000 :: Wedding ceremonies performed annually in Istanbul, Turkey, the actual wedding capital of the world. (AFWPI)

20 :: Percent of Canadian weddings held in August, the most popular month for tying the knot. (StatsCan)

76 :: Percent of Canadian wedding ceremonies in 1997 conducted by a member of the clergy. (StatsCan)

2 :: Number of months' salary a man should spend on an engagement ring, according to the diamond industry. (DeBeers)

0.96 :: Actual number of months' salary spent on an engagement ring. (CODJA/StatsCan)

3 :: Wedding chapels in Las Vegas named in honor of Elvis Presley. (411.com)

	On July 12, 2002, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that the existing definition of marriage is unconstitutional, and needs to be redefined. Two of the three judges went on to say that parliament should adhere to the court's new definition: marriage is the union of 'two persons', instead of 'a man and a woman'.
	On July 29, 2002, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon responded to massive popular pressure and appealed the Ontario decision.
	On August 8, 2002, the government decided to form a committee on the definition of marriage in order to have a broader base of input.

	There were over 156,000 couples that got married last year in Canada and over $4 billion dollars spent. (Stats Can: Marriages, 1998 84F0212XPB)
	14 million Canadians have household access to the Internet. (Neilson/Net Ratings, August 2001)
	59% of Internet users are potential clients for the wedding and bridal industry. (Angus Reid 1999)
	The majority of people getting married are between the ages of 20 and 35 years of age, most of who have access to and use the Internet to find information. (Stats Can: Marriages, 1998 84F0212XPB)
	With more than 29% of Brides getting married in a different city than which they live it is important to be geographically relevant to your consumer.

	Did you know that in Ontario you can only be married by a Justice of the peace or an ordained minister? and in many municipalities it is difficult to find JP's.
	Did you know there are close to 600 different religious denominations in Canada, most of which can and do perform wedding ceremonies?
	There are some wedding Officiants however that are not trained by a denomination but are licensed by an organization that is only a denomination on paper. This is something for the couple being married to take into consideration. Look for professionals in this field who have experience and training. There are many ordained ministers who are non-denominational and are very flexible in working with the couple to provide a ceremony that is relevant to their beliefs.

Pósfaimis!  Gaelic for "Let's Get Married" The Irish Way

• Select a date for the wedding. The last day of the year is considered an especially lucky time for an Irish marriage.
• Choose Claddagh Rings for your wedding bands. These traditional Irish rings, when worn on the ring finger of the left hand with the heart facing in, tell the world your heart is taken forever.  You can also opt for a traditional Celtic Knotwork Wedding Ring.
• Hire a piper to play at your ceremony.
• Ask a child to present a satin horseshoe to the bride at the conclusion of the ceremony. This represents good luck. Insert the horseshoe open end up (so the luck won't run out) into the bridal bouquet.  Save the horseshoe from the wedding as a family heirloom to pass on to your children.
• Honor the person who introduced you to each other with a special toast at the wedding. This tradition stems from the days when a matchmaker had that role.
• Serve a traditional Irish wedding cake, which is a fruit cake filled with almonds, raisins, cherries and spice, and laced with brandy or bourbon. 
• Sign up for ceilidh (dance) lessons for the bride and bridal party prior to the wedding to learn some Irish dances to perform at the ceremony.
• Hire a band that can play popular Irish songs, such as "The Irish Wedding Song," "Oh Danny Boy," "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and "An Old Irish Blessing."  and many more.
• Include a song or dance that reflects your family's specific heritage.
• Tie harvest knots out of straw and decorate them with small flowers or bells to give to guests as favors. Attach a scroll explaining the significance, which is that young Irish men traditionally gave these to their girls to show their devotion.
• Just a little bit of Irish Tradition:
  • IRISH SUPERSTITIONS
    In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Irish believed that if the sun shone on the bride, it would bring good luck to the couple. It was also lucky to hear a cuckoo on the wedding morning or to see three magpies. After the wedding ceremony, it was important that a man and not a woman be the first to wish joy to the new bride. Some other Irish superstitions and customs are:
    • It's good luck to have your birthstone in your engagement ring, even if that stone is otherwise thought to be an unlucky gem.
    • The earrings you wear on your wedding day will bring you luck & happiness ever after.
    • It's lucky to tear your wedding dress accidentally on your wedding day.
    • It's good luck if a happily married woman puts the veil on you, but bad luck to put it on yourself.
    • It's lucky to be awakened by birds singing on your wedding morning.
    • If you look at the sun when you leave for your wedding, your children will be beautiful.
    • Remember the Irish tradition that a sunny day is lucky, and a rainy one is not. Hope for sun on your wedding day!
  • SELECTING THE DATE
    In Ireland the last day of the old year is thought specially lucky for weddings. Childermas Day or Holy Innocents is, on the contrary, a very unlucky one.....An old superstition holds that May is an unlucky wedding month, because of its association with the Virgin Mary, yet it is one of the most popular months for weddings, both in America and Ireland. A sunny day is lucky, and a rainy one, unlucky. Christmas & New Year's Eve are lucky times to get married.
  • BANNS
    Banns of marriage were required in areas under British rule, including Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The banns consisted of an announcement in church for three Sundays prior to the wedding. This prevented people from marrying in haste and also gave any who might object time to learn of the match. Giving three months notice to the registrar is still a legal requirement in Ireland.
  • THROWING OF RICE OR CONFETTI
    The origin of throwing confetti over newly weds predated Christ since it originates from the ancient Pagan rite of showering the happy couple with grain to wish upon them a 'fruitful' union. Pagans believed that the fertility of the seeds would be transferred to the couple on whom they fell. The throwing of rice has the same symbolic meaning.
  • The Claddagh Ring: Named after the Claddagh fishing village in Galway, the Claddagh ring has been handed down from mother to daughter and is used as betrothal and wedding rings. It is worn with the crowns toward the knuckle on betrothal, and toward the nail to symbolize marriage.
  • The Honeymoon: The word for honey is meala in Irish. The word for honeymoon is mi na meala, the month of honey, and refers to how the bride and groom spend that period of time. Irish monks first produced the fermented honey brew called mead for medicinal purposes, then found it could make well people feel even better. Following the wedding, a sufficient amount of mead was given to the bride and groom, along with special goblets, so they could share the unique brew for one full moon after their wedding -- and thus the term honeymoon was coined. It was believed that this delicate yet potent drink was the best way to ensure a good beginning for a new marriage, and was also believed to endow powers of virility and fertility.
  • IRISH WEDDING BLESSING
    • May the road rise to meet you.
      May the wind be always at your back.
      May the sun shine warm upon your face,
      The rains fall soft upon the fields.
      May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
      May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
      May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips,
      A twinkle from your eye.
      And when eternity beckons,
      at the end of a life heaped high with love,
      May the good Lord embrace you
      with the arms that have nurtured you
      the whole length of your joy-filled days.
      May the gracious God hold you both
      in the palm of His hands.
      
      And, today, may the Spirit of Love
      find a dwelling place in your hearts.

      Amen

  • END OF WEDDING TOAST

    The wedding party gathers around the bride and groom. All fill their glasses with mead and the newly wedded couple recites an Irish toast: "

    Friends and relatives, so fond and dear, 'tis our greatest pleasure to have you here. When many years this day has passed, fondest memories will always last. So we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God's blessing in your hour of need."

    The guests respond:

    "On this special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the old, the best of the new. God bless you both who drink this mead, may it always fill your every need."

More history found

The tradition of offering confetti at a marriage or birth began with the Romans whose confetti was comprised of honey-coated seeds. With the arrival of sugar from the Orient, the Medieval Italian apothecaries developed the “sugarcoated pill.” The ability to heal was soon associated with the sugar coating. Soon afterward, Confetti fiori, or floral candy was developed by the nuns of the Santa Chirara convent in Sulmona in the 16th century. Originally, five sugared almonds were fashioned into flowers. The candy petals symbolized health, happiness, fertility, prosperity and long life.

The Top 5 Things to Pack for Your Honeymoon

Sunscreen
Whether you’re skiing the slopes, touring by foot or splashing in the waves, you will need to keep that skin looking lovely, not leathery. Protect yourself and your hubby from the sun’s harmful rays. It is so important, consider it part of your new vows!

2. Wrinkle-Free Clothing
   You would rather gaze into your man’s eyes than iron, right? A nice jersey dress will get your through many different situations. From walking on the beach to dining out, this vacation staple will be the perfect fit, so you can spend more time holding hands and less time gripping the iron.

3. Comfy, Cute Shoes
   Sleeping in and “staying in” are necessities during your honeymoon, of course, but you’ll want to experience new things out and about. Keep the strappy stilettos for a fancy dinner, and get some cute ballet flats for skipping around town.

4. Stylish Tote
   This versatile accessory is a necessity. Having one item that does many things is a must to save on hassle. Whether a cute carry-on for the plane ride, a helpful carryall for lazy days at the beach or a stylin’ bag for nights out exploring, this can help you get a handle on organization without all the fuss.

5. Passport, Tickets and I.D.
   Oh yeah, we need to be responsible, too! Keep all your information safe and secure. If you are carrying your information on you, make a mental check every time you leave a store or restaurant that it is still with you.

Did you know this?

A white bridal gown has become so traditional that most people cannot imagine anything else, but it is a relatively recent development in the Celtic lands. The white dress is a cosmopolitan fashion that has been universally acknowledged in these days of mass communication, though coloured bridal dresses were fairly common at country weddings in the 19th century.

Wedding bouquets were originally made of strong herbs (thyme and garlic) to frighten away evil spirits, and to cover the stench emitting from people who had not bathed recently!

It is said that the toasting tradition first began in France—where bread would be placed in the bottom of two drinking glasses for the newlyweds. They would then drink as fast as they could to be the first person to get to the toast. According to legend, the winner would rule their household! These days it’s just a bunch of speeches sans pain!

did you know
During a wedding ceremony in Belgium, the bride stops to hand her mother a flower from her bouquet as she walks up the aisle, and they embrace. After the wedding ceremony is finished, the new couple walk to the groom’s side of the church and the bride gives her mother-in-law a second flower from her bouquet, and they also embrace.

did you know
In the 1500s people often married in June because they took their yearly baths in May—and still smelled good by the wedding. Brides also carried bouquets of flowers to mask any additional odour.

What you should know...... (coming soon.........)

Kinds of weddings

Types of weddings

Traditions

• Are you aware of all your Italian or Catholic or Greek traditions?

• Create an Asian style bridal shower...

• Having an Interfaith ceremony?

• Need to find Country & Western party supplies or invitations?

Themes            Coming soon...........

Choosing a date

Budget

Calendar

Sharing of expenses

Civil marriage

Music

Wedding party

Do's and Don'ts           
Hair

Speeches & Toasts

Anniversaries

Laws in Montreal

Bridal Shows

Etiquette & Procedures

Rehearsal

Top 5 Things to Pack for you Honeymoon

CBC News poll:
Conducted by Environics Rearch Group

Interesting Facts

Did You Know?

153,306 :: Wedding ceremonies conducted in Canada in 1997. (StatsCan)

20,000 :: Approximate cost, in dollars, of an average Canadian wedding. (Canadian Online Disc Jockey Association)

93,750 :: Approximate cost, in dollars, of an average Japanese wedding. (Association for Wedding Professionals Int.)

188 :: Number of guests seated at a typical Canadian wedding reception. (CODJA)

114,000 :: Wedding ceremonies performed annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, the self-proclaimed "Wedding Capital of the World." (AFWPI)

166,000 :: Wedding ceremonies performed annually in Istanbul, Turkey, the actual wedding capital of the world. (AFWPI)

20 :: Percent of Canadian weddings held in August, the most popular month for tying the knot. (StatsCan)

76 :: Percent of Canadian wedding ceremonies in 1997 conducted by a member of the clergy. (StatsCan)

2 :: Number of months' salary a man should spend on an engagement ring, according to the diamond industry. (DeBeers)

0.96 :: Actual number of months' salary spent on an engagement ring. (CODJA/StatsCan)

3 :: Wedding chapels in Las Vegas named in honor of Elvis Presley. (411.com)

	On July 12, 2002, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that the existing definition of marriage is unconstitutional, and needs to be redefined. Two of the three judges went on to say that parliament should adhere to the court's new definition: marriage is the union of 'two persons', instead of 'a man and a woman'.
	On July 29, 2002, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon responded to massive popular pressure and appealed the Ontario decision.
	On August 8, 2002, the government decided to form a committee on the definition of marriage in order to have a broader base of input.

	There were over 156,000 couples that got married last year in Canada and over $4 billion dollars spent. (Stats Can: Marriages, 1998 84F0212XPB)
	14 million Canadians have household access to the Internet. (Neilson/Net Ratings, August 2001)
	59% of Internet users are potential clients for the wedding and bridal industry. (Angus Reid 1999)
	The majority of people getting married are between the ages of 20 and 35 years of age, most of who have access to and use the Internet to find information. (Stats Can: Marriages, 1998 84F0212XPB)
	With more than 29% of Brides getting married in a different city than which they live it is important to be geographically relevant to your consumer.

	Did you know that in Ontario you can only be married by a Justice of the peace or an ordained minister? and in many municipalities it is difficult to find JP's.
	Did you know there are close to 600 different religious denominations in Canada, most of which can and do perform wedding ceremonies?
	There are some wedding Officiants however that are not trained by a denomination but are licensed by an organization that is only a denomination on paper. This is something for the couple being married to take into consideration. Look for professionals in this field who have experience and training. There are many ordained ministers who are non-denominational and are very flexible in working with the couple to provide a ceremony that is relevant to their beliefs.

How to Choose a Veil

Like the gowns they are worn with, veils can be elaborate and dramatic or simple and understated. The only rule for selecting a veil is that it should complement both the bride and the gown. For example, an heirloom lace veil shouldn't be forced to compete with an extravagant dress; Jacqueline Bouvier understood this principle when she wore a sweeping heirloom lace veil with a fairly simple scoop-neck taffeta gown in her wedding to John F. Kennedy. By the same token, an exquisitely detailed gown is shown off better by a sheer tulle veil than a fancy lace.

Proportion must also be considered. A short veil looks too informal with a long gown, and an excessively long veil or one with a multitude of tiers tends to overwhelm a short bride instead of adding height. When trying on a veil, make sure you don't disappear beneath it; also, wear your hair as you plan to for the wedding, otherwise you won't have a clear idea of how the veil will actually look.

Nylon tulle is today's veil material of choice. The more traditional silk tulle tends to get limp when it's damp, whereas nylon retains its stiffness. Veils shouldn't be strewn with rhinestones because rhinestones photograph like black dots. Even pearls, tiny satin bows, and other embellishments may look spotty in photographs, so be sparing with these ornaments.

Cathedral
The romantic tiered cathedral veil is the choice of royals, as well as any bride who dreams of looking like a fairy princess; it dominates any setting and looks sumptuous in photographs. Extending at least 9 feet, though 25 isn't unheard of, it is usually a cascade of simple tulle, sometimes embellished with lace at the hem. Because of its volume, it demands the wide aisles of a cathedral (hence the name) and deft maneuvering on the part of the bride, as well as the assistance of at least one of her attendants.

Fingertip
One of the most versatile veils, the fingertip veil can be coordinated with a romantic or contemporary gown. Here, a tulle veil edged in silk and worn without a headpiece is perfect for a spare satin gown.

Bouffant
The bouffant veil, which rises above the bride's head in a cloud of tulle, was popular in the fifties, when full-skirted crinolined gowns were in vogue. It was usually paired with a prominent headpiece, such as a tiara or a high satin headband. Today bouffants are more understated and worn without a headpiece for a cleaner, more modern look.

Mantilla
The lace mantilla has long been considered one of the most romantic veil styles. Instead of being fashioned the traditional way (draped over a high comb), this circular tulle mantilla with a wide lace border is worn without a headpiece, giving it a contemporary spin.

Blusher
Traditionally, the bride covers her face with the blusher, a short veil that extends below the chin but usually drops no farther than the waist (so as not to interfere with the bouquet).

Flyaway
Many veils would shroud the extensive back decolte;colletage of this gown in endless tulle, but a flyaway veil offsets it instead; the stiff froth of open tulle (anchored by little combs) skims the shoulders and whimsically echoes the shape of the satin bustle.

Elbow
With a bare, lacy sliver of a dress, nothing is more appealing than a tiered elbow-length veil to give some fullness to the silhouette. This tulle veil is piped in satin (for additional stiffness) and is attached to a small tiara of porcelain buds; perfect for a spring wedding.

Three-Piece (3 layers of different lengths)
The three-piece veil; short blusher, wrist-length drop, and sweeping chapel creates a formal, traditional look. But the multiple layers are given a modern twist by attaching the chapel veil with Velcro, so a bride can remove it and kick up her heels on the dance floor.

Do’s and Don’ts for Votive Candles

• Never leave discarded matchsticks burning inside glass cups. Heat build up will crack the glass.
• DO NOT USE WOODEN OR PAPER MATCHES to light wax votive candles inside glass cups as breakage may occur due to extensive heat build-up from match flare-up.
• Use standard long nose butane BBQ lighter with child-proof switch to prevent burning fingers. Lighters will be made
• available from Victorian Keepsake Candles.
• WICKS SHOULD NEVER BE TRIMMED
• To ensure a longer burning time, do not stand wicks straight up before lighting. Please leave the wicks on side upon lighting.
• To extend the burn time of wax votive candles, place in freezer for 24 hours.
• Place a couple of tablespoons of water into the glass votive cups before inserting the votive candle. This will prevent the wax from becoming stuck to the glass when the candles burn down.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Keep out of reach of children

Pósfaimis!  Gaelic for "Let's Get Married" The Irish Way

• Select a date for the wedding. The last day of the year is considered an especially lucky time for an Irish marriage.
• Choose Claddagh Rings for your wedding bands. These traditional Irish rings, when worn on the ring finger of the left hand with the heart facing in, tell the world your heart is taken forever.  You can also opt for a traditional Celtic Knotwork Wedding Ring.
• Hire a piper to play at your ceremony.
• Ask a child to present a satin horseshoe to the bride at the conclusion of the ceremony. This represents good luck. Insert the horseshoe open end up (so the luck won't run out) into the bridal bouquet.  Save the horseshoe from the wedding as a family heirloom to pass on to your children.
• Honor the person who introduced you to each other with a special toast at the wedding. This tradition stems from the days when a matchmaker had that role.
• Serve a traditional Irish wedding cake, which is a fruit cake filled with almonds, raisins, cherries and spice, and laced with brandy or bourbon. 
• Sign up for ceilidh (dance) lessons for the bride and bridal party prior to the wedding to learn some Irish dances to perform at the ceremony.
• Hire a band that can play popular Irish songs, such as "The Irish Wedding Song," "Oh Danny Boy," "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and "An Old Irish Blessing."  and many more.
• Include a song or dance that reflects your family's specific heritage.
• Tie harvest knots out of straw and decorate them with small flowers or bells to give to guests as favors. Attach a scroll explaining the significance, which is that young Irish men traditionally gave these to their girls to show their devotion.
• Just a little bit of Irish Tradition:
  • IRISH SUPERSTITIONS
    In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Irish believed that if the sun shone on the bride, it would bring good luck to the couple. It was also lucky to hear a cuckoo on the wedding morning or to see three magpies. After the wedding ceremony, it was important that a man and not a woman be the first to wish joy to the new bride. Some other Irish superstitions and customs are:
    • It's good luck to have your birthstone in your engagement ring, even if that stone is otherwise thought to be an unlucky gem.
    • The earrings you wear on your wedding day will bring you luck & happiness ever after.
    • It's lucky to tear your wedding dress accidentally on your wedding day.
    • It's good luck if a happily married woman puts the veil on you, but bad luck to put it on yourself.
    • It's lucky to be awakened by birds singing on your wedding morning.
    • If you look at the sun when you leave for your wedding, your children will be beautiful.
    • Remember the Irish tradition that a sunny day is lucky, and a rainy one is not. Hope for sun on your wedding day!
  • SELECTING THE DATE
    In Ireland the last day of the old year is thought specially lucky for weddings. Childermas Day or Holy Innocents is, on the contrary, a very unlucky one.....An old superstition holds that May is an unlucky wedding month, because of its association with the Virgin Mary, yet it is one of the most popular months for weddings, both in America and Ireland. A sunny day is lucky, and a rainy one, unlucky. Christmas & New Year's Eve are lucky times to get married.
  • BANNS
    Banns of marriage were required in areas under British rule, including Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The banns consisted of an announcement in church for three Sundays prior to the wedding. This prevented people from marrying in haste and also gave any who might object time to learn of the match. Giving three months notice to the registrar is still a legal requirement in Ireland.
  • THROWING OF RICE OR CONFETTI
    The origin of throwing confetti over newly weds predated Christ since it originates from the ancient Pagan rite of showering the happy couple with grain to wish upon them a 'fruitful' union. Pagans believed that the fertility of the seeds would be transferred to the couple on whom they fell. The throwing of rice has the same symbolic meaning.
  • The Claddagh Ring: Named after the Claddagh fishing village in Galway, the Claddagh ring has been handed down from mother to daughter and is used as betrothal and wedding rings. It is worn with the crowns toward the knuckle on betrothal, and toward the nail to symbolize marriage.
  • The Honeymoon: The word for honey is meala in Irish. The word for honeymoon is mi na meala, the month of honey, and refers to how the bride and groom spend that period of time. Irish monks first produced the fermented honey brew called mead for medicinal purposes, then found it could make well people feel even better. Following the wedding, a sufficient amount of mead was given to the bride and groom, along with special goblets, so they could share the unique brew for one full moon after their wedding -- and thus the term honeymoon was coined. It was believed that this delicate yet potent drink was the best way to ensure a good beginning for a new marriage, and was also believed to endow powers of virility and fertility.
  • IRISH WEDDING BLESSING
    • May the road rise to meet you.
      May the wind be always at your back.
      May the sun shine warm upon your face,
      The rains fall soft upon the fields.
      May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
      May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
      May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips,
      A twinkle from your eye.
      And when eternity beckons,
      at the end of a life heaped high with love,
      May the good Lord embrace you
      with the arms that have nurtured you
      the whole length of your joy-filled days.
      May the gracious God hold you both
      in the palm of His hands.
      
      And, today, may the Spirit of Love
      find a dwelling place in your hearts.

      Amen

  • END OF WEDDING TOAST

    The wedding party gathers around the bride and groom. All fill their glasses with mead and the newly wedded couple recites an Irish toast: "

    Friends and relatives, so fond and dear, 'tis our greatest pleasure to have you here. When many years this day has passed, fondest memories will always last. So we drink a cup of Irish mead and ask God's blessing in your hour of need."

    The guests respond:

    "On this special day, our wish to you, the goodness of the old, the best of the new. God bless you both who drink this mead, may it always fill your every need."