Our guide to the traditions and usual practices for the perfect Irish wedding.

Ár dtreoir do na traidisiúin agus na gnáthchleachtais don bhainis fhoirfe Éireannach.

Hereunder is a guide to the Provinces. These links are not live, please use the links on the left of the screen

Connaught
Galway Weddings in Galway
Leitrim Weddings in Leitrim
Mayo Weddings in Mayo
Roscommon Weddings in Roscommon
Sligo Weddings in Sligo

Munster
Clare Weddings in Clare
Cork Weddings in Cork
Kerry Weddings in Kerry
Limerick Weddings in Limerick
Tipperary Weddings in Tipperary
Waterford Weddings in Waterford

Leinster
Carlow Weddings in Carlow
Dublin Weddings in Dublin
Kildare Weddings in Kildare
Kilkenny Weddings in Kilkenny
Laois Weddings in Laois
Louth Weddings in Louth
Longford Weddings in Longford
Meath Weddings
Offaly Weddings in Offaly
Westmeath Weddings in Westmeath
Wexford Weddings in Wexford
Wicklow Weddings in Wicklow

weddings in ireland, irish weddings, irish wedding planner, Wedding Directories, Wedding Services, wedding experts,Irish Wedding Coordinators, weddingjournal, weddingsonline,History Of Irish Wedding Traditions, Wedding Tips, Choosing The Perfect Photographer, Choosing Your Wedding Reception,Wedding Sentiments, Irish Church Weddings, Premarriage Courses, Invitations & Stationery, Etiquette For The Big Day, irish fashion Sense, irish Registry Office Wedding, irish Bridal Shops, Dress Designers, Jewellers, Ladies Fashion, Lingerie, Mens Dress Hire, Wedding Hats, Wedding Shoes, Balloons, Beauty Products, Beauty Salon, irish Churches, Floral Preservation, Furniture, Hair Care Products, Hair Salon, Image Consultants ,Make Up Artist , Marquees, Music & Entertainment, Party Hire , Slimming & Weight Management ,Stag/Hen Adventures, Stag/Hen Nights, Toastmaster,Travel Agent , Wedding Video , Wedding Cakes, Wedding Candles, Wedding Cars, Wedding Florists, Wedding Gifts ,Wedding Insurance , Wedding Stationery,Getting Married in Ireland, Health & Well Being , Honeymoon, Photographers ,Wedding Guide , Wedding Venues, Irish Wedding Ireland.Irish Wedding Planners, Organisers, Arrangers, Consultants and Coordinators,Irish Weddings Ireland, your Online Irish Wedding Planner.weddings,theme weddings,themed weddings,getting married in Ireland,Irish weddings, Celtic weddings,Ireland,Dublin,Irish,wedding stationary,wedding flowers,Irish castles,Irish country houses,wedding planners Ireland, wedding co-ordinators Ireland,wedding coordinators,flowers,photography,wedding cakes,bridal party,bride,groom,groomsmen, vintage cars,horse and carriage,marriage Medieval,Thai,Moroccan, and Celtic Irish Wedding Planners, Irish Weddings Online. Our services include planning every detail of your wedding from booking your wedding venue in Ireland, wedding photography, music for the ceremony and the reception. We organise everything from the wedding stationery, flowers to suit hire, wedding transport,table planning and co-ordinating the wedding day itself. co-ordinating theme weddings romantic and memorable wedding experience in Ireland. Weddings, Wedding,Ireland Wedding,Ireland Weddings,Wedding in Ireland, Weddings in Ireland,Wed in Ireland,Irish Wedding,Irish Weddings,Celtic Wedding,Celtic Weddings,Irish Celtic Weddings, Irish Celtic Wedding,Traditional Celtic Wedding,Traditional Celtic Weddings,Themed Weddings,Theme Wedding, Theme Weddings,Medieval Weddings,Medieval Wedding,Outdoor Weddings,Outdoor Wedding,Car Hire,Wedding Cakes, Wedding Cake,Invitations,Horse Drawn Carriage,Celtic Priest,Celtic Priestess,Wedding Planner ,Irish Wedding Planner, Wedding Planner Ireland,Marquee,Marquee Wedding,Stately Home,Stately Homes,Castle,Irish Castles,Irish Castle, Castle Wedding,Irish Castle Weddings,Black Tie Weddings,Venue Search,Wedding Venue Search,Wedding Venues in Ireland, Church Documentation,Legal Documentation,Legalities for Wedding in Ireland,Wedding Legalities,Wedding Stationary, Church and legal documentation, Venue, type, research and rental negotiation, Wedding stationery, Music for the wedding ceremony, Flowers for the church, venue and bridal party, Transport for the bride,groom and wedding party, Photography Videography, Drinks/cocktail reception, Wedding banquet,Wedding cake, Make up and hairdressing, Band for after dinner entertainment, Formal Wear Wedding Band,Dance BandJazz Band,Champagne Reception,Wedding Favours,Wedding Crackers, Thai Wedding,Moroccan Wedding.

Irish Wedding Traditions

When will you marry me? The Four-Year Leap Superstitious…… Not me Who goes there! Let’s Toss The Caber Mammy, Where Do I Stand? Something Old, Something ….. I’m Wearing White. Right! Darling, would you please carry my…… Which Finger? Time to Go Home The Noisy Parade A Little Help From Your Friends No, You Go First Darling, that’s not Dandruff, is it? When will you marry me? For your complete History of Irish Wedding Traditions click here http://www.irishweddingsonline.com/IrishWeddingTraditions.html If you haven’t yet decided when to tie the knot; here are a few dates that you should keep in mind. It is believed that the last day of the old year is especially lucky for weddings. The month of May is thought to be an unlucky month for weddings, yet it the most popular! Christmas and New Year’s Eve are also lucky times to tie the knot. All you have to do is commit. The Four-Year Leap For women, Independence Day really falls on the 29th February when they have the “right” to propose to a man. This tradition stretches back centuries to the time when English law disregarded the “Four Year Leap” and as a result, everyday traditions and norms were ignored also, i.e. that only a woman can pop the question. A much more romantic idea is that the Leap Year is not only an opportunity to right this discrepancy between the calendar year of 365 days and the time it takes for the earth to rotate (365 ¼ days) but as an opportunity to rectify an unjust and totally sexist tradition. Superstitious…… Not me Ireland is renowned for its superstitions in all areas of life, and marriage is not exempt from this generalisation. Around the 18th and 19th centuries, it was believed in Ireland that a man not a woman should be the first to congratulate the new bride. Other widely held beliefs include: It’s lucky to be awakened by birds singing on the morning of your wedding. It’s lucky if a woman who is happily married puts the veil on the bride, and bad luck if the bride does it herself. It is good luck if the stone in your engagement ring is your birthstone. If your wedding dress is accidentally torn on the day it will bring good luck. Who goes there! The origin of the wedding veil is ambiguous. There are several schools of thought: During the times of arranged marriages, it is thought that the bride’s face was covered so that the groom would not be given the chance to back out! It was also believed that the veil was used as a shield against evil spirits. These traditions all transpired to create a tradition for modern times where the bride’s face is concealed by the veil until the couple are pronounced man and wife. Let’s Toss The Caber As a tradition, the tossing of the bouquet dates back to the 14th century and most likely originated in France. The tradition is the same; the woman who catches the bouquet is thought to be the next to marry. Mammy, Where Do I Stand? During the wedding ceremony, the bride stands on the left and the groom on the right. The first marriages were by capture, when the husband was fighting off other warriors who wanted his woman, as well as her family. He would hold her with his left hand and fight with his right. Something Old, Something ….. The full rhyme: "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”. Something Old This refers to the bride wearing something that links back to her old life. It usually takes the form of a piece of jewellery or the wedding dress, which may have belonged to the mother of the bride. Something New Wearing something that is representative of good fortune or success for the bride, and is usually the wedding dress itself. Something Borrowed This is meant to bring good luck to the bride, particularly if it comes from another happily married woman. Something Blue In biblical times the colour blue was associated with purity and fidelity. Over time this tradition has evolved from the bride wearing blue clothing to wearing a blue garter. I’m Wearing White. Right! Although the white dress is the focal point of a traditional wedding, its arrival is relatively new in comparison to other traditions. In country weddings dresses varied in colour and it wasn’t until Anne of Brittany donned her resplendent white Gown in 1499 that the tradition was established. Darling, would you please carry my…………… The carrying of the bride is one of our favourite traditions. One belief of its origin is that the husband must carry the bride over the threshold to protect her from evil spirits. Another belief holds that if a wife stumbles over the threshold this would bring bad luck to her marriage. Which Finger? The wedding and engagement ring are traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand, although the origin of this is not altogether certain. One belief originates from an Egyptian belief that this finger is aligned with the Vena Amoris, the vein of love that runs directly to the heart. The other belief dates back to the 17th century when the priest touched the three fingers of the left hand when saying “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, the fourth was then set aside for the ring. See our selection of Jewellers Time to Go Home Centuries ago, the bride would take an entirely different route home from the wedding to the journey she took to the church, symbolic of her new life ahead. The Noisy Parade The firing of rifles was often used to mark the occasion. This has now been replaced by the sounding of horns from cars. A Little Help From Your Friends The origin of the bridal party dates back to Anglo Saxon days. When the groom was about to capture his bride to be, he would call on his friend to make sure all ran smoothly. The bride also had women to help her – her “Brideswomen”. No, You Go First During the evening reception, it is traditional for the bride and bridegroom to dance to the first song together. During that song, the groom then takes his new Mother-in-law, and then his mother for a dance. Simultaneously the bride dances with her new Father-in-Law and then her father. Darling, that’s not Dandruff, is it? The tradition of throwing confetti goes back to before the time of Christ. The pagan ritual involved the throwing of grain onto the newlyweds as an act that would precipitate a “fruitful” union. Pagans believed that the fertility of the seeds would take effect on the couple. The actual word “confetti” is Italian for sweet meats- sugar coated grains of seed and nuts. Recently these have been replaced by coloured pieces of paper. This tradition however, could be on its last days as churches and registry offices are much more stringent about the mess created.

Getting The Right Wedding Videographer

Getting The Right Wedding Videographer The beauty of video is that it is able to capture the whole day, from the small intimate details to the broadest spectrum of emotions. Improvements in technology, smaller cameras and the need for less artificial light can allow the right videographer to capture the day's events without actually being a part of it. In addition to being a precious keepsake of your wedding day, your wedding video is a great way to capture moments you may otherwise miss. When considering a videographer, select the package that highlights the events that are most important to you. When viewing a videographer's work, you will become aware of the many intangibles that become subjective through the eyepiece of the camera and in the mind of the videographer director/editor. You will instinctively know when a particular videographer's emotional style clicks with your own. See our selection of Wedding Videographers Tips for Selecting a Videographer Look for a videographer who is experienced, creative and artistic. When viewing examples of work, look at the clarity and quality of the video, the composition, as well as the details of shooting and editing. Questions To Ask Your Videographer What type of lighting will the videographer use? How will the videographer be dressed at the wedding? Do you have sample videos I can see? How long have you been in business? What packages do you offer? Do you use Professional Quality equipment, accessories and supplies? How many cameras do you use? Do you have back-up equipment that is comparable in quality to the original? Do you use wireless microphones? Do you offer Non-Linear Digital Editing? Do you copy-protect or scramble the videotape? What are your guarantees and liabilities? Do you have a written contract? Are you unobtrusive? Will the shoot interfere with the proceedings in any way? How much do you charge for additional hours beyond the agreed contract? Do you work with the photographer to ensure mutual cooperation? Are you there throughout the entire reception? Will you go to a location (like the beach or a park) without additional charge? How much are additional copies of the wedding tapes? Do you have references that I can call? A Professional Wedding Video isn't expensive, it's Priceless! See our selection of Wedding Videographers

Wedding Tips

Health & Beauty Tips Making That Special Wedding Speech The Music The Attendants Groom's Cakes Wedding Photography Florists Health & Beauty Let's Make Up The key to perfect make-up is finding the balance. Your make up must be camera friendly - not too dramatic and definitely not pale and uninteresting. If you do decide to do it yourself, follow these tips to enhance your own beauty. It's All In The Application Choose a foundation that matches your own skin tone, otherwise your face will acquire the look of a mask on the photographs. Blend using your fingertips or a damp sponge, preferably in natural light and please, avoid that dreaded tidemark! Making Eyes At You Softly outline your eyes using a brown kohl pencil. Blend your chosen eye colours into your own natural eye shape. Remember, you are enhancing your own features, not trying to create new ones. The eyebrows frame your face, so ensure they are well shaped and symmetrical. If necessary use a light brown pencil to further enhance them. Luscious Lips Exfoliate your lips first with a toothbrush. Moisturise and then allow some time for it to be absorbed. Apply lipstick with a lip brush, blot, and then apply lip liner in a similar shade all over the lips. This helps "set" the lipstick so that you won't be left with that tell tale outline. Dot a little lip-gloss onto the centre of your bottom lip to create a pout effect. Finishing Touches Dust a little translucent powder over the face, and then apply a little blush on the cheekbones and temples to define your bone structure. Now all you have to remember is to smile. See our selection of Image Consultants   Making That Special Wedding Speech Practice makes perfect, so we suggest writing the speech well in advance and practising when and where you can. This will give you more confidence. Be yourself, be honest - within reason - and enjoy yourself. The Traditional route to take is: A welcome by the bestman or Toastmaster. And in the end everyone toasts everyone else. There are no standard routes when making a speech. Sit down with the happy couple long before the wedding and agree who is going to speak and in what order and then add your own personality and you're there. There is no doubt that you'll be nervous, what best man isn't? Just keep one thing in mind - you are among friends. Remember the best time for speeches is before the meal so that you and the newlyweds can then sit back and enjoy that meal they've paid so much for. The Music Music - the language of love - plays a pivotal role in setting the tone for your wedding. In whichever music genre your passion lies, there's no shortage of performers to choose from. Remember to: Choose the band/performers with care Listen to a demo of the band or hear them live first Agree a price in writing See our selection under Music The Attendants For many, the attendants can add the final touches to the overall wedding and provide a necessary support mechanism for the bride. The ring bearers and flower girls walk just in front of the bride and her escorts. Flower girls lay a trail of petals for the bride to follow. Trainbearers usually walk in pairs holding the train of the bride's wedding gown. Groom's Cakes Groom's cakes are usually smaller and a lot more diverse than the usual multi-tiered traditional cake. They can be any colour, flavour or theme, within reason! See our selection of Cake Companies under Wedding Cakes   Wedding Photography Whatever your memories of your wedding day will be, it is wonderful to have them captured for posterity in a photograph album that will become a treasured piece of family history. Whether you decide to record your formal wedding in an elegant set of portraits, or capture the fun and frolics in a more casual candid or reportage style, your photographs will be the lasting record of the biggest day of your lives. Couples marrying these days have a wonderful range of options open to them and there are many truly excellent photographers working in Ireland in the specialist area of wedding photography. In the section that follows, we have taken a look at some of these specialist photographers, many of them artists in their own right. Their creative skills and professionalism will help you to relax and enjoy your big day, and you will have a record of your precious moments to treasure forever. The wedding album is traditionally the most treasured of the post wedding memorabilia. You should entrust this responsibility to a professional. Book early, the best are reserved first. Here are some questions you should ask: What packages are on offer? How many photos does each package include? Are you allowed to keep the "proofs"? Is there a deposit - How much? Can you buy the negatives? What is the cost for extra time or photos? Keep in mind that most photographers have their own style, so make sure you see plenty of examples before finalising your decision. See our selection of leading Photographers   Florists Florists come in all shapes and sizes, and essentially prices. Some are wedding specialists; some have shop premises while others work from home. Whatever type of florist you opt for, it is advisable to do the following: Shop around - price ranges are staggering See examples of previous work (especially in progress) Talk to people who have used the service Know exactly the type of arrangement you are after Check regularly with progress It's better to go with tried and tested florists It is usually more advisable to opt for a florist who specialises in weddings, who has experience in delivery and arrangement. As prices can fluctuate dramatically, ensure that if you agree a price with the florist, get it in writing. There's no chance a promise will be remembered ten or eleven months later. See our selection of Florists

Choosing The Perfect Photographer

No matter what arguments may arise regarding the big day, there is one thing you won’t be arguing about – the importance of your wedding album. Gone are those rather stern, hollow photographs with the fixed smiles and straight faces, and in their place is the welcome arrival of choice. Irrespective of taste, or lack of, idiosyncrasy, or fantasy (within reason), the photographer is at your bidding to create an album that is in direct accordance with your wants. We recommend that you ask the Photographer to show you photos and contact details of their most recent weddings. By ensuring that you are dealing with a Professional Wedding Photographer, you are giving yourself the peace of mind and added security of a professional service provided by a qualified photographer. So the day of your dreams has arrived and just as quickly it is gone, but not to worry. At least you have the wedding album to “ooh” and “ahh” over, to remember the look your husband had, when you were walking down the aisle, or what about that picture of the pageboy yawning? Or your mum’s skirt swirling precariously high as your father swung her around the dance floor? You do have all of these images captured on film, don’t you? To avoid that sinking feeling if the answer is negative, follow our guide to unearth the photographer who will be all things to all people, well the bride and groom at least.   La Belle Epoque – Photography Oui, it certainly is a beautiful era, particularly since the early 70’s bore witness to a true revolution in photography. The rejuvenated art welcomed a much more relaxed and therefore representational image of subjects. But where the “models” have laid back the photographers have done exactly the opposite. More highly trained than ever, the true professional can provide an album for you that will tell a thousand anecdotes, and then some. With stunning colour and unusual angles, you can count on a wedding album that you’ll be proud to pass down the generations. Work First, Play Later But wait a minute, before you get all relaxed there is work to be done. True, there are plenty of photographers out there, but not all of them will be right for you. So before you go off on the hunt bear in mind the following : Your Style –If you don’t know what you want, please don’t assume the photographer will. Just because he/she can look into a lense does not provide a license into your mind. Help them out a little. The style will also be determined by the theme of the wedding. The photos will reflect this theme. For example, an informal affair with only close family and friends will be complimented by fairly informal photographs – natural, genuine and full of life, and so on. Most couples, however usually opt for a mixture of the classic and the candid. The most important thing is to find a photographer who can create the perfect album. The Colour of Love – Another element to consider: colour, black & white, or a blend of the two? Before you decide consult the expert to decipher which is best for you. Also, make sure you consider all eventualities- rain (quite likely) or an unexpected hitch. If there is a scenic area you quite fancy as a location, check in advance that there are no restrictions or rules for this sort of thing. The Bottom Line As an art form, photographers are well aware of the prices they can get away with charging, At the top of the market photographers can easily charge thousands of pounds. Don’t despair, because for approximately one thousand you can be assured of a high quality collection of photographs that truly represent that most special day. Some Points To Keep In Mind See previous work completed by the photographer. Talk to people who have used him/her before. Is the photographer professionally trained and in what areas of photography? Are they award winning? Are they entered in any of this year’s photographic awards? Trust those instincts! Has the photographer talked about plans to manage any unexpected happenings? Ask him/her if they are covered with professional indemnity insurance. Now that all these doubts have been assuaged, all you have to remember to do is: say Cheese!

Choosing Your Wedding Reception

Your wedding ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day, and in some respects the biggest moment of your life. After the ceremony, the natural inclination of every happy couple is to celebrate this momentous occasion. This is the time for you and your family and friends to get together and enjoy the happiest day of both your lives. Choosing the right venue for your wedding celebrations is important and finding the right one for the reception you have in mind is paramount. There are all sorts of venues available to you and some of them can represent a significant investment for a couple. Don't be afraid to shop around. Finding out about the venue from someone who has attended a function there is always a good idea. You should bear in mind that all the most popular venues book up quickly so try to book as far in advance as possible. Discuss your wedding plans with the banqueting staff at your chosen venue. They will have lots of experience in planning receptions and you will be able to benefit from their skills and expertise. Venues can range from a castle or manor house, to a hotel or restaurant, right through to a pub reception or a celebration at home. To help you find out about some of the more popular settings for weddings in Ireland, we have taken a look at some of the most popular ones. Click here to see our selection of Wedding Venues

Wedding sentiments

The meaning of gemstones: Constancy       Garnet         (January): Sincerity          Amethyst     (February): Courage          Bloodstone   (March): Purity              Diamond       (April): Success           Emerald        (May): Health              Pearl            (June): Passion            Ruby            (July): Happiness       Sardonyx        (August): Wisdom          Sapphire         (September): Hope              Opal               (October): Fidelity            Topaz            (November): Harmony         Turquoise      (December): The meaning of flowers in the bridal bouquet: Lily: purity Rose: true love Carnation: honest love Violet: truthfulness Forget-me-not: sincerity Orchid: beauty Ivy: friendship Daisy: trust Woodbine (honeysuckle): faithfulness Orange blossom: Giving Orange blossom was always the traditional bridal bouquet flower in these isles and an 18th century English custom was to present the happy couple with orange blossom, myrtle and rose water to bring them luck and happiness. There are many superstitions and old wives’ tales revolving around weddings. Here is a selection: Marry in Lent, live to repent. Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, Saturday no luck at all! If you change the name and not the letter, You marry for worse and not for better.Marry in white, you’ve chosen right, Marry in blue, your love will be true, Marry in yellow, ashamed of the fellow, Marry in red, you’ll wish yourself dead, Marry in black, you’ll wish yourself back, Marry in grey, travel away, Marry in pink, your spirits will sink, Marry in green, ashamed to be seen. wedding sentiments

Church weddings

Most weddings in Ireland take place in churches and the majority of them are Christian weddings performed in a Catholic church. The following is an outline of what sort of rules and guidelines you may be advised of when you decide to marry. Roman Catholic Marriage Ceremonies The first step is to visit your priest who will help you arrange a date for the wedding and advise you of requirements for marrying in a Catholic church. It will be the priest’s job to help you to prepare for the sacrament of marriage and to ensure that you are both aware of the responsibilities and commitments you are undertaking. You must give at least three months notice of your intention to marry to the priest. Where one or both of the parties intending to marry are under 18, three months notice must be given during which time the priest will help the couple to adequately prepare for marriage. You will be advised of pre-marriage courses available to you. You must also provide the following documents: - Certificate of baptism (issued 6 months before the wedding) - Letters of freedom from any parish you have resided in for over 6 months - Where parties are under 21, letters of consent from parents (the priest will advise you on this) - a pre-nuptial enquiry form, which you must complete with a priest of your parish. The priest will also discuss with you the marriage rite and help you with your plans for the ceremony. Church of Ireland Marriage Ceremonies The rector of the church in which you intend to marry will advise you on the requirements you mush comply with. For three consecutive Sundays prior to the marriage, the banns (intention to marry) will be read out in the parishes of the parties intending to marry. Then the rector will give a certificate of banns for which there will be a fee. Marriage can be carried by Ordinary Licence or Special Licence and the rector will advise you of which is appropriate and how to go about this. You should give your rector fair notice so that the requirements for marriage can be fulfilled in order for you to marry. Click here to go to a list of churches church weddings

Pre-marriage courses

Why do a Pre-Marriage Course? "For better, for worse". How many look back on these words with the benefit of hindsight and wonder if we knew what we were letting ourselves in for. Love, romance and wedding days are wonderful life experiences, but the core experience for couples getting married is the commitment to spend the rest of their lives together, come what may. And to be honest, getting hitched is a daunting prospect. Even the most in-love couples are going to hit bad patches, and who among us knows for certain what lies around the corner for us? But the amazing thing about love is that it really can conquer all - with a little help in the way of trust, faithfulness, and courage. Of course a little preparation can go a long way. Even the most loving couples, who have known each other perhaps all their lives, can sometimes be surprised to find out something about their partner that they never knew before. This is where a pre-marriage course can be really helpful. Not only does it give couples the chance to discuss a range of issues which they may not have considered before, it also gives you time to spend together to reflect on what you want, where you are going and how you see your future lives together. There are many good pre-marriage courses available in Ireland, today. See our selection of Pre-Marriage courses They vary in length, and timing. Some are run over a number of nights, usually four in all; some, on Friday evening and all-day Saturday; and some are compacted into just the one day (usually Saturday). The main focus in all of them is on good communication, plus – in the Catholic courses, at least – on the ideals of marriage as a sacrament, meant to last a lifetime. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by your pre-marriage course. You may well find that instead of being a necessary thing to be ticked off the pre-wedding must-do list, your course opens up some new horizons for you both and bring you together in a way that you may not have experienced before. After all, marriages are all about the future, and discussing and planning your future together is what your getting married is all about. Here are five good reasons for attending a pre-marriage course (some of which you might not have thought about before): 1. OK, it does get one of your must do's off the list before the wedding! 2. It allows you to discuss topics relevant to marriage, and with other couples in a similar situation to yourself. 3. It gives you the opportunity to talk to counsellors who have gone through many issues, problems and life experiences. 4. The course will highlight for each of you what you first saw in each other, and why you want to be together. 5. It will give you both a "time out", away from all the bustle of planning, to think about beyond the wedding day into your future together. See our selection of Pre-Marriage courses

Who does what on the day!

Duties of the Best Man The Mother of the Bride The Chief Bridesmaid The Bridesmaids The Father of the Bride The Groom’s Parents Duties of the Best Man Probably the person with the most responsibility on the wedding day, the best man should be someone dependable, preferably a good organiser, and someone you can trust. Duties include: Assisting the groom, but also assisting the bride, bridesmaids, members of the wedding partyand guests. The best man generally organises the stag party and makes sure the groom doesn’t come to too much grief! He helps with the groomsmen and ushers, making sure they know their duties. He helps organise the grooms clothing and accessories for the day, and usually takes responsibility for looking after any hire clothes etc. after the wedding. He organises transport, looks after the rings, and minds travel tickets/documents. On the wedding day, he makes sure he is fully dressed in good time to assist the groom in any way possible. He gets the groom to the church on time and stands on his right ready to proffer the wedding rings when necessary during the ceremony. The best man and chief bridesmaid are usually the witnesses. He pays the sacristan and musicians. He assists the bride and groom and the wedding guests in getting transport to the reception. After the wedding meal, he announces the cutting of the cake while drinks are being distributed for the toasts. He formally calls on the bride’s father to make a speech. When the bride’s father has offered a toast to the bride and groom, the best man asks the groom to speak on behalf of himself and the bride. After the groom makes a toast to the bridesmaids, the best man replies on their behalf and makes his own speech. He reads out any telegrams or cards. When the couple are going away, the best man looks after the groom’s clothing and helps the bride and groom get away. Then he returns to the reception. He orders taxis if necessary for departing guests and personally escorts the bridesmaids home if need be. He pays the band/musicians and checks that no guest has left anything behind. He assists in transporting any gifts to the bride’s parents’ home. He makes any last minute payments on behalf of the couple and returns any hire clothes or accessories. The Mother of the Bride The bride’s mother is the official hostess at the wedding and plays a large part in the preparations and organisation of the wedding. She assists the bride in arranging the ceremony and reception and helps organise the guest list. She involves the groom’s mother in the guest list plan and also checks what the groom’s mother will be wearing to the ceremony! She is seated in the left pew at the front of the church and is the last person to be seated before the ceremony. She is also the first person to be escorted out (by the groom’s father) when the ceremony is finished. She is the first person in the receiving line at the reception to greet guests. She organises the sending out of wedding cake to relatives. She is a support to the bride in the organising of the wedding from planning to completion. The Chief Bridesmaid The chief bridesmaid has no formal duties but is expected to assist the bride in her preparations for the wedding. This can include helping with fittings for the bridesmaids dresses and accessories as well as her own. She may organise a hen night or party for the bride. She assists with the invitations and gifts. She attends all the pre-wedding parties with the bride and looks after the bridesmaids before and during the wedding day. Along with the best man, she is usually one of the witnesses. She helps the bride to dress and arranges her veil and holds her bouquet during the ceremony. She may stand beside the groom in the receiving line and she sits at the top table. She may help the bride change if the bride wishes, and she should let the best man know if the bride or groom need any assistance. The Bridesmaids The bridesmaids have no formal duties butgenerally try to assist the bride wherever they can. They attend pre-wedding parties with the bride and may give one for her. They meet at the bride’s home the morning of the wedding to dress and receive their bouquets. They follow the chief bridesmaid in processions entering and leaving the church. During the ceremony they stand at the bride’s side, behind the chief bridesmaid. After the wedding cake is cut they may serve it to guests. Alternatively they may socialise generally among the guests and participate in the dancing. The Father of the Bride The father of the bride is the official host at your wedding and gives the bride away during the ceremony. He sits beside his wife at the ceremony and escorts the groom’s mother when leaving the church. He greets the guests first in the receiving line. He makes a speech and toasts the bride and groom. The Groom’s Parents The groom’s parents are honoured guests at the wedding. The groom’s father dresses in accordance with the rest of the wedding party. The groom’s mother should consult with the bride’s mother about clothes for the wedding day. Before the wedding, they attend the rehearsal dinner. They may give a special wedding gift to the bride. They are seated in the front pew on the right and usually are seated just before the bride’s mother takes her seat. They participate in the receiving line at the reception. They send a note to the bride’s mother (who is the official hostess) after the wedding. Check out The Wedding Planner here: http://www.irishweddingsonline.com/theweddingplanner.html

Invitations & Stationery

Choosing that Agency Details, Details, Details… Better safe… Co-ordination is Key Standard Wording for the Invitations Organisation for the big day usually pivots around the church, the reception and of course that dream dress, in fact few thoughts are spared for the choosing of the wedding stationery at all. That is, until now… Choosing that Agency There are plenty to choose from. But before you delve in, have a good idea of what you are after in terms of design, tone and general presentation. Details, Details, Details… Tradition is tradition, the following details must be included: The names of the parents hosting the wedding The bride and groom Name of church and hotel, and their respective addresses Day, date and time of event R.S.V.P date Better safe… Printing times vary, which is why we advise ordering 3-4 months before the actual wedding day and ordering an extra 20 cards with your specified order, just in case! Invitations should be sent out 6 weeks before the wedding. Co-ordination is Key From invitations to place cards to thank-you letters it is important that all are Co-ordinated to add a special something to the overall look of your wedding. Standard Wording for the Invitations As with all institutions there are etiquettes and there are norms. Here is an indication as to how you should be wording those invitations. Your Wedding Stationery Company will have these and more, for you to look at. When the bride’s parents are doing the inviting. Mr and Mrs. John Quinton request the pleasure and company of ………………………………………… at the marriage of their daughter Davina to Mr. Morgan Williams At the church of the Holy Sacrament Coalisland on Friday, 13 October 2001 At 12pm And afterwards at the reception in The Greenvale Hotel Cookstown Parents Address RSVP   Where one parent is deceased and the other is remarried, the wording may read as follows. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Bardon Request the pleasure of the company of ………………………………………. At the marriage of their daughter Davina Quinton To Morgan Williams   When one of the parents is deceased the wording may be as follows Mr. John Quinton Requests the pleasure of the company of ………………………………………. At the marriage of his daughter.   If the bride and groom wish to do the inviting the wording may read. Davina Quinton and Morgan Williams Request the pleasure of the company of ………………………………………. On the occasion of their marriage.   These guidelines are just that, guidelines, providing a basis for your own. Front and Inside Verses These are just samples, feel free to create your own wording VERSE: F50 This day I will marry my friend, the one who shares my dreams VERSE: F51 A new day A new life Together... VERSE: F52 One love that is shared by two VERSE: F53 Each of us a half...incomplete together we are as one VERSE: F54 As our marriage brings new meaning to love, so our love brings new meaning to life VERSE: F55 With an endless love we'll share our thoughts, our dreams, ourselves VERSE: F56 This day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love VERSE: F57 On our wedding day a new life has its start We'll share with each other one love, one dream, one heart VERSE: F58 The miracle of love is that love is given to us to give to one another... VERSE: F59 Love fills the moment, and the moment begins eternity Love fills a lifetime, and a lifetime begins this hour VERSE: F60 The love we share today shines from sunrise to sunrise, growing brighter year to year as we share our lives VERSE: F61 The promise of our life together is as bright as the colors of the rainbow VERSE: F62 In the sweetness of love, let there be laughter, and in all our tomorrows the freshness of today VERSE: F63 Two hearts that beat as one... VERSE: F64 And the two shall become one... VERSE: F65 A fresh new day, and it is ours, a day of happy beginnings VERSE: F66 How beautiful is he day that is touched by Love VERSE: F67 To have and to hold from this day forward VERSE: F68 And we shall become one to share all the days of our lives VERSE: F69 This day our hearts are joined as one VERSE: F70 A time for love A time for us VERSE: F86 Take my hand and say you will follow me VERSE: F71 The path that leads to happiness is so narrow that two cannot walk on it, unless they become one VERSE: F72 He didn't put a diamond in my champagne glass or get down on one knee, but his gentle proposal brought tears to my eyes, and my acceptance brought tears to his... VERSE: F73 For hearing my thoughts, understanding my dreams, and being my best friend... For filling my life with music and loving me without end... I do VERSE: F74 He is soft-spoken, and I am a chatterbox He loves a love story, and I like to laugh He whispered, "Will you marry me?" and I shouted, "Yes!" VERSE: F75 I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance... A church filled with flowers and friends... I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for... He said one that would make me his wife VERSE: B5 Love knows no limit to its endurance no end to its trust, Love still stands when all else has fallen 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 VERSE: F79 On this day, years ago, I married my friend, the one who shares my dreams, life and love VERSE: F108 Our life together begins this day... VERSE: F115 Love lights the hearts of those who share it VERSE: F142 The daisies of the field are as fresh and perfect as our love... VERSE: B1 And now abideth Faith, Hope, Love, all three and the greatest of these is Love 1 Corinthians 13:13 VERSE: B2 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you John 15:12 VERSE: B3 Delight yourself also in the Lord And He shall give you the desires of your heart Psalm 37:4 VERSE: B4 I hold you in my heart for we have shared together God's blessings Philippians 1:7 VERSE: B6 Through love serve one another Galatians 5:13 VERSE: B7 I have great joy and encouragement because of your love Philemon 7 VERSE: B8 I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine... Song of Solomon 6:3 VERSE: B9 I have found the one whom my soul loves Song of Solomon 3:4 And the two shall become one. · This day our hearts are joined as one. · A time for love . . . A time for us. · One hand, one heart. · Love is patient, love is kind. · Two hearts beat as one. · Always and Forever. · The best is yet to come! · To have and to hold from this day forward (wedding date). · Love is friendship set on fire. · If I know what love is, it is because of you. · For those who love . . . time is eternity. · Before us lies the open road - a future filled with adventure and love. · This day I will marry my friend, the one who shares my dreams. · Today I married my best friend. The one I laugh with, dream with, live for, love! · The miracle of love is that love is given to us to give to one another. · A fresh new day, and it is ours, a day of happy beginnings. · We held hands to have and to hold. Our hearts embraced and will never let go. · I never believed love could be so sweet, so overwhelming, so tender . . . then I met you. · "And now abideth Faith, Hope, Love, all three and the greatest of these is Love" I Corinthian 13:13 · Violets are Blue, Roses are Red, Susan (Bride) and Tom (Groom) are about to be wed! · It takes many ingredients for a sound and happy marriage. Love and trust are the greatest. Thank you for sharing our special day. The importance of the Wedding Stationery cannot be underestimated in the proceedings of the wedding. The ensemble you choose will have much to do with the entire feel of the occasion. And of course as a keepsake wedding stationery is perfect. Choose carefully. The final effect is worth the effort. See our selection of Wedding Stationery Companies

Etiquette for the big day

Seating for the wedding reception: Groom’s father; bride’s mother, bridesmaid, bride, groom, best man, groom’s mother, bride’s father, priest. The Church Order of procession up the aisle: Father of the bride... The bride Child attendants Chief bridesmaid Bridesmaids Seating in the church: Chief bridesmaid/attendants.......................Bestman/ groomsmen. Bride’s parents & family......................Groom’s parents & family. Bride’s family & relatives.......................Groom’s family & relatives Bride’s honoured guests......................Groom’s honoured guests. Bride’s friends.....................................Groom’s friends Order of recession leaving the church: Father of the bride.................................Groom’s mother Groom’s father.........................................Bride’s mother Groomsmen...............................................Bridesmaids Best Man.............................................Chief bridesmaid                              Child attendants Groom................................................Bride

Transports of delight

Brides and grooms wanting to arrive in style to their wedding have never had it so good! These days there is a wide and varied choice of transport for the happy couple. It is worth considering the style and scope of your wedding before making your final choice. Your mode of transport should ideally fit in with your wedding theme. However, it is up to you, and although many couples like to arrive in traditional style, there is no limit to the choices that are available to you. For larger, more formal occasions, there are usually at least two cars required. One car may take the bride and her father to the church, while the other will take the bride’s mother and the bridesmaids. When the ceremony is over, the first car then takes the couple to the reception while the other may take the bride’s parents and bridesmaids. There are a number of excellent limousine, Bentley and vintage car services available and many couples opt for these. Popular choices are Mercedes,Bentley, Rolls Royce and Daimler, although the choice of classy chassis on offer these days is positively bewildering! Most firms will provide a uniformed chauffeur, champagne for the bride and groom, and flowers and ribbons to decorate the cars. If you want to make a real splash on your wedding day, you can always arrive by helicopter! It certainly cuts out the risk of traffic jams! However, bear in mind beforehand that you will need a suitable area for landing and the permission of the person on whose property this area may encroach! Why not go for an olde worlde romantic mode of transport and choose a horse and carriage. After all, they say ‘Love and Marriage’ go together like one! For transportation of wedding guests, a coach or some other suitable mode of transport is worth thinking about. It not only gets people together, thereby breaking the ice, it also ensures that those who choose to toast the bride and groom in hearty fashion get home safe and sound without having to worry about leaving a car behind them. Whatever you choose, remember to checkout what is on offer from the companies you contact so that you can be sure you are getting everything you are looking for. Book well ahead and then relax, secure in the knowledge that getting there and getting home is no problem. See our selection of wedding car companies.

Fashion Sense

Jewellery Hats Off? No Chance Size Matters(Really!) Wear It Well Dress It Up Skin Deep     Jewellery Your jewellery will be subject to three variables: Your taste Your budget and The style of your dress The first one can’t be helped; tastes can vary from Doris Day Sweet to Joan Collins Glamour. Budgets, that dreaded restriction, will mean the difference between Cartier and costume. However, it is ultimately the style of the wedding gown that will determine the accessorising jewellery. If your dress is simple and pure then you have the option of “glamming” it up with large gems, or even a choker style in diamante, or remain with the theme with such items as the “ghost necklace” – a stone hung from an invisible thread, or the classic simple strand of pearls, or the docile beauty of the gold pendant. If, however, your gown is intricate and detailed, the only option is simple; otherwise you run the risk of looking overdone. The trick is to make it look and seem effortless. Trust your instinct – and that of your mothers’! Click here to go to our jewellery section Hats Off? No Chance There’s nothing quite like a hat to add that essential finishing touch to the glamour of the wedding outfit. But what happens to your hair when the hats come off? Well to avoid that horrible flat mop, characteristic if Post Hat Wear (PHW), there are a few preventatives to take note of. Firstly, make sure your hair is at its optimum level of health, no grey hairs, no uneven strands and definitely no split ends. If your hair is replenished it will definitely be less prone to “flopping”. Click here to go to our Wedding Hats section Size Matters (Really!) When choosing your hat it is crucial that you concentrate on the size. This is one area that cannot be compromised on, no matter how perfect the colour or shape. If you ignore this rule, you have no one to blame but yourself for that unsightly indent gracing your head of hair. Finally, bring a can of hairspray on the day and a hairbrush. As soon as the hat comes off spray a little and then comb through. Wear It Well If there is one thing you should take from this piece, it’s this: Listen to your own instincts and if you’re void of such a gift, borrow someone else’s. The outfit you choose should ultimately make you feel glorious, svelte, chic and very, very worthy. Here are a few tips to guarantee an ensemble that is simply divine. No matter what your size or height we all have certain fashion restrictions to adhere to. If you have a voluptuous figure, it is crucial that the fabric is non-clingy, lightly skimming your curves rather than “grabbing” onto them. Of course we all know to steer clear of those dreaded horizontal stripes. Petite women, as well as larger figured women, should avoid breaking the silhouette of their figures with dramatically different fabrics or colours. This does not render you doomed to life in monochrome, just keep in mind that similar shades do elongate and slim the figure. If you’re stepping out in a smart trouser suit, do – Opt for a ¾ length if you are tall. Wear a well-fitted short jacket or “box” jacket if you are petite. Ensure your suit is well cut, particularly over the shoulders of the jacket and the rear of your trousers no matter what your height or size. You cannot afford to make a mistake here. Dress It Up A dress is perfect for a wedding, particularly a summer wedding. Teemed up with a smart jacket of this season’s ultra feminine cardie, you really can’t go wrong, that is, if you take heed of my advice. For the more petite of us there are certain lengths you can wear with ease, and others you should avoid at all costs. In the former category, strut your style in chic minis or ooze sophistication in the classy longer style. The very fashionable “on the knee” length will also deem you very a la mode. However, a dress or skirt that is calf length and you only have yourself to blame – you have been warned! If you are tall, count yourself one of the lucky ones. Most things go, mini, maxi, mid length, it is totally dependent on your taste, just make sure your taste is up to scratch. And finally, whatever you wear, wear it well. There really is nothing like a touch of confidence to set off an outfit. Click here to go to our Attire section Skin Deep We’ve all heard the tales of the beautiful bride, all dewy skinned and healthy blushing cheeks. Well now it’s your turn to show off the skin you’ve always wanted. Visit a beauty therapist (make sure they come highly recommended). A specialist in their field, they will be able to consult you and organise a skin treatment routine over the weeks up to your wedding. Also while you’re there invest in a steam facial, and really experience the change. If this sounds like too much expense and trouble then follow these handy tips for great looking skin. First of all, make sure the skin products you purchase are suitable to your skin type. Second, train yourself into a routine of removing all make up in the evening. Resist the temptation to leave it on until the morning. Invest in a good facial scrub and mask. Use these once per week on alternate days. Essentially, these remove the dead skin from your face, and thus the grey hue that is characteristic of neglected skin is removed to reveal skin that is replenished, glowing and supple. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise, what more can I say? The benefits of moisturisation cannot be understated. It rejuvenates and invigorates, leaving skin that is so smooth you can’t help but to touch it. That brings us to our next point. Do try and keep your hands by your sides. If you insist on touching your face, you’ve only got yourself to blame for the transferring of all those germs! And finally, don’t forget the H20, AKA water. It is recommended that you drink 5 pints per day. Take heed of this advice and believe me, you’ll be laughing! Click here to go to our Make Up Artists section

Have your cake and eat it!

For years the most traditional of wedding elements, the wedding cake as handed down to us through the ages, has been best known as the highly ornamental white confection that takes pride of place at the reception. It is both a symbol of celebration and a good luck wish for the future. A centrepiece and talking point, the wedding cake is also a symbol of the sharing of joy and happiness and as such, is distributed not only to the wedding party and guests, but to loved ones and relations. For those who could not be present on the day especially, they feel part of it all when that little gift of wedding cake makes its way to them. Nowadays the wedding cake doesn’t have to strictly adhere to the white centrepiece confection so affectionately remembered by many couples. Today the wedding cake can blend in with the colour scheme and style of the wedding. It can be formal, funny or downright funky! Many couples take great pleasure in surprising their guests with a cake that can be either fabulously elegant or wonderfully whimsical. Whatever your choice of cake, it is sure to reflect your own style and personality, and as such will be an integral part of your wedding day celebrations. As far as limits to your dream cake go, there are none! Today’s professionals combine the traditional skills of the confectioner with the most modern technology to enable them to produce creations that range from the deceptively simple to stunning feats of design. Remember to discuss the theme and style of your wedding with your wedding cake specialist. They will help make your dream a reality! Something old... There is something timeless and irresistible about the classic wedding cake. Here are some examples of the kind of exquisite cakes you can have today. Something new... Who says it has to be white?! Why not consider something fun and funky. Something borrowed... Inspired by themes of pure art and theatre, these cakes have borrowed ideas from the arts and turned them into a creation in confectionery. Something blue... Sometimes the simplest designs are the best of all. See our selection of wedding cakes companies

Rules for Marriage in Ireland

Rules for Marriage in Ireland Committee on the Reform of Marriage Law has recently published a set of discussion papers (which are available on the Reform of Marriage Law page of our website: http://www.groireland.ie/reform_of_marriage_law.htm). The General Register Office is unable to give a specific date for implementation of the new marriage procedures, but it is likely to be in the latter part of 2006. We intend to give as much notice as possible, recognising the fact that people make arrangements for their marriages well in advance of the event. We would also like to assure the public that a comprehensive public information campaign will be undertaken at the appropriate time. If you wish to contact the Committee to offer observations on the papers or make a particular enquiry on some aspect of the proposals contact Ian Quinn, Joint Secretary to the committee Phone 01-7043953 FAX 01-7043870 email - marriage.reform@welfare.ie Or by writing to Ian at, Inter-Departmental Committee on Reform of Marriage Law Department of Social and Family Affairs Store St., Dublin 1 PS There are fairly significant changes proposed to the three month notification requirement, see discussion paper No2 on website, but the final form they will take must await the publication of the report to Government. The following is a summary of the rules for getting married in Ireland. To view a more detailed overview please visit this link http://www.irishweddingsonline.com/GettingMarried.htm If you wish to be married in a registry office you will require either a registrar’s licence or certificate. Notice must be given to the registrar in your local area. A registrar’s certificate requires the parties to reside in the local district of the registrar for seven days before serving notice. After that, they may marry after 21 days from the day of entry of notice by the registrar. The registrar’s licence requires one of the parties to live in the local registrar’s district for at least 15 days before giving notice. If the other party also lives in the same area, at least 7 days notice must be given. If you live in different districts, 15 days notice must be given in each district. Seven days after the day of entry of notice by the registrar, the marriage may take place. Both licences and certificates are valid for 3 months from the day notice is served. The ceremony in a registrar’s office is quite short and couples must bring two adult witnesses. Guests are welcome but you should check before the ceremony how many guests could be catered for inside the registry office. Registrar of Civil Marriages Grand Canal Street Lower Dublin 2 Tel: 01/6787114 or 01/6787115 List of Registrars (with telephone numbers) of Civil and religious marriages other than Roman Catholic marriages: (This list is correct as at January 1, 1999 but is subject to change without notice.) USEFUL ADDRESSES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Registrar-General of Marriages, Joyce House, 8-11 Lombard Street East, Dublin 2; Tel. 01-635 40 00 Department of Foreign Affairs, Consular Section, 72/76 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Tel. (01) 478 08 22 extn 304. United Kingdom Divorce Registry, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LP. General Register Office (N.I), Oxford House, 49-55 Chister Street Belfast BT1 4HL; Tel. (08)(01232) 252 000. The Embassy of Italy, 63 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4; Tel: (01) 660 17 44 The Embassy of the United Kingdom, 31 Merrion Rd, Dublin 4; Tel. (01) 269 52 11 The addresses of the other embassies appear in the telephone directory under Diplomatic & Consular Missions, Embassies. Locating the appropriate Registrar The appropriate Registrar of Marriages is determined by the form of the marriage (type of ceremony) and also where it will take place, please refer to section 1.2(b) in this leaflet. If you have any difficulty in determining the identity of a Registrar you should contact the local superintendent Registrars Office or Civil Registrars Office, as appropriate, as detailed on the reverse of the notification of intention to marry form enclosed. Locating the Circuit Family Court to whom an application for a Court Exemption Order may be made: County Registrar and Circuit Court offices (with telephone numbers):     Circuit (County) Venue Telephone number Carlow Carlow Town 0509-91 3 16 64 Cavan Cavan Town 049-4331530 Clare Ennis 064-6821041 Cork Washington Street, Cork City 021-270508/276558 Donegal Letterkenny 074-91 87 11 Dublin Family Law Office, Aras Ui Dhalaigh, Dublin 7 01-8725555 Ext.4806/4810 Galway Galway City 091-56 23 40 & 56 55 00 Kerry Tralee 066-2 19 98 Kildare Naas 045-89 73 48 Laois Portlaoise 0502-2 13 40 Leitrim Carrick-on-Shannon 061-41 46 55 Longford   Longford Town 043-4 64 10 Louth  Dundalk 042-3 40 66 Mayo  Castlebar  094-90 2 15 22 Meath   Trim 046-94 3 12 09 Monaghan  Monaghan Town  047-8 23 88 Offaly   Tullamore 0506-2 12 05 Roscommon  Roscommon Town  090-66 2 61 32 Sligo  Sligo 071-91 4 22 28 Tipperary  Clonmel  052-2 11 95 Waterford Catherine Street, Waterford City  051-87 41 44 & 87 63 26 Westmeath   Mullingar 044-4 83 15 Wexford   Wexford Town 053-2 23 29 Wicklow   Wicklow Town 0404-6 73 61 General Note: If you require further information please contact your local Health Board Registration office, Civil Registrar's Office or The General Register Office,  Joyce House,  8-11 Lombard Street East,  Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 635 40 00 • Fax: (01) 635 4440.

Old Testament Readings

1) From the Book of Genesis 1:26-28, 31 (Male and female, He made them) Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. 2) From the Book of Genesis 2:18-24 (And the two become one flesh) Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the LORD God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. 3 ) From the Book of Genesis 24:48-51, 58-67 (Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent) Then I bowed my head and worshiped the LORD, and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to obtain the daughter of my master’s kinsman for his son. Now then, if you will deal loyally and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn either to the right hand or to the left.” Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you anything bad or good. Look, Rebekah is before you, take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.” And they called Rebekah, and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will.” So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham’s servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “May you, our sister, become thousands of myriads; may your offspring gain pssession of the gates of their foes.” Then Rebekah and her maids rose up, mounted the camels, and followed the man; thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. Now Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi, and was settled in the Negeb. Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field; and looking up, he saw camels coming. And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she slipped quickly from the camel, and said to the servant, “Who is the man over there, walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent. He took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. 4) From the Book of Tobit 7:6-9,12-14 ( “I entrust her to you as your wife.") Raguel leapt to his feet and kissed him and wept. Then, finding words, he said, “Blessings on you, child! You are the son of a noble father. How sad it is that someone so bright and full of good deeds should have gone blind!” He fell on the neck of his kinsman Tobias and wept. And his wife Edna wept for him, and so did his daughter Sarah. Raguel killed a ram from the flock, and they gave them a warm welcome. They washed and bathed and sat down to table. Raguel called for his daughter Sarah, took her by the hand and gave her to Tobias with these words, “I entrust her to you; the law and the ruling recorded in the Book of Moses assign her to you as your wife. Take her; bring her home safe and sound to your father’s house. The God of heaven grant you a good journey in peace.” Then he turned to her mother and asked her to fetch him writing paper. He drew up the marriage contract, and so he gave his daughter as bride to Tobias according to the ordinance of the Law of Moses. After this they began to eat and drink. 5) From the Book of Tobit 8:4-8 (Together they said, “Amen, Amen,” and lay down for the night) The parents meanwhile had gone out and shut the door behind them. Tobias rose from the bed, and said to Sarah, “Get up, my sister! You and I must pray and petition our Lord to win his grace and his protection.” She stood up, and they began praying for protection, and this was how he began: You are blessed, O God of our fathers; blessed too is your name for ever and ever. Let the heavens bless you and all things you have made for evermore. You it was who created Adam, you who created Eve his wife to be his help and support; and from these two the human race was born. You it was who said, ‘It is not right that the man should be alone; let us make him a helper like him.” And so I take my sister not for any lustful motive, but I do it in singleness of heart. Be kind enough to have pity on her and on me and bring us to old age together. And together they said, “Amen, Amen,” and lay down for the night. 6) From the Book of Tobit 8:13-21 (Grant them mercy and protection) In the morning the maid opened the door and went in. She found the two fast asleep together; and she came out again and whispered, “all is well.” Then Raguel blessed the God of heaven with these words: You are blessed, my God, with every blessing that is pure; may you be blessed for evermore! You are blessed for having made me glad. What I feared has not happened, instead you have shown us your boundless mercy. You are blessed for taking pity on this only son, this only daughter. Grant them, Master, your mercy and your protection; let them live out their lives in happiness and in mercy. He called Tobias and said, “I will not hear of your leaving here for a fortnight. You are to stay where you are, eating and drinking, with me. You will make my daughter happy again after all her troubles. After that, take away a half of all I have, and take her safe and sound back to your father. When my wife and I are dead you shall have the other half. 7) From the Song of Songs 2:6-14 ("Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away") "O that his left hand were under my head, and that his right hand embraced me! I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the wild does: do not stir up or awaken love until it is ready! The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice." My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over an gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." He says: "O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the covert of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." 8) From the Book of Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16 (A good wife in her well-ordered home) Happy is the husband of a good wife; the number of his days will be doubled. A loyal wife brings joy to her husband, and he will complete his years in peace. A good wife is a great blessing; she will be granted among the blessings of the man who fears the Lord. Whether rich or poor, his heart is content, and at all times his face is cheerful. A wife’s charm delights her husband, and her skill puts flesh on his bones. A silent wife is a gift from the Lord, and nothing is so precious as her self-discipline. A modest wife adds charm to charm, and no scales can weigh the value of her chastity. Like the sun rising in the heights of the Lord, so is the beauty of a good wife in her well-ordered home. Like the shining lamp on the holy lampstand, so is a beautiful face on a stately figure. Like golden pillars on silver bases, so are shapely legs and steadfast feet. 9) From the Book of Jeremiah 31:31-34 (I will be their God, and they shall be my people) The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 10) From the Book of Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 (A woman who is to be praised) A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willig hands. She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson. She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs a the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates. 11) From the Book of Ecclesiastes 4:7-11 (Better together than alone) Again, I saw vanity under the sun: it is the case for solitary individuals, without children or kindred; yet there is no end to all their toil, and their eyes are never satisfied with riches. “For whom am I toiling," they ask, “and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and chasing the wind. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two shall sleep together, they keep each other warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will prevail against one.

Sample Marriage Vows

Address and Examination There are three suggested forms: Priest: Dear children of God, you have come to this church so that the Lord may seal your love in the presence of the priest and this community. Christian marriage is a sacred union which enriches natural love. It binds those who enter it to be faithful to each other for ever; it creates between them a bond that endures for life and cannot be broken; it demands that they love and honour each other, (that they accept from God the children he may give them, and bring them up in his love). To help them in their marriage, the husband and wife receive the life-long grace of the sacrament. Is this your understanding of marriage? Bride and Groom: It is. Priest: Dear children of God, you have come to this church so that the Lord may seal your love in the presence of the priest and this community. Christ blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism; now, by a special sacrament, he strengthens you to fulfil the duties of your married life. N. and N., you are about to celebrate this sacrament. Have you come here of your own free will and choice and without compulsion to marry each other? Bride and Groom: We have. Priest: Will you love and honour each other in marriage all the days of your life? Bride and Groom: We will. Priest: Are you willing to accept with love the children God may send you, and bring them up in accordance with the law of Christ and his Church? (These words may be omitted if the couple are advanced in years.) Bride and Groom: We are. Priest: Dear children of God, you have come today to pledge your love before God and before the Church here present today in the person of the priest, your families and friends. In becoming husband and wife you give yourselves to each other for life. You promise to be true and faithful, to support and cherish each other until death, so that your years together will be the living out in love of the pledge you now make. May your love for each other reflect the enduring love of Christ for his Church. As you face the future together, keep in mind that the sacrament of marriage unites you with Christ, and brings you, through the years, the grace and blessing of God our Father. Marriage is from God: he alone can give you the happiness which goes beyond human expectation, and which grows deeper through the difficulties and struggles of life. Put your trust in God as you set out together in life. Make your home a centre of Christian family life. (In this you will bequeath to your children a heritage more lasting than temporal wealth.) The Christian home makes Christ and his Church present in the world of everyday things. May all who enter your home find there the presence of the Lord: for he has said: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Now as you are about to exchange your marriage vows, the Church wishes to be assured that you appreciate the meaning of what you do, and so I ask you: Have you come here of your own free will and choice and without compulsion to marry each other? Bride and Groom: We have. Priest: Will you love and honour each other in marriage all the days of your life? Bride and Groom: We will. Priest: Are you willing to accept with love the children God may send you, and bring them up in accordance with the law of Christ and his Church? (These words may be omitted if the couple are advanced in years.) Bride and Groom: We are. Declaration of Consent Couples can choose their vows from the following options: Groom: N., do you consent to be my wife? Bride: I do. Do you, N., consent to be my husband? Groom: I do. I take you as my wife, and I give myself to you as your husband Bride: I take you as my husband, and I give myself to you as your wife Both: to love each other truly, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. (Or: all the days of our life.) Priest: What God joins together man must not separate. May the Lord confirm the consent that you have given, and enrich you with his blessings. Groom: N., do you consent to be my wife? Bride: I do. Bride: N., do you consent to be my husband? Groom: I do. Both: We take each other as husband and wife and promise to love each other truly for better, for worse,