How to Plan a Celtic Theme Wedding

A Celtic theme for a wedding or any other type of celebration involves using traditions from the Celtic heritage. The term "Celtic" refers to people of European ancestry that speak or used to speak the Celtic language. The Irish, Scottish and Welsh name the historical Celts as their ancestors. Celtic tradition is rich in symbols. One of the most well-known traditions is the Celtic knot, which symbolizes love, life and commitment.

Things You'll Need

• Celtic priest
• Celtic knot decorations
• Traditional Celtic music
• Celtic dress and wedding bands

Instructions

1. Hire an ordained Celtic priest to perform the ceremony for a truly authentic Celtic-themed wedding.

2. Incorporate traditional Celtic music into the ceremony. Have a bagpiper mark your entrance into and out of the church or reception area. Furthermore, have a traditional Celtic band including a piper, harpist, mandolin player and singer play music at the reception.

3. 

   Dress in traditional Celtic garb. In ancient times, the Celts often dressed in colorful gowns and kilts instead of the white wedding gown and tuxedo so common in modern times. However, if you are uncomfortable wearing a kilt or have your heart set on a white gown, try incorporating classic Celtic details, like the Celtic knot, into your wedding attire. The knot can be sewn into the wedding gown, bridesmaids' dresses and men's dress shirts.

4. Consider whether you'd like to have the traditional custom of handfasting. Handfasting is when the bride and groom's hands are fastened together with a rope or cord. This is a symbolic representation of the union of the two people about to be married, and represents a true marriage. Celtic wedding bands that include the traditional knot are an authentic detail that you can incorporate.

5. Incorporate the Celtic knot into other aspects of the wedding such as the cake, centerpieces and invitations. There are about 11 variations of the classic knot that you can alternate using without getting redundant.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage guests to learn more about the Celtic culture by sending them some information about the Celts before the wedding.