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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
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Munster
Clare Weddings in Clare
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Carlow Weddings in Carlow
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Westmeath Weddings in Westmeath
Wexford Weddings in Wexford
Wicklow Weddings in Wicklow

Ulster
Armagh Weddings in Armagh
Antrim Weddings in Antrim
Cavan Weddings in Cavan
Derry Weddings in Derry
Donegal Weddings in Donegal
Down Weddings in Down
Fermanagh Weddings in Fermanagh
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Tyrone Weddings in Tyrone

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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

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.

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

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

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:
  1. 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.


  2. 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,
    for richer, for poorer,
    in sickness and in health,
    till death us do 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.


  3. Groom: I, N., take you N., as my wife,
    for better, for worse,
    for richer, for poorer,
    in sickness and in health,
    till death us do part. (Or: all the days of our life.)

    Bride: I, N., take you, N., as my husband,
    for better, for worse,
    for richer, for poorer,
    in sickness and in health,
    till death us do 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.


  4. Priest: N., do you take N., as your wife,
    for better, for worse,
    for richer, for poorer,
    in sickness and in health,
    till death do you part? (Or: all the days of our life.)

    Groom: I do.

    Priest: N., do you take N., as your husband,
    for better, for worse,
    for richer, for poorer,
    in sickness and in health,
    till death do you part? (Or: all the days of our life.)

    Bride: I do.

    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.


Blessing and exchange of the ring(s)

A ring is a traditional symbol and reminder of your love. Choose one of these prayers:

Priest: May the Lord bless this ring (these rings), which will be the sign of your love and fidelity

All: Amen

or 2

Priest: Lord, bless N. and N. (Christian names) and consecrate their married life. May this ring (these rings) be a symbol of their faith in each other and a reminder them of their love. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

or 3

Priest: Lord, bless these rings which we bless in your name. Grant that those who wear them may always be faithful to each other. May they do your will and live in peace with you in mutual love. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

or 4

Priest: Almighty God, bless this ring (these rings) of faithfulness and unbroken love. May N. and N. always be true to each other, may they be one in heart and mind, may they be united in love forever, through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

The bridegroom gives the ring to his bride, putting it on the fourth finger of her left hand, saying:

Groom: N, wear this ring as a sign of our faithful love.
In the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.

The bride may give a ring to her bridegroom; she does so in the same manner, saying:

Bride: N, wear this ring as a sign of our faithful love.
In the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.

The alternative words are:
N., wear this ring as a sign of our love and fidelity. In the name...

The bridegroom may also hand (gold and) silver to his bride, or each may give each other a small gift. This is a sign that from now on they share everything. Giving the gift, they may say:

I give you this gold/silver/gift, a token (tokens) of all I possess.



Prayer of the newly married couple

The couple are recommended to say together the following or some similar prayer:

We thank you, Lord, and we praise you
for bringing us to this happy day.
You have given us to each other.
Now, together, we give ourselves to you.

We ask you Lord:
make us one in our love:
keep us one in your peace.

Protect our marriage. Bless our home.
Make us gentle. Keep us faithful.

And when life is over unite us again
where parting is no more in the kingdom of your love.

There we will praise you in the happiness and peace
of our eternal home. Amen.

Alternatively, the prayer may be said before or after the prayer after communion.
Bridal Favours
Poem about Bridal Favours

In olden days it became a tradition,

To bestow a gift from the bride with condition,

That the recipient be of the female gender,

And her wedding day attend her.

The gift was known as a Bridal Favour,

They symbolised five wishers true,

And here are the meanings made clear to you:

Long Life, Fertility, Happiness and Wealth

But most important the fifth for Health.

For the bride to bestow the gift was a pleasure,

And for the ladies attending five wishes to treasure.

A special gift from a memorable day,

To keep happy thoughts of a Special Wedding Day

A custom which has grown in popularity over recent years is the giving and receiving of favours at special occasions. Bridal favours started out as a continental tradition whereby a small memento of an occasion was given to guests. As well as weddings, you can use favours to enhance and decorate many special Celebrations!
Favours, or bonboniere as they are sometimes called, can be used for all sorts of occasions where small gifts are called for. The contents need not necessarily be confined to sugared almonds, which are traditional for bridal favours.

A bridal favour is given at the wedding breakfast and generally consists of five sugared almonds prettily packed and distributed to the guests. They may be given to the ladies only (chocolate boxes may be given to the gentlemen), or to all the guests. Sometimes the bridesmaids will take them around in baskets and hand them out during the celebration. Alternatively, if your occasion is a sit-down wedding breakfast with designated seats, the favour can be placed beforehand beside the place card on the table. It can even be combined with the place card by incorporating the guest’s name on an attached tag.

Sugared Almonds

The five sugared almonds in the bridal favour have a special significance; they were given to the bride and groom at one time, to represent Health, Wealth, Long-Life, Fertility and Happiness. They can either be white or colour co-ordinated to the wedding theme. Gold and silver coated almonds are available along with gold foil wrapped almonds.

However sugared almonds do not always have to be used. For Valentine’s or engagement parties, a chocolate heart or other confection can be used, however, the favours do not have to be edible and it might be suitable to add a small amount of pot pourri to the nets and ribbons to create an aromatic gift.

Accessories

Favours are generally made from layers of net. They can be made from just one layer, but two or three make a more attractive finish. Almonds are placed on an almond dish in the centre of the net. The net is then gathered together and secured in place by tying either a ribbon bow or curling ribbon.

Adding Decoration

Small decorations could also be attached to the gift package, defining the special occasion on which the gifts were given. At a christening, for example, a tiny stork with a pink or blue bow could be attached. A gold ring could be attached to a bridal favour. Alternatively flowers may be attached to the favour.

Gift Boxes

Another gift, which could be given to guests, are gift boxes. These are often given to the men instead of bridal favours. A Top Hat box or Tuxedo box is most suitable for this. If you wish to give gift boxes to all the guests there is a large selection to choose from and they can be filled with either Sugared Almonds or chocolates. Many of these boxes can be tied in the colour of your choice and additional decoration such as gift-tags or flowers attached.

Old Ways Are Best
In Ireland , English lavender is a traditional herb often used in the bouquet. Also, it is common for the bride to braid her hair; this is considered a sacred way to retain female power and luck. In Roman days brides wore small bunches of herbs and spices beneath the bridal veil.

Courtship, engagements and weddings have always been associated to some degree with chastity, fertility, ownership and of course, love. Elaborate rituals and customs have evolved in order to avert bad luck and evil spirits and ensure luck and prosperity for the bride and groom as well as anyone who comes in contact with them.

FERTILITY

Marriage began as a fertility rite, so it's no surprise that many of our customs relate to fertility: Flowers, and in particular bouquets are a particularly powerful sign of fecundity- the bouquet indicates that the bride, also, is in bloom. Rose petals and orange blossoms have become popular, although their original significance has been forgotten my most: they are both flowers whose aphrodisiac properties have been popular throughout the ages. The scent of orange (or bergamot) in particular was a popular method for helping nervous brides relax and help consummate their marriage. Flowers have always been popular both because of their symbolism as well as their aromatherapeutic properties. Carrying bunches of herbs or flowers by the bride transverses time and cultures (and in earlier times, helped distract from the odour of the unwashed masses). In Shakespeare's time, sheaves of wheat were carried in the wedding procession and sometimes the bride wore weathers in her veil because this graceful grain is a symbol of fertility.

Nearly all cultures have showered the wedding couple with symbolic food to ensure fertility, be it rice, wheat, small cakes or cake or bread crumbs. This tradition has moved on to confetti and now bubbles or butterflies in our environment-conscious times.

WEALTH

Many traditions have risen from the importantance of showing off one's family's wealth at weddings, signifying stability, security, and a rich future for the couple. In Europpean traditions, the bride's family would provide a dowry to the groom or his family (as opposed to other cultures where the bride was "purchased" from her family, usually paid for in cows, her value increasing if she already had proven her fertility or had wide, child-bearing hips). The bride has been slightly less commodified and now her family only pays for the wedding and reception, a natural progression from the dowry.
Although recently the bride's white dress has come to symbolise virginity (an invention in Victorian times), it was originally a means of demonstrating wealth, since a pure white dress could realistically only be worn once (since afterwards it would be too dirty to wear again). Commissioning an extravagant expense of lace and pearls that would only be worn once was the ultimate symbol of prosperity.
The use of the diamond in engagement rings (besides being symbolic of Venus, Roman goddess of love) dates back to the bride price paid for by the groom in some cultures as a show that he can provide for the bride.

FLOWERS

Flowers have always been a symbol of life and growth, fertility and new beginnings, so it was fortunate for brides to carry a bouquet. Individual flowers also have aromatherapeutic properties and associations in addition to the more (traditional) mundane role of overcoming the powerful odour of unwashed masses.

Roses and orange blossoms are very relaxing and strewn about the bridal bed (and incorporated into bouquets) to help alleviate the virginal bride of her inhibitions. Lavender was very popular during the plague years since it is reputed to have antiseptic properties, so in addition to its calming odour, it could ward off illness (ie scare away evil spirits). In Ireland , English lavender is a traditional herb often used in the bouquet. Also, it is common for the bride to braid her hair; this is considered a sacred way to retain female power and luck. In Roman days brides wore small bunches of herbs and spices beneath the bridal veil. In England a few centuries later, the herbs became orange blossoms - both denoted the symbol of fertility. Eventually roses became the flowers representing fertility. Roses naturally bloomed in June, thus June became the biggest wedding month and it still is.

Wine Basics
Wine Basics

It may not be the most pressing decision of your big day but choosing wines to accompany your wedding fare can greatly enhance the pleasure of your first meal together as husband and wife. If you don't know the difference between a Bordeaux and a Burgundy, let alone which wines are better than others - not to worry.
Our Irish Weddings Online wine expert Catherine Mulholland offers the following advice.

Don't always be sold on the 'house wine' - although it may be good, frequently it is neither cheap nor cheerful. If you're not familiar with wines, take a copy of your reception venue's list to a good wine merchant and ask them to review it with you. Most are happy to assist couples as they know it may help them generate future clients.

Always taste a wine before committing to it. Ask your reception banqueting manager for a bottle of whatever they are recommending, take it home and, in your leisure, taste it.

Choose wines that will embellish your meal, not overpower it. Heavily oaked whites, such as some of the new world Chardonnay, and spicy reds, like Syrah, demand equally `big' foods.

Avoid high alcohol content in wines for daytime drinking. Still Wines (also known as non-sparkling) typically vary from 11% to 14% alcohol, though for some it can be even higher. A content of 12% is ideal and there is much to choose from in this category. Popular whites include Loire Sauvignons or new world Rieslings. Popular reds include French Bordeaux blends (also known as Clarets) or good Spanish Riojas. There are many excellent value wines from the South of France to accompany most wedding food fare.

Enquire about bringing in your own wine. Although alcohol sales is where most hotels and restaurants make their profit, all of them will allow wine and champagne to be brought in from outside if the couple agree to pay a corkage fee. Fees vary greatly but most fall between Euro 5 and Euro 8 per bottle.There are some fantastic Sparkling Wines which look and taste as good as many champagnes for half the cost. So for less than the cost of the Hotels house wine you can have a delicious wine of your choice and save extra pounds.

See our selection of wine companies.

Who Pays for What
The bride's parents traditionally pay for:

· Invitations, including printing and postage
· Order of service sheets
· Any other wedding stationary
· Bride's dress and all accessories, including shoes, hair, make-up etc.
· The attendants clothing
· Transport for the bride
· Flowers for the church
· Music for the ceremony
· Photographer
· wedding reception
· Wedding cake
· Gratuities etc.
The bride Usually chooses gifts for her attendants, however as a gesture they are usually paid for by the groom. The bride will also pay for her going away outfit and sometimes a gift for the groom.

The groom and Family traditionally pays for:

· The engagement and wedding rings
· Any engagement announcement
· All personal flowers of the bridal party
· Fees and expenses for the church or registry office
· The grooms hire and his attendants
· Transport for himself
· Gifts for the attendants
· The honeymoon


Check out The Wedding Planner here:

http://www.irishweddingsonline.com/theweddingplanner.html

While this is what traditionally happened, there is no hard and fast rule that says it must be like this. Work out with your fiancée who is paying for what. You should feel comfortable with whatever you decide. If you feel uncomfortable asking your parents or other family members to contribute a lot of money, talk this through and try to reach an amicable agreement between everyone.

The run up to the wedding is very stressful and while you may be excused for losing your cool sometimes, your family and your new family will be around after the wedding and will remember all that you have said.

New Testament Readings
A Reading from the letter to the Romans 8:31-35, 37-39

What then shall we say to this?
If God is for us, who is against us?
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all,
will he not also give us all things with him?
Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?
It is God who justifies; who is to condemn?
Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead,
who is at the right hand of God,
who indeed intercedes for us?

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am sure that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things present, nor things to come,
nor powers,
nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is the word of the Lord

 

A Reading from the letter to the Romans 12:1-2, 9-18

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters,
by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that you may prove what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Let love be genuine;
hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;
love one another with brotherly affection;
outdo one another in showing honour.
Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit,
serve the Lord.
Rejoice in your hope,
be patient in tribulation,
be constant in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of the saints,
practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice,
weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another;
do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly;
never be conceited.
Repay no one evil for evil,
but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends upon you,
live peaceably with all.

This is the word of the Lord

 

A Reading from the letter to the Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner person,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

This is the word of the Lord

 

A Reading from the letter to the Ephesians 5:2, 21-33

And walk in love,
as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,
a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour.
As the church is subject to Christ,
so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives,
as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
that he might sanctify her,
having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
that he might present the church to himself in splendour,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.

Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no man ever hates his own flesh,
but nourishes and cherishes it,
as Christ does the church,
because we are members of his body.
"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh."

This mystery is a profound one,
and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church;
however, let each one of you love his wife as himself,
and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

This is the word of the Lord

 

A Reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 6:13-15, 17-20


"Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food"
--and God will destroy both one and the other.
The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?
Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!
But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
Shun immorality.
Every other sin which a person commits is outside the body; but immoral persons sins against their own bodies.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?
You are not your own; you were bought with a price.
So glorify God in your body.


This is the word of the Lord

 

A Reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians 12:31- 13:8


But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;
it is not arrogant or rude.
Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
This is the word of the Lord

A Reading from the letter to the Colossians 3:12-17 12

Put on then,
as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassion,
kindness,
lowliness,
meekness,
and patience,
forbearing one another and,
if one has a complaint against another,
forgiving each other;
as the Lord has forgiven you,
so you also must forgive.

And above all these put on love,
which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in the one body.
And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
teach and admonish one another in all wisdom,
and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This is the word of the Lord


A Reading from the first letter of John 3:18-24 18

Little children,
let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth.

By this we shall know that we are of the truth,
and reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us;
for God is greater than our hearts,
and he knows everything.
Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us,
we have confidence before God;
and we receive from him whatever we ask,
because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him.
And this is his commandment,
that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another,
just as he has commanded us.

This is the word of the Lord

A Reading from the first letter of John 1 John 4:7-12

Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God,
and he who loves is born of God and knows God.
He who does not love does not know God;
for God is love.
In this the love of God was made manifest among us,
that God sent his only Son into the world,
so that we might live through him.
In this is love,
not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also ought to love one another.
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another,
God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.


This is the word of the Lord

A Reading from the first letter of St.Peter 1 Peter 3:1-9

Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands,
so that some, though they do not obey the Word,
may be won without a word by the behaviour of their wives, when they see your reverent and chaste behaviour.

Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of fine clothing,
but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which in God's sight is very precious.

So once the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves and were submissive to their husbands,
as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.
And you are now her children if you do right and let nothing terrify you.

Likewise you husbands, live considerately with your wives, bestowing honour on the woman as the weaker sex,
since you are joint heirs of the grace of life,
in order that your prayers may not be hindered.

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren,
a tender heart and a humble mind.
Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling;
but on the contrary bless,
for to this you have been called,
that you may obtain a blessing.
This is the word of the Lord

A Reading from the Book of Revelations 19:1, 5-9

After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying,
"Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,"
And from the throne came a voice crying,
"Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great."
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude,
like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty thunderpeals, crying,
"Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen,
bright and pure"
--for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
And the angel said to me,
"Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."
And he said to me,
"These are true words of God."

This is the word of the Lord

Love Quotes
Love Quotes

The list below contains all positive, happy quotes.

To live without loving is to not really live. - Moliere

Gather the rose of love whilst yet is time. - Edmund Spenser

Love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other. - Rainer Maria Rilke

And think not you can guide the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, shall guide your course. - Kahil Gibran

We come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. - Sam Keen


No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever. - Francois Mauriac

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The quarrels of lovers are like summer storms. Everything is more beautiful when they have passed. - Suzanne Necker

Love is the greatest refreshment in life. - Pablo Picasso

At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. - Plato

He who love touches walks not in darkness. - Plato

The entire sum of existence is the magic of being needed by just one person. - Vi Putnam

Perhaps love is the process of my gently leading you back to yourself. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Love is the only gold. - Alfred Lord Tennyson

Two souls with but a single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one.
Franz Joseph van Munch Bellinghausen

Love is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity. - Helen Hayes

We are shaped and fashioned by what we love. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


Take spring when it comes and rejoice. Take happiness when it comes and rejoice. Take love when it comes and rejoice. - Carl Ewald

One man by himself is nothing. Two people who belong together make a world. - Hans Margolius

The entire sum of existence is the magic of being needed by just one person. - Vi Putnam

To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence. - Sydney Smith

To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others. - Francois Mauriac

If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than it was because he was he and I was I. - Michel Montaigne

The last of your kisses was ever the sweetest; the last smile the brightest; the last movement the gracefullest. - John Keats

I have spread my dreams beneath your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
W.B. Yeats

More Love Quotes to Remember ...


The Course of True Love never did run smooth ....
William Shakespeare
~~~~
When Love and Skill Work Together, expect a Masterpiece...
John Ruskin
~~~~
We dined on oysters and he gave me pearls. we gazed at stars and he gave me diamonds and then he gave me the most
precious gift of all... his heart.
~~~~
I Have Found the One Whom My Soul Loves...
Song of Solomon 3:4
~~~~
Grow Old Along With Me. The best is yet to be, The last of life for which the first was made....
Robert Browning
~~~~
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction...
Antoine DeSaint-Expery
~~~~
This day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with and forever love.

~~~~


As our marriage brings new meaning to love, so our love brings new meaning to life.
~~~~


The trail onward through the hills from here to prairies end; Will our journey ever last? As long as you're my friend
~~~~


As our marriage brings new meaning to love, so our love brings new meaning to life. ~~~~


On our wedding day a new life has its start. We'll share with each other one love, one dream, one heart.
~~~~
Our friendship has blossomed to Love and Marriage
~~~~
As we marry, we face the future secure in our faith in God and in our love for each other
~~~~
One Man One Woman One Life filled with wonder
~~~~
Love is a smile to share, an ear to listen and a heart to love.
~~~~
As our love unites us, may my family become your family, my friends your friends.
~~~~
In the sweetness of love let there be laughter and in all our tomorrows the freshness of today.
~~~~
Love isn't a word it's a feeling. I want to share that feeling with you forever...
Andy Moore

How beautiful life can be when touched by love...
Tiffany Anderson
~~~~
I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. Song of Solomon 6:3 ...

~~~~
Love is being touched by an angel from up above. And angel that has been sent to filly your lonely heart with love.

~~~~
Love is your best-friend, Love is your worst enemy, Love is what you live for, Love is what you die for.

~~~~
"You know when you truly love someone, when you miss them before they even leave."

~~~~
"Love is not blind, it has the sharpest eyes and because it sees more, it is willing to see less."

~~~~
"Married couples who love each other tell each other a thousand things without talking."
-Chinese Proverb
~~~~
"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."

~~~~
"The day we met, the angels look down on us and whispered... ...'perfect'."

Two lives, two hearts joined together in friendship, united forever in love.

~~~~
special verse

families uniting In God's love, faithful and true
Seasons change to start anew
Coloring memories along life's trail
May faith, hope and patience prevail
Exchanging vows we pledge with care
Precious moments we wish to share.


And now abideth
Faith, Hope, Love , all three
and the greatest of these is Love
I Corinthians 13:13

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine... Song of Solomon 6:3

Through love serve one another
Galantians 5:13


I hold you in my heart
for we have shared together
God's blessings
Philippians 1:7

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

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!"
Our life together begins this day . . .

The path that leads to happiness is so narrow that two cannot walk on it, unless they become one

Take my hand and say you will follow me The daisies of the field are as fresh and perfect as our love ...
This day our hearts are joined as one

A time for love, A time for us And the two shall become one...

A fresh new day, and it is ours, a day of happy beginnings
This day I will marry my friend, the one who shares my dreams
As our marriage brings new meaning to love, so our love brings new meaning to life
With an endless love we'll share our thoughts our dreams, ourselves
The love we share today shines from sunrise to sunrise, growing brighter year to year as we share our lives


The promise of our life together is as bright as the colors of the rainbow

The miracle of love is that love is given to us to give to one another ...
In the sweetness of love, let there be laughter, and in all our tomorrows, the freshness of today.


We join Hands and Hearts from this day Forward . .

My love for you is an unchanging love, high and deep, free and faithful, strong as death. I will love you forever without reserve. Each day and each year I will love you more.

Your smile brightens my day, your voice soothes my soul. You have brought so much beauty, joy, sweetness and love into my life that I know you could only have been a gift from God.

Someone once said that at birth the soul divides into two separate people and we search most of our lives until we find that other half who will make us complete. I know that the day I met you was when I became complete.

I will love you and treasure you always, as I will treasure this day when I stood before God, our friends and our families to marry my best friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love.....

Irish Wedding Blessings

Fr. Dara Molloy for your Wedding Blessing

Bishop Pat Buckley for your Wedding Blessing

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

Prayer of the newly married couple

The couple are recommended to say together the following or some similar prayer:

We thank you, Lord, and we praise you
for bringing us to this happy day.
You have given us to each other.
Now, together, we give ourselves to you.

We ask you Lord:
make us one in our love:
keep us one in your peace.

Protect our marriage. Bless our home.
Make us gentle. Keep us faithful.

And when life is over unite us again
where parting is no more in the kingdom of your love.

There we will praise you in the happiness and peace
of our eternal home. Amen.

Alternatively, the prayer may be said before or after the prayer after communion.

or


Lord Jesus,
(on this happy day)
we thank you for the joy of N. and N.
Through all the years of their life
you have watched over them
to bring them together in holy Christian marriage.
Now Lord, bless them,
for they are united in love of you and of each other.
Redeemed by your Precious Blood
and strengthened by your grace,
may they live in kindness and fidelity,
in unfailing trust and love
so that their whole life may be pleasing to you.

Mary, who with Joseph
made a happy home at Nazareth for Jesus,
take these dear friends into your motherly care.
You who showed concern for a newly married couple at Cana,
help and guide N. and N.
May their union on earth lead to that eternal union
in which all the blessed will be joined together,
praising the Redeeming Blood of Jesus, the Lord.

Amen.
or

O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious:We give you thanks for binding us together in these holymysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.Grant that by your Holy Spirit, N and N, now joined in HolyMatrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live in fidelityand peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all wholove you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

How to choose a Top DJ

What to ask.
1. Are you available? You should always start off by indicating the date, time and location of your event to ensure that the DJ isn't already booked.

Saturdays tend to fill up especially fast and a year in advance is really not to soon to guarantee the availability of that perfect DJ.

2. How much do you charge? Probably the worst way to choose a DJ is on price alone. With prices starting as low as €150 for the night, it's tempting to choose the cheapest one available. However, when considering the pricing of one DJ to another, it's important to make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. Are you really getting the same service? How much experience does the DJ have? Will he act as the master of ceremonies or just play music? Will he help coordinate the event? How much does he charge for overtime? How much equipment will he bring? Does he provide his own music? Does he have professional equipment? The list goes on and on. Just remember to use your best judgment and make sure that a lower price is exactly that and not a lower level of experience, quality, planning and commitment.

Professional DJ prices vary from region to region, so be sure to call around to get a good idea of pricing in your area. Remember, when it comes to the success of your event, less expensive does not always mean better value!

3. Do you use a written contract? This is a definite must! If they don’t use written booking forms don’t hire them.

4. What is the DJ's level of professionalism? As you speak with DJs, pay attention to their professionalism over the phone. Did they just answer the phone, "Hello?" or with their business name? If you get an answering machine or voice mail, does it say, "Thank you for calling So and So's DJ Service" or "You have reached the Smith residence...".

This may sound like a small detail, but their level of professionalism and commitment tends to spill over into their performance at the event. You want to hire someone who is 100% committed to your function, not just someone who DJs as a hobby.

5. How will the DJ be dressed for my event? Jeans and a T-shirt may be appropriate for a summer Barbecue, but certainly not a wedding reception! Make sure they will dress appropriately.

6. Do you have experience with the type of function I am having? This is especially important. This may be your first wedding, but it shouldn't be your DJ's! Your DJ should be able to act as the Master of Ceremonies, provide pre-event planning and coordinate with the other suppliers to make sure that the event runs smoothly from start to finish. A 21st party DJ may not be suitable for Weddings.

7. Do you offer a written schedule of events? A written timeline will not only prevent important events from being missed, but allows customisation also.

8. Do you provide a music list and take requests? It's important that the DJ has and plays some or most of the music you want to hear; after all, it's your party!

9. Do you use professional sound equipment and include special effects? Professional sound equipment is a necessity! It will not only sound better, but it's designed to handle the stress of the day to day performances and will be less likely to break down during your function. Also, confirm that the DJ is not using outdated equipment like turntables, cassette decks. Special effects e.g. lighting may or may not be appropriate for your event.

10. What if something goes wrong? Do you have backup equipment? It's important that the DJ has a plan in the unlikely event there is an accident or equipment failure. The plan should include a DJ that is on-call, as well as, onsite backup equipment.

11. Do you offer a consultation at no charge or obligation? Many professional DJs will typically offer a free consultation where you can get together and learn more about their entertainment company and of course discuss what type of music is to played at the event.

12. Do you have references or performance evaluation forms from past events? Feedback from past performances is a good way to determine the overall satisfaction of other people who have had events just like yours.

13. Do you have full liability insurance? This is a must nowadays. Any legitimate business person carries liability insurance to protect themselves along with you and your guests. Some locations may require your DJ to have liability insurance.

Interesting Wedding Statistics:

AFTER THE VOWS.....

*72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.

*Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.

*During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities.

Within one week after their reception, *78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

*When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.

*65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.

These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.

See our selection of Top Wedding DJ'S

Grooms Speech
Wedding Speechs by the Groom

The groom’s speech is expected to be more serious than the best man’s speech, so it can be an easier speech to prepare. If you feel a little less nervous about giving your speech, remember that your wedding guests are your friends and family and they are all looking forward to hearing you speak. In your speech, you can:

· Thank the bride for marrying you

· Thank the bride’s parents for the wedding and for the great job they have done in raising their daughter

· Thank your parents for all they have done for you

· Relate a humorous courtship tale

· Thank your best man and ushers

· Share your thoughts about your bride and your future together.

Example 1


INTRO

Well , what can I say, Thankyou for those kind words Alan and I hope £20 was enough.

I recently read somewhere that a survey had been conducted of things that people fear most, and top of the list above things like spiders and heights, was the fear of standing up and making a speech in public.
I'm no different, suffice to say that this isn't the first time today I've risen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand.

MANY PEOPLE

Many people thought this day would never come. That I'd be standing here making the speech of a Newly Married man, myself included.
Many people have also told me how lucky I am to be marrying Jo, including Jo in fact.

But I would like everybody here, especially my new bride, to know how lucky and proud I am to be standing here speaking to you as her husband.

WIFE & I

And so, for the very first time, I'd like to say, 'On behalf of my Wife and I'I would like to thank you all for coming today and sharing Our special day.
I know this is meant to be our day, but of course it wouldn't be as special a day if it wasn't for our family and friends
being here with us, and I'm sure you'll all agree that we found the ideal
setting for this memorable occasion.

We would also like to thank you all for your cards, kind thoughts and wonderful gifts.

TRADITION

Tradition dictates that I now tell you an amusing story or two about Jo, unfortunately she dictates that I do no such thing. But I will say, that we've been living together now for nearly 3 years, and in that time I've learned a very valuable lesson:

Whenever you're Wrong - Admit It!!
Whenever you're Right - Keep Quiet!!

That's probably good advice for most men actually!!!

THANK YOU'S

There are a few thankyous I'd like to make tonight.

I'd like to start by thanking everyone that's helped make this day the success I'm sure you'll all agree it has been.

Thank Daph

I'd like to say a special thank you though to Jo's mum Daphne and her husband Stan for their generosity in helping with today's events.

Not only that, I'd like to thank Daphne for the fabulous job she's done in making Jo's Wedding Dress.

When Jo made her entrance at the Ceremony, I can honestly say I was overwhelmed at how stunning she looked.

I would also like to thank Daphne for the kindness she has shown me from the first day we met.

Over the years she has given me some lovely gifts, Birthday presents and Christmas presents, but the gift of your daughter is one I will cherish forever.

Gift

Thank Mum and Dad
I would like to say a thankyou to my mum and dad, for everything they have given me during my life and for bringing me up the way they did.

Jo is especially grateful for this as she much prefers that I do the ironing. I would also like to make a special mention that just a couple of months ago they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Just think, if we make it that far I'll be 92, and Jo .? Well, she'll be getting on a bit too.

Example 2

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'll keep this speech short because of my shins . . . I've asked Kate to kick them if I go on too long!


On behalf of my wife and I…….we'd like to thank you all for coming here today and sharing our special day with us. There are times when it's good to be surrounded by people who are important to you, and for us this is one of those occasions. We hope that you're enjoying it every bit as much as we are and we'd like to thank you for your kind wishes cards….presents and support.


We must say we've been really impressed by the number of people that have rallied round to help us in preparation for today….if you're not mentioned by name……and that's most of you…..please be assured that Kate and I are very grateful.

David and Maggie, thank you not only for your hospitality this evening and your kindness…..but for also giving me your very beautiful daughter….I promise I'll take good care of her and….of course….do everything she tells me to…..even if it involves golf! I must confess I did actually try it a while ago, and during one lesson with the local pro I asked him whether he had seen any improvement since my last lesson. And he said….”er…..yup, that's a much better haircut”.

So Maggie, we have a present here for you.

I also want to say thank you to my parents who put up with me for all these years…..You have both been there for me when I've needed you and given me a wonderful start in life and I'm very fortunate and proud to have you as my mum and dad….And I've a present for you here Mum, as a thank you.

I can imagine that Neil….my best man…..is getting impatient to make his speech soon…. Now….many people don't know that Neil suffers from a rare medical condition which causes him to invent fanciful stories. He really does believe these stories to be true and I thank you for humouring him during his speech.

He and a few other people here have also asked where we are going on honeymoon ….when I discussed it with Kate I suggested somewhere hot where I hadn't been before….So I am pleased to announce to you all that Kate booked us in for a honeymoon in the kitchen…


Anyway….I am absolutely delighted to be able stand here today with Kate…. I never knew what was missing in my life before I met her….Kate has been a constant source of friendship, support and love…. Of course I've no doubt that she is going to tell me afterwards that the only thing missing in my life at the moment is golf…..although I am still waiting for her to explain the attraction to a game that consists of a lot of walking, broken up by disappointment and bad arithmetic.


And finally, the bridesmaids…. Thanks for calming Kate nerves and helping in her preparation today. I'd also like thank you for getting her to the church in one piece and on time, you’ve done a brilliant job. We have a small gift for each of you as a token of our appreciation.


Well, that's it from me for now, but, before I pass you over to my best man, Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand and lift your glasses and join me in a toast to bridesmaids……

Example 3

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to witness a unique event in history. This is the very first and very last time that my wife is going to let me speak on behalf of both of us.

I was really, really nervous about standing up here and speaking, suffice to say this is not first time today I've risen from a warm seat with a piece paper in my hand.

Today, so far has been a day beyond my wildest dreams. They say you don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without which is very true with Karen.

I thought I had prepared myself quite well for today but nothing could have prepared me enough for when I saw Karen walk down the aisle. I thought my legs were about to give way from underneath me. Never have I seen her looking so beautiful. I was overwhelmed to the say the least.

I should be used to it now as Karen always dresses to kill, its just unfortunate that she cooks the same way.

So my first thank you goes to Karen, my wife, my bride and joy. Thank you for everything you have done. You know everything about me and yet you still said “I do”. Thank you. GIVE SINGLE ROSE.

Ok, now for the rest of my speech.


Thanks to Bob for those kind words. I know it must have been hard for you today. Although, when it came to the time for you to walk Karen down the aisle, I could have sworn I saw you running!!! Not sure about this receipt though Bob.
READ RECEIPT AND GIVE TO BOB.
HAND OUT PRESENT TO BOB AND FLOWERS TO JOSIE
Thanks again Bob and Thanks to Josie for making sure he didn’t go on and on…………..I know Bob was worried about his throat during his speech today….Josie had threatened to cut it if he went on too long.

My next thank you is for all of you. Thank you for your presence, in both senses of the word. Thank you for choosing to be part of our special day and making it that bit more special. Can I just say its great to see so many of you, all here together. It has just become apparent to me how big my family has become. Thanks to all of Karen’s family for making me welcome and making me an honouree PIT YACKER.

Thanks to all of our friends for coming today. I never knew you could brush up so well. It’s amazing the lengths some people will go to for a free meal. It’s really great to see you all here.


Thank you to my family, my 3 sisters, Michelle, Sam and Giv for travelling this far to share our special day with us. As if Giv needed an excuse to stay in a hotel for a few nights. Thanks to Claire and Ben as well joining them and making sure Sam didn’t get lost driving up here. Thanks also for helping to set all the tables this morning; I think you will agree I did a great job, even for a man.

I need to say a really big thanks to Joan and John and family who have travelled a long way to be here today. When I told Joan I was getting married over a year ago, she said she wouldn’t miss it for the world….and true to her word, she is here today. Thanks again.

Thanks also to Martin and Matt for travelling here today and thanks for letting us use your car. I will return it next week sometime.

Now for Jim and Carole. At this point I would like to say that most people consider themselves to be lucky to have one Mum and Dad. I now have 3, this day just gets better and better.

I need to say a huge, huge thank you to Jim and Carole for today. Without them, this day would never have been so perfect. When Karen and I were planning to get married, we had considered getting married in Florida. However, after a bit of gentle persuasion from Carol (which consisted of her hands wrapped around my neck) we decided to give it a miss. They both have been a tower of strength for us both and have helped us in every sense of the word. I hope I can live up to you expectations.
I have intercepted another receipt. This one is for Carol and it’s from my dad.
READ RECEIPT AND GIVE TO CAROL.
HAND OUT PRESENT TO JIM AND FLOWERS TO CAROL
Now onto my parents. You have always been there for me when I needed you most. Your love has never faltered. You have given me so much love and support over the years; I can never thank you enough. I need to thank you for your guidance, for putting up with me and for pointing me in the right direction-usually only to watch me go off and do exactly the opposite, of course…buts that’s what son’s are for and do best. I hope today that I have made you both proud to call me your son.


You have often said that I brighten up your life, but that’s only because I never could learn to turn out the lights. Thanks for EVERYTHING…and that word is not big enough.
HAND OUT PRESENT TO DAD AND FLOWERS TO MUM

Thank you to my best man, Marmaduke. I should really wait until after his speech before I give my thanks. I first met Marms in Greece when we lived over there. He showed me how to drink loads, fall over lots and still find your way home, eventually. I originally came up here to see him for a bank holiday some years ago. Before I knew it, I had moved here. Thanks for making my stag night a night to remember…..even though you can remember much past 10pm. Thanks for getting my friends so drunk, one of them had to call his wife at 9pm so she could come and get him. All joking aside, thanks Marms. You have always been there for me no matter what and I really appreciate it.
HAND OUT PRESENT

Thank you to Bradley for being such a great pageboy. Never have I seen a cushion carried so well. You looked terrific and I am proud to say your hair is modelled on mine.


I need to say a Special thanks to my nephew, Alex, for doing a great job as my usher and for a lovely reading in church. Can I also say thanks for not doing your impression of Usher himself and rapping the reading instead of reading it !!


I would also like to say thank you to Julie and Neil for all their help with today. Thanks especially to Neil for being our photographer for the day. I hope the lens isn’t too badly damaged.

No wedding is complete without the Bridesmaids. Julie and Neil thank you for lending us your daughters…but remember, we only needed them for the day.

A few weeks ago, when I was writing this speech, Nicole was just getting over chicken pox and Brooke had just started scratching. I was worried to say the least. I myself have never had chicken pox so I had to stay away from them, which was extremely difficult as I love them both so much. If you could bottle their enthusiasm for this day you would be set for life. I think you will all agree, they look absolutely stunning today. Thank you both.


Can I please ask you all to stand and raise your glasses in a toast to the bridesmaids, Nicole and Brooke.


Well, that’s me all done.

Can I please now ask you all to welcome to the stage, a man who needs no introduction…….but I will introduce him anyway….my best man and best friend, Marmaduke.


The Role of
the Groom's Parents
The role of the grooms parents

When you are the parent of the groom you're sometimes left out of most of the major decisions made regarding the wedding. The role of the grooms parents traditionally has been to support the groom and the bride's parents by planning around the bride's decisions. Traditionally the grooms parents are responsible for some of the financial responsibilities. Today more and more parents are taking on a more involved and active role in this area. Below are some guidelines to keep in mind when you find yourself about to become an in-law.

The parents of the groom should make an effort to meet the bride's family before the engagement is officially announced. Send a note to the bride welcoming her into your family as well as a note the bride's mother expressing happiness about the couples engagement.

It's recommended to establish who is paying for what early in the planning process. Tradition tells us that the groom's family expenses are compiled from their wedding attire, travel expenses, rehearsal dinner, lodging, and the couple's gift. As tradition meets with modern times more and more financially able families of the groom are contributing to additional cost of the wedding such as flowers, beverages, or splitting the cost for the reception dinner. This is more common when the number of guest continues to grow past the couples budget.

It is extremely helpful to the bride and those involved in the planning process when you compile your guest list promptly and completely. Traditionally the bride or her mother will keep you updated as to responses or wedding gifts received from your family or friends If the father of the groom is also the best man, he should arrange to be fitted for his formalwear as soon as the bride and groom have decided on the style and fashion for the men in the wedding party.

When planning the rehearsal dinner remember that each member of the wedding party should be included along with their spouses. It is also recommended to invite grand parents and out of town guest if space permits it.

Traditionally the grooms mother is escorted and seated before the bride's mother and sits in the first pew on the right side of the aisle. If her husband in not part of the wedding party he sits in the same pew.

At the end of the ceremony or during the reception the grooms parents may be asked to participate in the formal receiving line with the bride's parents.

Speech Time for
Mam & Dad
the father/mother of the bride/groom’s speech

Traditionally, the father/mother of the bride/groom is the first speaker proper – apart from a brief introduction from the best man - so your speech is a sort of scene-setter for what’s to come. The idea behind this is doubtless linked with the fact that the father of the bride was always supposed to foot the bill for the wedding - so if you're paying, you should at least be allowed to get your oar in first! Even today, fathers of brides are often advised to begin, as a 'gesture of humility', by thanking anyone else who has contributed to the cost of the wedding.

In your speech, you'll probably want to talk about your daughter/son, as - again, as the tradition would have it - you hand her over from your care into that of her new partner. Fathers and daughters Mothers/Sons are always thought to have very special relationships, but try and avoid the clichés and talk realistically and affectionately about your own specific relationship: its ups and downs, the funny foibles and the silly stories.

Your speech also offers the chance to officially welcome the groom into your family, so you may want to talk about how your side first got to know him, what your first impressions were etc. You may also want to take the opportunity to welcome the joining together of your family and the groom's. Here, you might mention happy times the two families have already shared and/or look forward to the prospect of getting to know each other better.

Of course, your remarks will be made on behalf of both yourself and your partner, as a couple (unless, of course, your partner is speaking too). If your partner has died, this may be the moment to say a few words in his/her memory, and to say some words of approval and welcome to bride and groom on her behalf too.

father/mother of the bride/groom’s speech checklist

Points you may like to include:

Opening remarks - perhaps mention the success of the wedding so far, any amusing incidents etc.

Thank everyone for attending, perhaps making special mention of those who've come a long way.

Stories and remarks about your daughter/son, watching her grow up and change. Your hopes for her, the ways in which she has foiled or surpassed your expectations etc.

Stories and remarks about her/him and the bride/groom - how he/she was first introduced to you (and your partner), what you thought of him/her, how your relationship has developed, how you feel he/she complements your daughter/son etc.

Say something about the groom/bride that has surprised you or something that you've learnt from him/her.

Make sure your comments include your own partner too - especially if she/he is not speaking her/himself.

Finish with a toast to the health and happiness of the bride and groom.

Duties of Mam & Dad
Duties of Mam & Dad at Weddings

As soon as your daughter/son and her/his fiancé have set a date, sit down with them and discuss how you could be involved in, and contribute to their wedding. By talking this through at the beginning, you will avoid any debate later, when stress and time pressure come into play.

Try not to be upset if they insist on doing everything themselves. One of two things will doubtless happen. Either:

a) they will soon run out of steam/time/funds/patience and come running to you to take over

or

b) they will organise everything their way, be radiantly happy on their day and you'll be saved from one of the most stressful experiences known to Man (i.e. planning a wedding) …

If you are to be central to the wedding planning, however, then our best advice is to treat your wedding like a business project. Make a list of what you have agreed to do and send it to the bride and groom. As the preparations continue, it will be your ability to communicate clearly, to keep things organised and to collaborate and consult that will ensure the success of the wedding. When it's all over, you can apply for a job as a management consultant!

The traditional responsibilities for the bride's mother are:

(In consultation with the bride and father of the bride) deciding on the numbers and names to be invited to the marriage and reception


requesting a provisional guest list from the groom/groom's mother, having advised her of numbers


finalising the guest list. It may require pruning and this is never an easy task! So be frank and be fair


getting the wedding stationery printed


keeping the groom's family in touch with the plans


liaising with the groom's mother over what to wear on the big day, ensuring no conflict of colour and style


sending out the wedding invitations, including those to the groom's parents - or the groom may wish to manage the invitations for his side


keeping a record of wedding acceptances and refusals


helping wedding guests to organise lifts to the ceremony and overnight accommodation if necessary. Alternatively, you could include local information with the invitations and leave it up to each guest to make their own arrangements


deciding, in partnership with the bride, plans for the flower arrangements at the church and reception


supplying the wedding gift list or details of where the couple have placed their list


taking in any presents that arrive for the couple


most importantly - in consultation with the couple and the father of the bride - organising the reception.

organising the reception
For a small wedding, you may choose to host the reception at the family home and do the catering yourself. Family, friends and neighbours may offer to help share the load, but the main task of planning the menu, buying the food and drink, preparing the food and organising and possibly borrowing or hiring the seating, china, glasses, cutlery etc may fall to you.

If you are holding the wedding reception in a marquee on your lawn and hiring caterers, you'll need to organise and co-ordinate the different suppliers so that everything goes without a hitch.

If hosting a wedding at home, always check that there are sufficient cloakrooms, heating and electricity supplies and rooms for the couple to change in.

You might want to provide someone to keep an eye on any babies and young children who have been invited. One good idea is to enlist the help of some young people who will take on the role of 'baby sitters' or entertainers, allowing parents to enjoy the event without worrying about what their kids are up to. Either way, let the parents of young guests know what to expect before the day.

If you are hiring an outside venue for your reception then be careful to get everything - costs, booking confirmations, menus - in writing and copy these documents to the bride and groom.

who sits where?
If the reception is to be a formal meal or sit-down buffet, you will need to set about drawing up a seating plan. This requires endless patience. It can become quite a juggling act trying to seat everyone in a position where they will be happy. Even the top table, which has a traditional arrangement, is complicated if parents have remarried or one or more parents are missing. Start agreeing your seating plan as early as possible and be prepared to make changes at the last minute, as some guests may drop out before the wedding day.

everybody mingle
Traditionally, members of the same family are seated together, but some families opt to inter-mingle the guests. It is a question of personal choice. The best way to make everyone happy is to make sure you meet the groom's parents prior to the wedding and discuss the issue.

Changing your name
Changing Your Name
Getting married traditionally involves the bride changing her maiden name to the surname of her new husband. Although this remains a popular choice, it is not a legal pre-requisite and there are other options open to you. You could retain your maiden name, choose a double barrelled surname, keep your maiden name as your middle name or even have your husband change his name!

Retaining Your Middle Name
If you choose the option of retaining your maiden name, this has the clear advantage of there being no need to change any of your documents. A good choice for those who are in a profession where their names are well known, and to change surnames could be detrimental.

A Double Barrelled Surname
To change your name so that you have a hyphenated surname which combines both of your surnames is a little more complicated. If you decide on this option then make sure you make arrangements well in advance of your wedding so that the changes are immediate as soon as the wedding is over. If you would like to see this name on all of your documents then you will have to do this via Deed Poll. The best (and cheapest) way of doing this is for your husband to change his name before the wedding (he should start the ball rolling at least two or three months in advance). That way, you will be able to take on his new name straight after the wedding and will not have to go via Deed Poll.

Changing His Name
It is possible for the groom to change his name if you both prefer. This makes things very simple for the bride. The groom can start using the bride's surname straight after the wedding. Unlike the traditional method where the bride takes on the groom's name, the groom must go through Deed Poll to change all his official records and documents.

Using Your Maiden Name as a Middle Name
A good way of keeping your maiden name incorporated in your name is to make it your middle name. To do this and have all your records and documents changed accordingly, you need to change your name by Deed Poll after your marriage.

Using Both Names
Changing your name, especially in certain professions such as acting, can sometimes be deemed detrimental to the career. Many brides like to keep the option of using their maiden name for this reason, but also enjoy the tradition of taking on their husbands name too. You can legally pick and choose in which circumstances you are called by your maiden name and which by your married name. Of course this can create financial and legal confusion, which is why many brides eventually do choose to take on their husband's name.

What Do You Need To Consider?
So, if you decide to go with the tried and trusted procedure of taking on your husband's name then although you do not need to go through Deed Poll, you will need to notify everyone of your change of name, supplying proof of marriage in most cases. Make sure that you have thought about each and every aspect of your life so that your name is changed on all the right documents.

Passport
Your current passport is the one you will use when going abroad on your Honeymoon.

On your return, if you wish to change your name on your passport, you can contact the Passport Office and apply for a new passport using the necessary forms, which are usually available from any Garda Station.
You will need to supply your marriage certificate before you can get your name changed.

Other Documents
There are lots of companies and parts of your life that you need to consider as you change your name, most of which will need to be notified in writing. Write a standard letter informing people of your name change and attach a photocopy of your marriage certificate to each. Government departments, Banks and Building Societies will need to see the original document to make the changes but most other establishments will simply need a photocopy.

We have listed below many of the companies and organisations you need advise of your name change:

Bank
Building society (mortgage and/or savings accounts)
Credit card and store cards
Clubs and societies
Dentist
Department of Health & Social Security
Doctor
Driving Licence Association
Employer
Email address change?
Finance/loan companies
Inland Revenue
Institutes such as universities etc
Insurance companies
Investment companies including premium bonds and shares
Mail order catalogue companies
Car organisations
Passport office
Pension company

Wedding Countdown

This is intended as a guide and memory jog to help you plan some essential elements of your wedding day. However, every wedding is different, so remember the key is to organise as much in advance as possible. Get as much help from wedding professionals and helpful family members as possible. Try not to get too stressed, and enjoy it!

One year before your wedding

Set the date. Agree a time with your priest, minister or registrar. Discuss your plans with the person who will be performing the ceremony. Decide on a budget. Remember to suit your ceremony to your budget, and to both your personal tastes and wishes. Talk it all out now! Decide on the type of ceremony, type of reception and how many guests will attend. Choose your venue and meet with the people in charge.

Book early and get several quotes.

This goes for hotels, caterers, marquee suppliers, musicians (for ceremony and reception) etc. Plan your wedding cake, cars, photographer and florist. It is reassuring to have the advice and skills of professionals to call on, and even if you are undecided on some aspects of your big day, you will find it less stressful if the people you want to get you there already have you booked in for their services. Think about wedding clothes and costumes (especially The Dress!), colours, fabrics and accessories.

Remember you will probably want a colour scheme and style that carries through the wedding day so talk your plans through with your dressmaker, florist, stationer and caterer. Get yourself booked on a pre-marriage course. Choose and book your honeymoon.

Three to six months before the wedding

Order wedding stationery, cake boxes, and favours. Discuss your order of service with the person performing the ceremony and decide on service sheets for guests. Agree your wedding breakfast menu with your caterers and if toastmasters, pipers, cloakroom attendants etc. need to be booked, do this now. (Large formal weddings may require planning parking facilities and you may need to inform the police of potential traffic problems). Decide on a wedding list.

Choose the rings. Visit your GP or family planning clinic. A dentist’s check up is a good idea. Plan inoculations for your honeymoon if necessary. Organise visas, passports etc. Think about going away clothes and clothes for your honeymoon. Choose shoes to go with your wedding dress.

Ten to twelve weeks before the wedding

Make sure you have all the appropriate documents and certificates to enable the marriage ceremony to take place. Finalise details of your colour scheme, bouquets, buttonholes and arrangements with the florist. Finalise the wedding guest list and have the invitations sent. Remember to keep a careful track of replies. Record and write thank you letters for any wedding presents you may receive. Choose gifts for the best man, bridesmaids and attendants. Discuss with your attendants their requirements for accommodation, where they will change etc. Arrange accommodation also for any travelling guests.

A month before the wedding

Final fittings for the wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses. Make sure all are wearing the shoes they plan to wear on the day. Finalise arrangements for the groom’s and best man’s clothing. Have your hair and make up rehearsal. Remember to bring the head-dress you will be wearing on the day so the experts can plan your look accordingly. Finalise details for the honeymoon. Make sure the rings are ready in time to give to the best man! Finalise details of seating for the church and reception. Plan the wedding rehearsal with the person who will be performing the ceremony. Plan your hen and stag nights. Don’t forget to have these at least a few days before the wedding. Hangovers and wedding eves do not go well together!

For many couples the last month or so before the wedding can be stressful at times. Why not book yourself a beauty treatment, massage or quite night away and get some relaxation to recharge your batteries. And don’t forget to eat properly (despite diets or nerves!). You’ll need your energy for the next few weeks!

A fortnight to go

Organise honeymoon and going away clothes, and pack (don’t forget passports, tickets and visas). If you need travellers’ cheques, car hire, insurance or any other documentation, now is the time to do it. Give final numbers to the people organising the reception. Plan place cards, table settings, linen etc.

Finalise details with the photographer, florist, caterers, car hire etc. Try on all the wedding clothes including shoes, head-dress, underwear etc and make sure everything fits correctly and is comfortable (your wedding day will be a long one and should be as hassle free as possible!). Arrange a room for changing at the reception

A week to go

Have your wedding rehearsal. Delegate someone to take care of the wedding dress and groom’s outfit after the wedding. Gift-wrap gifts for best man, bridesmaids and attendants. If you are having a wedding announcement in the press, send this now. Organise fees for church (or registry office), musicians (both at ceremony and reception) and make sure the best man takes care of these. Do a final check on honeymoon packing. Give tickets and travel documents to the best man for safekeeping.

The day before the wedding

Make sure the wedding cake is OK and organise transportation to the reception. Present your attendants with their gifts. Have a manicure, pedicure, bath and an early night!

The Wedding Day

Pace yourself. Get as much rest as possible and eat a good breakfast. Have a relaxing bath followed by hair and make up. Give yourself lots of time to dress and get ready to allow for any last minute hiccups. Take your time and enjoy yourself. This is your day so savour it.

Have fun and have a happy wedding day.

Check out The Complete Wedding Planner here: http://www.irishweddingsonline.com/theweddingplanner.html

Banquet Settings
The Reception

The ceremony is over; you are now hopefully arriving at your reception just ahead of your guests so that you can greet them as they arrive.

Greetings
Some couples like the idea of greeting there guests as the arrive, ( Although others feel that it is a bit to formal) and greeting 100 plus guest can be a bit time consuming. However should you decide to greet your guests here is a general order for the line.

The Brides Mother
The Grooms Father
The Grooms Mother
The Brides Father
The Bride
The Groom
The Chief Bridesmaid
The Best Man

The logic behind separating the parents in such away is that each side can introduce the guests to the other parent.
For example: Uncle John (Grooms side) can be introduced to the Brides mother by the Grooms father, then by the Grooms mother to the Brides Father and so on.

You can also have as short a line as you wish.

Seating Arrangements
Have a chat with the venue to see how they normally lay out for a wedding because they will know what works best for that particular room and the style of table. The usual lay out is a Top table then a selection of Guest tables, a cake table and a Gift table for those guests who brought their gifts along.

The Top Table is usually a long rectangular table, which gives the best view of the wedding party. The guest tables if possible, should be round, and this will help your guest to feel more comfortable. The guests tables are arranged so that direct family members are seated close to the top table, with other family and friends further away. If you do not have round tables for the guests the formal seating arrangement are set so that a husband sits across from his wife and it is customary to alternate male and female guests. Always try to leave children with there parents and seat groups of people that know each other together. This will make them feel at ease.

The Top Table
This should be straight forward, however, relationships are never straight forward. What happens if one of the parents is divorced, remarried. What if both parents are not talking to each other....the list goes on.
Here are a few examples of the seating arrangements you can have.

Traditional seating plan

Chief
Bridesmaid
Groom's
Father
Bride's
Mother
Groom Bride Bride's
Father
Groom's
Mother
Best Man
 Top Table 

Brides parents divorced and remarried

Bride's
Stepfather
Chief
Bridesmaid
Groom's
Father
Bride's
Mother
Groom Bride Bride's
Father
Groom's
Mother
Best
Man
Bride's
Stepmother

Top Table

Grooms parents divorced and remarried

Best
Man
Groom's
Stepmother
Groom's
Father
Bride's
Mother
Groom Bride Bride's
Father
Groom's
Mother
Groom's
Stepfather
Chief
Bridesmaid

Top Table

Both parents divorced and remarried

Groom's
Step-
mother
Bride's
Step-
father
Chief
Bridesmaid
Groom's
Father
Bride's
Mother
Groom Bride Bride's
Father
Groom's
Mother
Bride's
Step-
mother
Groom's
Step-
father

Top Table

As for the guests, place cards should be used to make sure everyone is where they should be. The place cards should be in keeping with the invitation sent out.

Some may not wish to be as  formal as this and decide to have a stand up buffet, with the wedding party  moving around, greeting the guests as the reception goes on. This is ideal if space is limited or if you decide to have a marquee. Remember to have some chairs and tables for some of the less fit guests.

Church Flowers

Church Flowers

The church may be simply or elaborately decorated as your taste and budget allows. The pews, interior window sills, church and chancel entrances, and even the altar may be decorated very effectively. Depending on how much extra you want to pay, you can have full aisle decoration, pedestals or Topiary Trees.

The Altar Society
It is common courtesy when booking the church to consult with the Altar Society to let them know your plans for flowers in the church. You'll find them surprisingly helpful. If you are planning fairly elaborate church decorations, get advance permission, as there may be some unforeseen problems. Check to see whether or not there is another wedding, either shortly before or after yours, as this could lead to certain complications with decorating. The chances of each wedding party opting for identical colour schemes, flowers, etc. is highly unlikely. This is where the advice Altar Society can prove invaluable. It may be possible to choose flowers that will blend beautifully with several colour schemes, while at the same time not appearing bland or uninteresting. Another advantage is that the respective wedding parties can share the overall cost of the church flowers.

Variations
PEW ENDS - Pew Ends can be made into round, heart, horse-shoe or triangular shapes, to mention but a few. You may wish to use ribbons and foliage instead. Depending on the size of your church, you may wish to decorate the first six rows, or, in a larger church, every second or third row. Pull Bows are very often used instead of flowers. They can look spectacular at the end of a seat, and cost a lot less.
PEDESTALS - These small pillars topped with flower arrangements may be placed at the church entrance, by the altar and/or in the sacristy (for register photographs).
TOPIARY TREE - This is a round ball of flowers, something like a Chinese lantern, which hangs above the church entrance.
ALTAR FLOWERS - Large arrangements at the front of the altar are important as the photographs are taken close by them.

Afterwards
Don't forget to arrange for the removal of the church flowers after the ceremony. If you have no specific plans for these, the church may be glad to accept them as a gift. Apart from pew flowers, it is a nice gesture to leave your floral arrangements to beautify the church.

Flowers for the Reception
Your hotel reception `Package' may include floral arrangements. Most hotels will try to accommodate your tastes and colour schemes.
Reception flowers have to withstand conditions of heat and smoke for much of the day. Delicate flowers may droop and wilt (as will some of your guests !). Flowers such as carnations, roses and lilies will stand the pace best.
As your guests begin to arrive for a sumptuous wedding banquet, a large elaborate arrangement will look spectacular in the foyer.
You can place small arrangements on the guests' tables, while larger ones may be displayed at the head table. Avoid tall or arrangements that obstruct the guests views.
Don't be afraid to experiment with garlands of flowers and foliage. They can be draped anywhere from the entrance hall through to the reception area and along the borders of the longer tables.
Dark corners and awkward spaces can be brightened up with splashes of floral colour.

Supplying Your Own
When providing your own flowers, remember to plan well in advance to avoid panicky moments later! You'll have enough to think about besides flower arranging on your wedding day! You can use an imaginative variety of shapes, sizes and style of floral arrangement within your colour theme.

TIPS:
Select locally-grown flowers which may be in season, or those which may be available in the countryside.
Allow enough time for delivery of flowers which may have to be imported or transported from floral wholesalers not in your own area.
Most floral arrangements can be made the day before the wedding, as long as you have a cool storage area in which to keep them.
Surprise and delight your Mothers-in-Law with a basket or bouquet of flowers each!
After the reception, why not arrange to have the flowers delivered to a local hospital or old folks' home, where they would continue to give joy.

Traditional Flowers and their Months
January - Carnation & Snowdrop
February - Primrose & Violet
March - Jonquil & Daffodil
April - Daisy & Sweet Pea
May - Hawthorn and Lily of the Valley
June - Rose & Honeysuckle
July - Water Lily, Larkspur and Delphinium
August - Gladiolus & Poppy
September - Morning Glory & Aster
October - Calendula & Marigold
November - Chrysanthemum
December - Holly, Narcissus and Poinsettia

Traditional flowers and what they symbolise


Carnation - Pure deep love
Daisy - Share your feelings
Honeysuckle - Devoted love & fidelity
Hyacinth - Constancy
Iris - Good health
Ivy - Fidelity, friendship, marriage & good luck
Lilac - First emotions of love
Lily - Purity
Lily of the Valley - Return of happiness
Orange Blossom - Fertility & happiness
Red Rose - I love you
Wild Rose - Simplicity
Rosemary - Remembrance
Violet - Faithfulness


Bridemaids Speech
Sample Speech: Chief Bridesmaid

"Well, she's done it. Nicola has finally found a man who deserves her and, as one of her oldest friends, I couldn't be happier for her.

I just wanted to say a few, unbiased words about what a great friend she is. No matter how far away we are, she is always there for me and always says the right thing. I hope I can do the same for her today on her most important day. We go way back to the days when her ideal man was Action Man, all muscles and no brain. Fortunately, she's grown up since then and has chosen a man who matches her in every capacity, which is a rare thing for any couple to find.

Nicola is one of the nicest people I know and I'm delighted to add John to my list of new friends. I hope that you'll be very happy together.

A toast, it's been done before but please, raise your glasses to… the bride and groom."

Sample Speech: Short and Snappy
"Okay, John, I thought I'd make a few things clear from the start! Nicola needs to use the phone for long gossip sessions with her friends about how wonderful you are and you're expected to pick up the tab. She has the right to get annoyed when you want to watch football instead of taking her to the supermarket where she will wander aimlessly up and down every aisle, even though you only came in for pizza to eat in front of the football. She will get grumpy once a month and you have to realise that this has nothing to do with hormones but is entirely down to you. Okay, so it isn't but she's a woman and has the right to behave like this.

Why? Because you married her and I'm delighted that you have. I think that the pair of you make a lovely couple and you both look stunning. It's good to see both of you make an effort for a change.

I remember the day when Nick wouldn't wear anything apart from jeans and I have a horrible feeling that she's probably got a pair under there so she can slide down the banisters later. Some things never change, even though she is a responsible bank clerk now!

So, as her best friend/sister, I'd like you to raise your glasses . . . to John and Nicola, may they always be as happy as they are today."

Sample Speech: Just a Quickie

"I'm sure you'll be delighted that, as Nicola's Chief Bridesmaid, I only have one thing to say: John and Nicola, you've thanked me for being your bridesmaid but I want to thank you for letting us all be here to share in your happiness. You really are the best friends anyone could ever hope for and you're perfect for each other. I know that you'll be really happy.

There is only one toast I could give so please join me in raising your glasses to . . . the bride and groom."

Best Man Speech
The best man’s speech

Of all the traditional speeches at the wedding reception, the best man's is the most anticipated. Guests look for humour from all the speeches, and are usually happy to reward even the feeblest attempt at a joke with gales of booming laughter. But the expectation has grown up that, whether or not any of the other speakers can stretch to a gag, the best man at least should do his best to put on a bit of a show and raise a few chuckles.

Actually, this is not as daunting as it sounds. The best man usually speaks last, by which time guests tend to have relaxed considerably (a fact not unconnected with the wine that is disappearing at a rapid rate from the tables). By this time their sense of humour threshold will have lowered considerably, so anything that vaguely looks like a punch line should bring the house down.

Another advantage you'll have at this point is familiarity. Usually – unless you're posh enough to have a separate Master of Ceremonies - you will have been acting as the host or anchorman of the whole occasion, so by the time you get up to say your piece guests will be used to your ways.

Your role, in fact, is a multiple one. As the groom's best friend, it is your job to humiliate the Main Man in as amusing a fashion as possible. As host, you will read out telegrams and pass on any practical announcements - anything people need to know, for instance, about the evening's activities. And as traditional head of the wedding assistants, you will also speak on behalf of the bridesmaids.

Best man’s speech checklist

Points you may like to include:
The traditional best man's beginning often involves thanking the bride and groom for their gifts and compliments to 'the team' of bridesmaids, ushers, page boys etc.

Near the start, you might want to tell some behind-the-scenes stories about preparing for the wedding - especially any amusing incidents, narrowly averted disasters etc.

Make a point of addressing the couple, and especially of talking to and about the bride. Too many best man's speeches almost entirely overlook her.

The traditional main task - embarrassing the groom. Your material should be funny without being nasty and risqué without being offensive. Props are often used here, and stories - or hints at stories - from the stag night often crop up.

It can seem like a good idea to mention past relationships, but tread carefully. The golden rule: if there's a chance it might upset the bride, leave it out.

Leaven the mockery with some sincerity. Talk about how you met the groom, how you came to be best mates, how much you really think of him, your perspective on the growing relationship between bride and groom, how he behaved differently with her (the moment I knew it was serious...), your best wishes for their future together etc.

Read any telegrams and other messages from invited guests unable to attend the wedding after your main speech.

Conclude with a toast to the bride and groom.

Wording for Invitations
WORDING TIPS FOR YOUR WEDDING INVITATION

Invitations always go out from the person hosting the wedding, but the wording becomes more complicated if parents are divorced or the couple are hosting the event themselves.


Below is a list of the examples provided.

Who is hosting your wedding?
the bride’s parents
both sets of parents
someone other than the bride’s parents
the wedding’s going to be a joint one
you’re hosting your own
you with both sets of parents
a single parent
a divorced parent with their spouse bride or groom’s step parent
jointly hosted by divorced parents
a traditional invitation
bride and groom line
date and time lines
location line


Who is hosting your wedding?
the bride’s parents?
both sets of parents?
you’re hosting your own wedding?
you with both sets of parents?
a single parent?
a divorced parent with their spouse/bride or groom’s step parent?
jointly hosted by divorced parents?
someone other than the bride’s parents?
the wedding’s going to be a joint one?


the bride’s parents
Mr & Mrs Adams
Request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Laura-Jayne Elizabeth
to Adam Brook Austin
son of
Mr & Mrs Austin
on date, month, year
at, time
St. Patricks Church
Dublin

 

both sets of parents
Mr & Mrs Adams
and
Mr & Mrs Austin
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Laura-Jayne Elizabeth
to Adam Brook
on date, month, year
at, time
St. Patricks Church
Dublin

someone other than the bride’s parents
If the host of the wedding is neither the bride nor the groom’s parents, but another relation, you should word the invitation submitting the word daughter/son and adding the hosts’ relationship.

* grandparents = granddaughter/grandson
* aunt and uncle = niece/nephew
* godparents = goddaughter/godson
* foster parents = foster daughter/foster son
* brother = sister/brother
* sister = sister/brother


the wedding’s going to be a joint one
If two sisters are getting married, the name of the older sister and her future husband should go first.


you’re hosting your own
Ms Laura-Jayne Elizabeth Adams
and
Mr Adam Brook Austin
request the pleasure of your company
at their marriage
on date, month, year
at, time
St. Patricks Church
Dublin


you with both sets of parents
Mr & Mrs Smith
and their daughter
Laura-Jayne Elizabeth
together with
Mr & Mrs Austin
and their son
Adam Brook
request the honour of your presence
at the wedding of
Laura-Jayne Elizabeth
and
Adam Brook
on date, month, year
at, time
St. Patricks Church
Dublin


a single parent
Mr Smith
requests the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of his daughter
Laura-Jayne Elizabeth
to
Adam Brook Austin
on date, month, year
at, time
St. Patricks Church
Dublin


a divorced parent with their spouse bride or groom’s step parent
Jane & Tom Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of Jane Brown’s daughter
Laura-Jayne Elizabeth Wakefield
to
Adam Brook Austin
son of Mr & Mrs Austin
on date, month, year
at, time
St. Patricks Church
Dublin


jointly hosted by divorced parents
Mr Wakefield
and
Mrs Brown
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage of their daughter
Laura-Jayne Elizabeth Adams
to
Adam Brook Austin
son of
Mr & Mrs Austin
on date, month, year
at, time
St. Patricks Church
Dublin

a traditional invitation
Mr and Mrs James Jones request the pleasure of your company (or: request the honour of your presence) at the marriage of their daughter Susan to Mr Neil Wood at St Mary's Church, Milton, on date, month, year, at, time and afterwards at (reception location) RSVP (hosts’ address).

The wording can be adapted to accommodate a change of circumstances due to death, divorce, and re-marriage on the bride's side. For example:

If either parent is widowed: Mr James Jones; Mrs Pamela Jones, requests the pleasure

Parents are divorced: Mr James Jones and Mrs Pamela Jones request the pleasure

Parents divorced, mother re-married: Mr James Jones and Mrs Pamela Matthews

Continental Europeans and members of the practising Jewish community send cards including the names of both sets of parents, so: Mr and Mrs James Jones request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Susan to Neil, son of Mr and Mrs Simonberg.

If children are invited, this can be made clear by including their name on their parents’ invitation. Parents should assume that the invitation is for them alone if their children's names are not specified. It might be tactful to enclose a short note to parents, such as: 'Much as we would like to invite all the children of our friends, it is only possible to accommodate the children of close family'. Or 'We are sorry we are unable to accommodate children.' Let parents know up front if you have made special arrangements for their children: 'We have arranged child-minding facilities for the duration of the service and/or reception'.


Family and close friends are usually addressed informally as, say, Alan and Anne; otherwise guests are given their usual prefixes such as Mr and Mrs, Captain and Mrs etc.

bride and groom line
Traditionally, a bride takes no title before her name.
Another option is to include titles for both
the bride and groom; this is useful when one
of you has an occupation that carries
an official title, such as Dr.
One way to put yourselves on equal footing is to
leave titles off altogether. This is also appropriate if
both sets of parents are serving as hosts.

date and time lines
Spelling out the day, date, and year lends sophistication,
but you can also use a numeral for the year. Similarly, although
“half after six o’clock” is classic, it may not be right for a
less formal wedding. When stating the time, only the hour
is necessary; there’s no need to note A.M. or P.M.
Where time of day may be unclear use
“in the morning” or “in the evening”


location line
Make sure you have the proper name of your church.
As with everything else, spell out “Saint” or any other abbreviations (except R.S.V.P.).
Direction cards have become a common way to direct your guests to both
the ceremony and reception site. Invitations are typically written without punctuation;
line breaks take the place of commas, except to separate city and state, or to avoid confusion.

Meanings of Flowers
The meanings associated with various flowers and plants.

Flowers have been irresistible to painters through the ages. These days we've lost much of the symbolism associated with them, but earlier painters chose flowers to convey very specific messages about their subjects. The meaning associated with a specific flower differs between cultures; the symbolism for each given here is from Western European culture unless specified otherwise.

Bamboo: A symbol for longevity (it's always got green shoots) as well as strength and grace (it bends readily but doesn't break easily). In Chinese philosophy the straight stem of bamboo symbolises the path towards enlightenment, the segments of the stem being the steps along the way.

Carnation: A symbol of betrothal or engagement. In China, a carnation is a symbol of marriage.

Chrysanthemum: The national symbol of Japan, 'mums are a symbol for long life.

Clover leaf: The three divided leaves of clover (also known as shamrock or wood sorrel) represent the Christian Holy Trinity of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The national symbol of Ireland and of Ireland's patron saint, St Patrick (his feast day is 17 March). Four-leafed clovers represent luck.

Daisy: The most basic of flowers, a white daisy is a symbol of innocence. (Free daisy stencil)

Deadly nightshade: A highly poisonous plant (Atropa belladonna) with purple bell flowers and small black berries. A symbol of deception, danger, and death.

Forget-me-not: A low-growing plant (Myosotis) with small, usually blue flowers . As the common name suggests, a symbol of a plea for remembrance. "Forget me not" are supposed to have been the last words of young man who fell into a river and drowned while picking these flowers for his lover.

Honeysuckle: A less-common symbol of love. Also of generosity.

Iris: Associated with death as Iris was a Greek goddess of the rainbow, which she used to travel down to earth with messages from the gods and to transport women's souls to the underworld. The three upright petals and three drooping sepals are symbols for faith, valour, and wisdom.

Jasmine: This strongly scented, white flower is used as a Hindu symbol for love.

Lily: Symbolises purity, chastity, and innocence. White lilies represent the purity of the Virgin Mary. The Angel Gabriel was often painted presenting Mary with a white lily when he announced to her that she would give birth to the Son of God.

Lotus: A common symbol in Asian art, the lotus symbolises birth and rebirth through the fact that the petals open when the sun comes out and close when the sun sets. Also a symbol for fertility, creation, and purity. The long stem symbolises our connection to our origins, while the flower represents the enlightenment to which we aspire.

Mistletoe: Standing under the mistletoe at Christmas gives anyone the opportunity to kiss you.

Orchid: A symbol of perfection. The spots on an orchid sometimes represent the blood of Christ.

Poppy: A symbol of death. Red poppies are a symbol of Remembrance Day (11 November), which commemorates the dead of the First and Second World Wars.

Rose: To symbolise love and passion, use red roses. For virginity and purity use white roses. To symbolise jealousy and infidelity, use yellow roses. In Catholicism, red roses are a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

Rosemary: Included in funeral wreaths as a symbol of remembrance and in wedding bouquets as a symbol for fidelity. It's said that if you touch a lover with a sprig of rosemary, they'll be faithful.

Sunflowers: As a flower which blindly follows the sun, sunflowers have become a symbol of infatuation or foolish passion.

Thistle: A thorny plant with a beautiful flower, the national symbol of Scotland. It's thorns symbolise both evil and protection. In Christianity it represents the suffering of Christ.

Violet: Symbolise faithfulness, humility, and chastity.

Wedding Vows..As Gaielge

The following Text of The Wedding Vows as Gaeilge was compiled by Fr. Pat Rogers of http://www.together.ie

To view the full text of the Wedding Mass please click on the link below:

http://www.irishweddingsonline.com/weddingMassasgaeilge.html

*

Liotúirge an Chleamhnais

Seasann an pobal go léir. Labhraíonn an sagart na focail seo leanas:
A lánuin dhilis, tá sibh tar éis teacht go dtí an eaglais seo chun go mbuailfeadh Dia séala naofa ar bhfur ngrá i láthair an tsagairt agus an phobail. Cuireann Críost a bheannacht ar an ngrá seo. Tá sé tar éis sibh a choisreacan cheana fein sa bhaisteadh agus anois cabhraíonn sé libh le sacraimint ar leith, chun go gcómhlíonfadh sibh dualgais an phósta.

Ceistíonn an sagart an lánúin sul a meoin roimh an phósadh:

Sagart: A. agus A., tá sibh ar tí an tsacraimint seo a cheiliúradh. Ar tháinig sibh anseo de bhur ndeoin féin go hiomlán chun sibh féin a thabhairt dá chéile sa phósadh?
Freagra: Thángamar.

Sagart: An mbéidh grá agus meas agaibh ar a chéile ar feadh bhur saoil mar fhear céile agus mar bhean chéile?
Freagra: Béidh.

Sagart: An nglacfaidh sibh le cibé leanaí a chuirfidh Dia chugaibh agus an dtógfaidh sibh iad de réir dhlí Chríost agus na hEaglaise?
Freagra: Déanfaimid.

Dearbhú Toilteanais

Sagart: Tugaim cuireadh daoibh dearbhú ós cómhair Dé agus na hEaglaise gurb é bhur dtoil é go ndéanfaí fear céile agus bean chéile dibh.

Fear:
A {Ainm}, an toil leatsa bheith i do bhean chéile agamsa?

Brídeóg:
Is toil. A {Ainm}, an toil leatsa bheith i d’fhear céile agamsa?

Fear:
Is toil. Glacaim leat mar bhean chéile agus bronnaim me féin ort mar fhear céile

Brídeóg:
Glacaim leat mar thear céile agus bronnaim me féin ort mar bhean chéile

deir siad in éineacht:
chun grá a thabhairt dá chéile go dilis,
má's fearr sinn, má's measa,
má's saibhir, má's bocht,
má's tinn nó má's slán
go scara an bás sinn.

Sagart: An ní a cheanglaíonn Dia, ná scaoileadh duine é.
Go neartaí Dia leis an toil atá tugtha agaibh dá chéile agus go mbronnaí sé go fial oraibh a bheannacht.

Beannú na bhFáinní
Sagart: Go mbeannaí Dia na fáinní seo mar chomhartha bhur ngrá agus bhur ndílseacht.

Cuireann an fear fáinne na mná ar a mhéar, leis na bhfocail:
A {Ainm}, caith an fáinne seo mar chomhartha ár ngrá agus ár ndílseacht.
In ainm an Athar agus an Mhic agus an Spioraid Naoimh
.
Cuireann an bhrídeóg fáinne an fhir ar a mhéar, leis na bhfocail céanna

Lasann siad araon choinneall na pósta.

Deirtear Guí an Phobail ansin.
[Is féidir don chúpla na guíonna a ullmhú agus daoine a animniú chun iad a léamh amach]


Bride's Speech
The Bride’s Speech

As the bride, you have the most interesting role of all when it comes to the speeches. For, whereas the other main speakers - father of the bride, best man and so on - have speaking roles with huge traditions attached to them - father dotes on daughter, best man humiliates groom etc - you and your speech labour under no such burden of expectation.

This is because - although it is by no means uncommon any more - the bride's speech is still a very new development in terms of the history of wedding procedure. And that means that you still have the choice to say pretty much what you like and when you like. It's your call.

If your father is not present, then you may want to speak first of all, in the traditional father-of-the-bride slot. Some couples opt to stand up and speak together (in many ways, a very logical choice); others prefer to speak separately, and each address different themes (the other's family, for instance). Or you may prefer to speak after - or before - your husband, or even after the best man, as the very last speaker.

Brides Speech Checklist

The content of the bride's speech is utterly flexible, but here are some ideas to get you started.

Thanks to everyone who's attending, especially long-lost friends and people who've travelled a long way.
Thanks to the people who've supported you through the stress of preparing for the wedding.
A special word about your mum, not just to thank her for her role in the wedding, but to describe your relationship with her over the years.
If you like, you could echo the pattern of your new husband's speech: how you met, your first impressions, things you liked and didn't like about him; how the relationship developed; your thoughts on love and marriage; a more personal message from you to him.
Thank guests for all their gifts (if the groom hasn't).
It may also make more sense, if you are saying thank yous to other people, for you to thank the bridesmaids too (rather than the groom).
A popular American innovation is for the bride to finish with a new toast to the guests.

SPEECH SAMPLE

I want to thank you all for coming, I’ll never be able to tell you how much it means to us that you are all here to share in our day with us.

There are so many people to thank and acknowledge, if I’ve left anyone out please know that it is because I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness and not because you aren’t appreciated.


First of all, a very special thanks is in order for Petra & Ryan, who set Brad & me up on a blind date – it obviously went well.


Thank you Wendy for doing the programs, Jim for all you’re running around for us and Rachel for playing the harp, thanks to Connie for her wonderful sewing talents, thank you so much Chris, Eva, & Ken, our readers – you all helped make today even more special.


I’d also like to thank my bridal party, who have been fabulous and a constant source of support. I can never truly express what your help and generosity of spirit has meant to me.

Rachel, Madeleine, David & Erik you all did so well and are so special to us, thank you so much, we love you all very much.


Carolyn & Susan, you welcomed me into your group from the very beginning. You were both so kind and warm and I feel like I’ve known you both for years. It wasn’t long before I realized that I no longer referred to you as Brad’s friends but as MY friends and that felt good. Thank you both for everything, and for wrecking your nails peeling price tags off favours.


Karin, I can’t begin to tell you all how much Karin has had to put up with – we work together and she has had to listen to wedding vents and planning every day – every single day. Karin, many people are lucky enough to work with people they like but I’m luckier I get to work with my friend, you have been such a help to me with your advice, your support, and just listening while I ranted. Thank you for everything including the shower you threw for me at work, and mostly for being my friend.


Rae, I hardly remember the time you weren’t a part of my family. You have been a great support in the wedding planning, even though you are 2 ½ hours away – the distance never stopped you from helping. I want you to know that you are not my bridesmaid because you had the good sense to marry my brother and become a part of my family. I asked you to be a bridesmaid because you are my friend. Thank you for everything. I feel lucky to have you in my life.


Natalie, I’m not even going to try to sum up 20 years of friendship, You have laughed with me, cried with me and very importantly shopped with me, you have been through everything with me & you know everything about me and still love me. I chose you as my maid of honour not because you are my truly my best friend but because to me you are family. Thank you so much for all the love & support you’ve given me and the wonderful shower you gave me. I hope you know how much you mean to me.


I’d like to thank my aunt & uncle, Jean & Cal Ford, you have been so great to Brad & me – you have helped us with everything from getting us Ebony & Puck, our kittens, to giving us advice and support. You both have a special place in our hearts.


I know Brad will be thanking my brothers, Duane & Jim, but I just want to take this opportunity to tell you both how much I love you.


To Brad’s parents – where do I begin? You have been kind, caring, honest and welcoming to me. You accept me for who I am and I feel like I have been a part of your family forever- you’ve been so loving, supportive and helpful in the wedding preparations. I know that all the traits I love in Brad have come from both of you. I can never tell you how much you have both come to mean to me, very simply I love you both and thank you just doesn’t seem like enough words but I mean them from the bottom of my heart.


Now, my parents, I am finding it hard to find the words to thank you for all you’ve done for me or to tell you how much I love and respect you. You have always been there for me. You were there, encouraging me to take my first steps and to say my first words and today you stood beside me as those steps took me to my husband and you listened while I spoke my vows. If you think I don’t know how hard that was for you – you’re wrong I do know and its just another thing I need to thank you for. I know that I am the person I am because of you both. I didn’t settle for anything less than true love because of your example. I know what to look for and I waited for it (and waited, and waited) You built us a home not with wood and bricks but with your hearts and your souls and I know how lucky I am to have been given that. I have never doubted for a second that you love me and I hope you both know how much I love you. You have helped with the wedding so much and let’s face it, if it weren’t for you, I’d be up here naked (so everyone has something to thank you for). Thank you and I love you both. On a lighter note, let me tell you all about choosing the song for the Father-Daughter dance, I first chose the Celine Dion song “I’m everything I am because you loved me”. It’s a very sentimental song and I got to the point where I can’t hear it without crying – so I get out the CD and place Mom & Dad on the couch and give this little speech about how this song says all I feel. I play it and of course start to cry, they listen for a while and then my dad gets up, comes over to me, turns off the CD and looks into my eyes and says “how the hell long IS this song? Please note I’ve chosen a shorter song. Thanks again Mom & Dad.


Lastly, but not least I’d like to thank Brad, for being the man that he is – I never thought love would find me and then I get this wonderful gift ---- you. Whitney Houston had a song out a few years ago that I was crazy about, I played it over and over – just ask Duane, he had the room next to me. The lines were “Give me one moment in time, when I’m all that I thought I could be, when all of my dreams are a heartbeat away and the answers are all up to me”. I loved that thought and I wished for that moment – but we don’t always get what we wish for – I wanted one moment and ended up getting forever. I love you Brad for this moment and forever.


Once again thank you all for coming. Enjoy the night.

Wedding Quotes
Wedding Quotes
Marriage is an Athenic weaving together of families, of two souls with their individual fates and destinies, of time and eternity--everyday life married to the timeless mysteries of the soul. - Thomas Moore
In all of the wedding cake, hope is the sweetest of plums. - Douglas Jerrold

Marriage is love personified. - Phoenix Flame

Marriage is the perfection of what love aimed at, ignorant of what it sought. - Emerson

When you make a sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship. - Joseph Campbell

When you meet someone who can cook and do housework--don't hesitate a minute--marry him. - Unknown

Marriage--a book of which the first chapter is written in poetry and the remaining chapters written in prose. - Beverly Nichols

Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words. - Plautus

One should believe in marriage as in the immortality of the soul. - Honore de Balzac

Marriage is not a simple love affair, it's an ordeal, and the ordeal is the sacrifice of ego to a relationship in which two have become one. - Joseph Campbell

Marriage is a partnership in which each inspire the other, and brings fruition to both of you. - Millicent Carey McIntosh

Marriage is our last, best chance to grow up. - Joseph Barth

Married couples who love each other tell each other a thousand things without talking. - Chinese Proverb

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the wedding cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.
Ogden Nash

The sum which two married people owe to one another defies calculation. It is an infinite debt, which can only be discharged through all eternity.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company that a good marriage. - Martin Luther

A good marriage is that in which each appoints the other guardian of his solitude. - Rainer Maria Rilke

Two souls with but a single thought,
Two heart that beat as one.
Franz Joseph von Munch-Bellinghausen


They gave each other a smile with a future in it. - Ring Lardner

Treasure each other in the recognition that we do not know how long we shall have each other. - Joshua Liebman

Duties of The Groom
The Role and Duties of the Groom


When one imagines the organisation of a wedding, one always imagines that the whole thing is put together by the bride and her mother and that the groom's tasks extend to no more than accepting congratulatory rounds in the pub and buying a few trinkets for the best man and ushers.

One imagines wrong.

The groom's duties start at the beginning of the whole affair with the purchase of the engagement ring. The first few months of organisation are when the major decisions of wedding and reception venues are decided as well as the choice of photographer, videographer and caterer. The decision also has to be made as to what kind of wedding it should be. It would be unfair to the bride to expect her to reach any of these decisions alone.

Next comes the guest list; who is to be invited to the ceremony and who to the evening festivities? The groom should co-ordinate this with that of his parents and present a finalised list to the bride's mother.


The Wedding Day

The bridegroom and the best man should arrive at the wedding venue about twenty to thirty minutes before the service is due to start. The groom would generally not engage in much conversation during this time but would wait quietly, seated on the right front pew or row of seats.

After the ceremony and signing of the registry the groom walks back up the aisle with his new wife on his left and then usually on to the formal photographs.

After the photographs the next event is the reception. The bride and groom stand at the end of the reception line up and at this time the groom should introduce the bride to members of his family or his friends who she has not already met.

The meal and speeches are next and the groom's speech follows that of the bride's father. His speech should thank everyone who helped organise and who contributed to the wedding, to thank the bride's parents for giving him their daughter and should always end with a thank you and toast to the bridesmaids.

Following the meal and the speeches comes the cutting of the cake, and then shortly afterwards the first dance. Traditionally, the bride's father cuts in and the groom invites the bride's mother to dance. The bride's father cuts in again and the groom resumes the dance with his new wife.

After this, the bride and groom have no more duties as such, and can spend the rest of the evening mingling, dancing and chatting.

If you are leaving on honeymoon from the reception you should change at the reception venue, make sure the best man and bridesmaids are left in charge of any clothing and gifts that you may leave behind. If you are not leaving from the reception and plan to stay until the end, get the best man and chief bridesmaid to make sure that everyone knows this, since some people won't expect to leave until the bride and groom have done so.

Duties of the Bride
The Role and Duties of the Bride

A woman's wedding day is possibly the biggest day of her life. It's the day where she is the centre of attention from start to finish, it's a day organised by her, as she wants it to be.

Such power does not come cheaply.

The bride's work begins months in advance and doesn't stop until the day before the wedding - if then.

The exact organisational, plannng and social tasks which the bride has to do are covered elsewhere in net-weddings but, quite simply, the bride has overall responsibility for choosing and co-ordinating just about every aspect of the wedding day.

Oh, except choosing small gifts for the attendants; that weighty task is given over to the groom. However, since this is just about as much as most of them can handle it's enough to keep them busy and out of your hair for months. Expect, however, to be given the impression - ad nauseam- that the entire success of the day was down to his choice of just the right cufflinks for the best man and usher.


It is no exaggeration to say that the bride decides every aspect of the wedding from the Groom down to the piece of music to which the first dance takes place.

However, for the sake of harmony, it should be remembered that although the wedding day belongs to the couple it is also a very big day for both sets of parents too and they should be consulted on at least some of the issues.


The duties, therefor, are to organise everything perfectly in just the way you want but without stepping on any toes. Easy, isn't it?

The role of the bride? To star.

The story of the Claddagh
The story of the Claddagh.

There are many stories of the history of the Claddagh but the true one represents the story of Ireland's unique symbol of love and friendship..The Claddagh ring.


It's a tradition that lies deep in the dark pools of the story of Galway. The ancient City of Tribes. The true tale Richard Joyce swept to svery from the little fishing village Claddagh, of time passing and the intervening years in which Richard became masterly goldsmith who was eventually rewarded with his freedom. When he at last returned to his beloved Claddagh he turned his fine skills to the creation of a jewel that would be renowned as an emblem of love and friendship: two hands cradling a crowned heart. His golden legacy remains today. Wear the ring on the right hand, the crown turned inwards and the world may see the heart is yet unoccupied. Worn on the right hand, the crown turned outwards, and it's clear that a love is being considered. But when it is worn on the left hand the crown outwards; two loves have become inseparable.

The Celtic Cross.


The high cross is possibly the best-known symbol of early Christianity in Ireland. The Crosses are self-contained monuments, generally sculptured from stone, some are as high as twenty feet, and their main characteristic feature is the circle connecting the arms. In many cases, they also feature ornate carvings. The great 16th century cross at Monasterboice and the Cross of Scriptures, Clonmacnoise are both excellent examples of Irish Crosses.

The Irish Shamrock


The Shamrock is Ireland's most celebrated emblem. It's association dates to the 5th century when legend suggests, St. Patrick used it to demonstrate the meaning of the Blessed Trinity while converting the people of Ireland to Christianity. The plant itself was reputed to have mystical powers. The leaves standing upright to warn of an approaching storm.


Whatever the truth of these legends, the Shamrock is cherished by Irish people everywhere and is worn by all nationalities around the world on St. Patrick's Day, one of the real international festivals.

Celtic Knot - Eternal Love


Celtic Knot work embodies a richness and pureness of ancient Celtic times. It dates back as far as the 5th century and was used extensively by the ancient monks to illuminate the world famous Book of Kells manuscripts. The interlaced unbroken lines symbolize man's spiritual growth, eternal life and never ending love. Having no beginning and no end. Each twist and turn has its individual magical and mystic qualities.

The Irish Harp.


The Irish Harp has many distinguishing features such as a sounding box carved from a single block of willow wood. T-shape centre-pillar, a heavy neck and thick brass strings. These combine to give the harp a unique sound for which it has been famous since medieval times. Irish Harpists also had a special playing skill and were much in demand among ancient kings for entertainment. The Harp is now a national emblem and appears on Irish coinage and all official documentation.

The St. Brigid's Cross


St. Brigid was a contemporary of St. Patrick who founded a monastery in Kildare in the 6th century. It is said she converted her father to Christianity while making a cross from rushes. In those Christian times farmers adopted the custom of making these same crosses at the beginning of spring to protect them, placing them in prominent positions in their houses and buildings. The tradition of making the crosses on the 1st February, St. Brigid's Feast Day continues to this present day.

Order of Service
Prelude Music (include the titles, with composer)

Gathering Rite

Entrance Procession .Please stand
(Piece of music – give name of title and author.
If a sung piece, give the words of the refrain)

Welcome

Penitential rite

Gloria
(only if sung – include name of composer and the words of the refrain for people to text)

Opening prayer

Liturgy of the word

First Reading .Please be seated
(you need only put in the scripture reference i.e. Genesis 1:26-28,31)

Responsorial Psalm
(give the title, composer and the words of the refrain)

Second Reading
(Give the scripture reference)

Gospel Acclamation .Please stand

Gospel
(Give the scripture reference)

Homily .Please be seated


Rite of Marriage
.Please stand

Prayers of the Faithful

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Altar .Please be seated
(If using an instrumental include title and author, if a sung piece also include the words of the refrain for people to join in)

Celebrant: Pray, brethren that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.

People: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands, for the praise and glory of his name, for our good, and the good of all his church.


Eucharistic Prayer .Please kneel/stand
(Include the number of the Eucharistic prayer that you are using)

Holy, Holy
(Include the words of this sung piece, and the name of the music composer)

Memorial acclamation
(Include the words of this sung piece, and the name of the music composer)

Great Amen.
(Include the words of this sung piece, and the name of the music composer)


Communion Rite

Our Father .Please stand

Nuptial Blessing

Breaking of the Bread
(Include the words of the Lamb of God, if it is being sung include the words and also the name of the music composer)

Invitation to communion Custom to kneel - Ire.

People: Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

Communion
(Include the words of the refrain of the songs you are having during communion time, with the name of the composer)

Prayer after communion .Please stand

Concluding Rite

Final Blessing and dismissal .Please kneel

Signing of the register .Please be seated
(here or immediately preceding the Concluding Rite)
(If you are using music during this, include the title and name of the composer)

Recessional .Please stand
(Include the title and composer of the music used)

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