Submitted by: Renee West

Claddagh wedding themes can be both cultural and decorative, depending on how far you want to carry the theme throughout the wedding. Whether you come from Irish descent or simply appreciate the culture, a Claddagh wedding needs to follow a few traditions. If you are unsure how to put in your own personal flare, but still keep to the traditions of a Celtic wedding, here are a few decorative ideas to make your theme come to life.

Suggested Color Scheme

The colors for a traditional Claddagh wedding should stick to ivory, white and greens. You do not have to use bright greens, but keep it within the green family by utilizing pastel or neon colors instead. Integrate gold or silver accents to keep with the traditional colors, while adding some elegance.

Flower Arrangement and Bouquets

Your flowers should follow the color scheme of the wedding. Some traditional flowers that can be used are roses and lilies, but no one flower is a tradition for this type of theme. Shamrocks, however, are a traditional greenery found in Celtic weddings; therefore you should find a way to integrate them into your arrangements. Depending on the time of year, your florist may be able to include some clover in the dcor and/or your bouquets and boutonnieres.

Keep your flowers simple and in line with the colors. Green can be used for both flowers and fillers in your floral arrangements. For example, ivory roses and peonies can be paired with green hydrangea and green rose leaves. Talk to your florist about how to pair your traditional Celtic wedding colors with your floral arrangements.

Table Decorations

Decorate your tables using traditional taste, but with a few modern twists. Use ivory or white tablecloths and integrate green or silver table runners to keep the setting very classic. Centerpieces can be made from flowers or you can utilize pillar candles tied with green and silver ribbon. Use elegant chinaware that is white or ivory and has either green accents or silver accents. Escort cards can be attached to Celtic knot place card holders and guests names listed on ivory or white cardstock using silver or green font. You could even name tables after different locations in Ireland.

Wedding Cake and Food

Stick to the tradition of Irish food by serving a menu full of Celtic recipes. Try pot roasts, roasted potatoes and very hearty dishes, which the Irish culture is known for. Do not be afraid to talk to your caterer about ways to make your menu more modern, but still incorporating traditional recipes. For example, rather than serving whole baked potatoes, offer puffed potato bites or a do-it-yourself baked potato station with different toppings.

For the wedding cake, keep the decorations simple, such as white or ivory fondant accented with silver or green ribbon borders. Use a Claddagh cake topper to finish off your cake and integrate roses or shamrocks as part of the floral topper and cake table decorations. Try fun flavors for your wedding cake such as Irish Crme.

Wedding Favors

Though many of your guests will not be aware of Irish traditions, try to culturally educate them with favors themed after your Claddagh wedding. Give away Celtic knot key chains or bookmarks. Four leaf clover soaps and bath salts using traditional Irish scents are always welcomed by guests too. Give away edible treats such as Irish soda bread wrapped in muslin, mini cakes or mint tins.

About the Author: Renee West writes for Just Weddings.org, where you can find all the little details you need for your wedding with ease, including

Irish and Celtic Wedding Favors

, decorations and cake toppers.

Source:

isnare.com

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