Traditional Celtic Weddings and Modern "Must Haves".
One style of wedding that continues to grow around the world is Celtic Weddings. Not only are many people looking deep into their family roots for wedding inspiration, but many have been moved by modern trends. One such recent trend stems from the hit television program OUTLANDER. With so much interest in Celtic and Scottish Wedding trends, we went to the experts in everything Celtic to ask a few questions - our friends at The Celtic Croft.
Celtic & Scottish wedding traditions.
Claire & Jamie. Outlander: The Wedding.
One style of wedding that continues to grow around the world is Celtic Weddings. Not only are many people looking deep into their family roots for wedding inspiration, but many have been moved by modern trends. One such recent trend stems from the hit television program OUTLANDER. With so much interest in Celtic and Scottish Wedding trends, we went to the experts in everything Celtic to ask a few questions - our friends at The Celtic Croft.
1. How prevalent are traditional Celtic and Scottish Weddings in the United States? What are some of the must-haves in a traditional Celtic Wedding?
There are not a lot of statistics on this but it is estimated to be in the 10,000 range annually. Traditional Weddings must include, full formal kilt dress for men and groomsmen, and usually a sash and garter matching the groom's tartan for the bride. This is the attire for a Celtic-themed wedding, however there are many traditions and they would vary in many ways if the wedding was Irish vs. Scottish, English, Manx, Welsh, or Cornish.
2. What recommendations do you have on traditional men’s dress? How about for the Bride?
Unless you only have one family tie to Scotland, know that you can wear any ancestral Tartan. In addition, if you're not sure about your lineage, there is a general Tartan that is very common; you won’t be left out and you'll still look great.
For the bride, there are many alternatives (if you are looking outside of the "White Dress Family") that can compliment the overall theme. Just ask the your friendly Celtic apparel outfitter for suggestions.
3. Let’s talk Kilts and Tartans. Explain the significance of the various Tartans. What does the modern Scottish Groom look for in appropriate attire?
Photo Credit: Fresh Photography
Tartan is a family registered plaid and every single one is different. Along with the Tartan, you want to ensure you have a full formal or dress attire which includes the Ghillie Brogues, hose, kilt pin, flashes, jacket (either Prince Charles or Argyle), kilt belt, Sgian Dubh, and shoulder fly plaid with brooch.
Celtic dress, specifically weddings, are preserved through formal dress and proper accessory attire. Where it with pride!
4. What is the significance of the horse shoe and the harvest knot?
Traditionally - Harvest Knot:
On a small farm, the Harvest Home feast would have been held in the kitchen. On larger holdings, the festivities took place in the barn - cleaned out and dressed up. Prominently displayed as part of the decor was the last sheaf. And, if it was held in a part of Ireland where a young colleen had tied the last sheaf. It was the custom, that she would be led out for the first dance by the Farmer or his eldest son.
Wedding Hair Style: Harvest Knot
It was at these gatherings that harvest knots were worn to show that the harvest was completed. Usually, they were made in two types: an elaborate braid with the corn ears still attached (which was worn by the women) and a less ornamental twist - although made with equal skill, (which was made for the men). Often, in modern times, you will find the Harvest Knot symbolically represented in bridal hair styling.
Traditionally - Horse shoe:
On the day of the wedding, it is not uncommon among Celtic brides to sew a horseshoe into the hem of a dress. Grandmother did it, and so did her mother. It is said that this act brings good luck. Horseshoes have always been associated with good luck, right? However, the real reason for this custom goes far beyond luck. It is part of an ancient belief, perhaps tracing as far back as the iron age. After the invention of the horseshoe and its association with luck, it became a natural thing to add into the very dress. And it also helps the dress hang properly. So, if your grandmother insists there be a horseshoe somewhere in your wedding attire, you will now have a clue why this may be beyond the merely obvious association with luck.
~ Reference: CelticJewelery.com
5. Where does the phrase “Tie the Knot” come from?
Photo by: Wikimedia Commons
Today, wedding couples around the world use a phrase that seems appropriate at every generation. Little do many know how ancient the symbolic meaning of the phrase "Tie the Knot" actually is. This comes from the old “hand fasting” ceremonies, which are still performed today in some pagan and christian traditions. The hands are tied with a ceremonial cloth OR the male's family tartan signifying their union. Quite moving when done correctly…hence ‘Tie the Knot’.
6. What sort of venue should traditional, Celtic engaged couples look for ?
Anywhere works. We have literally seen it all from a complete outdoor castle wedding in Europe, a Montana mountain range, to a simple church or post-modern art gallery. Kilts go everywhere with everything.
7. What other historical traditions have age-old meaning that are still very prevalent today?
Photo Credit: Fresh Photography
Rings and Bagpipes! Celtic Wedding rings are a basic expectation in Celtic Weddings of any kind. Most couples that are celebrating their heritage, do so openly with obvious Celtic rings. They often feature the symbolic harvest knot and other meaningful etchings. Often times, they don't have to be expensive either. The history of the Celtic wedding dates back to simpler times and today, we find that those that celebrate it, wish to maintain it. The most widely known traditional ring, worn even by teenagers and non-Celtic heritage folks is The Claddagh ring - one of the old traditions that's widely known. The traditional ring is usually given by young Irish men to their girlfriends as a gift; today known as a "promise ring". Sometimes it's inherited from a family member, but the ring takes part in wedding ceremonies, too.
Bagpipes are another tradition that often are a standard expectation at Celtic weddings. Though history will tell us that bagpipes were first seen as early as 1000 B.C., they have been a historic staple in the British, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian military. The first bagpipes to be well-attested to for Ireland were similar, if not identical, to the Highland pipes that are now played in Scotland. These are known as the "Great Irish Warpipes". In Irish and Scottish Gaelic, this instrument was called the píob mhór ("great pipe") - first appearing around the 18th century. Today bagpipes are becoming revitalized more and more every day.
8. Modern Twists: What do you see today that is inspired by modern culture in Celtic and Scottish Weddings?
There are two trends happening right now - "Grey Weddings" and "Ancient Weddings" (with a more 18th century feel). The main driving force behind both of these trends is the hit Starz television program Outlander. The Celtic Croft is an official licensee of Outlander kilts, apparel and accessories and the demand for these items has grown substantially.
Photo Credit: Starz "Outlander".
The Celtic Croft was recently featured on CBS Local in Minneapolis.
Getting Married? Inquire about your date today for Celtic Hair and Makeup.
Visit The Celtic Croft for all of your Celtic apparel, Kilts, and rental needs.
Top 5 Wedding Planning Tips and Advice.
Planning your wedding can be one of the most stressful things in your life. Often times, this is the result of your family, your friends, your timelines, etc. Many brides forget that their wedding day is ultimately about you and your fiancé - no one else. One of the best ways to avoid all of the unnecessary frustration is to hire a professional Wedding Planner. If that's not an option, then take these Top 5 Wedding Planning Tips to heart.
The Top 5 Wedding Planning Pieces of Advice from Wedding planner & expert, Jessica Wonders.
Planning your wedding can be one of the most stressful things in your life. Often times, this is the result of your family, your friends, your timelines, etc. Many brides forget that their wedding day is ultimately about you and your fiancé - no one else. One of the best ways to avoid all of the unnecessary frustration is to hire a professional Wedding Planner. If that's not an option, then take these Top 5 Wedding Planning Tips to heart.
Jessica Wonders
Professional Wedding Planner
651.245.8536
1. Everyone has their own ideas on what the planning timeline should look like, but to effectively plan a wedding with as little stress possible; how soon in advance should a bride & groom begin planning their wedding and what items should they secure first?
Great question! In order to effectively plan a wedding with little stress it is a must to begin the planning process at least 12 months in advance. The ceremony, and reception venue(s) should be secured first!
Pro tip: Some venues are booking up to two years in advance.
2. The Dress. Quite possibly the most important item of the day. What advice can you give brides-to-be on where to look for “the dress", what to expect when shopping and how far in advance should she order to avoid rush fees?
The dress is for sure one of the most important items of the day! I would say to look at more than one bridal dress shop if you don’t find “the one” at the first shop. A few of my favorites in the Twin Cities are; Bella Bridal boutique, Posh Bridal, and Luxe Bridal Couture. Expect to have a ton of fun! Start shopping at least 10-9 months prior to the scheduled wedding date.
Pro tip: Don’t bring your entire wedding party or a huge entourage of people. Bring 2-3 people whose opinions for your wedding day attire matter to you most. The more people you bring, the more confused you will be.
3. What is the difference between hiring a day-of wedding planner and purchasing a planner’s full planning package? What are some pros & cons?
Both day-of planning and full planning can differ between Wedding Planners. The biggest overall difference is that with hiring a day-of wedding planner, you will fully plan your wedding on your own and have extra help to execute your wedding plans on the actual Wedding Day. A full wedding planning package involves help in every step of the way with every single aspect involved in the planning process.
Day-of Wedding Planning Pros: Allows you to get married on the day of your wedding - stress free, knowing that you have someone there to help take care of things when unexpected situations arise (and they will).
Day-of Wedding Planning Cons: All of the planning details and stresses throughout the wedding planning process are on you. In my opinion planning a wedding can be a full time job in itself, so adding that to the average person’s typical work schedule can be a lot to handle.
Full Wedding Planning Pros: Your wedding planner will make sure you are getting items checked off on time, while staying in budget. While also serving as what I call “Switzerland” when it comes to differing opinions between family and the engaged couple. This may be the single most important feature.
Full Wedding Planning Cons: It can be costly, but is so very worth every penny.
Pro tip: If it fits the budget, go for the full planning package. You won’t regret it!
4. When hiring a Wedding Planner; what is the number one thing a bride should look for?
When hiring a wedding planner (in my opinion) the number one thing to look for would be chemistry and communication. You have to have good chemistry and “mesh” well with your wedding planner, because you will be spending a lot of time together during the wedding planning process. Communication is big item to consider because not everyone communicates with others in the most effective way. Make sure your potential wedding planner’s style fits your needs.
Pro tip: Great customer service and timely communication in a wedding planner is very important!
5. Every person has the one “over bearing” family member or friend who offers to (or just simply) takes over the wedding planning for the bride. What advice can you give brides-to-be that are facing this challenge, but don’t want to hurt their family member or friend’s feelings by hiring a wedding planner?
Oh yes! We all have that “someone”. My best advice is to find a task that needs to be done on your wedding day that you feel comfortable giving to that person. An example might be something like transporting items from the ceremony location to reception or passing out the programs.
Pro tip: Just remember it is YOUR wedding day!
Northeast Minneapolis Urban Princess Styled Shoot
Urban Princess, a Northeast Minneapolis Styled Shoot, took place in the fall of 2014 on the back drop of Stone Arch Bridge and The Astor Café.
WarPaint International had the privilege of working with Forever Bride to deliver hair and makeup looks for this fun and artsy project. Master Artisans Jessica Mae & Benjamin spent a day in September with a Glam Squad of models to make this styled shoot a ton of fun. You can read more on the Dainty Obsessions Blog.
Luxury Bridal Hair & Makeup Artistry.
Urban Princess, a Northeast Minneapolis Styled Shoot, took place in the fall of 2014 on the back drop of Stone Arch Bridge and The Astor Café.
WarPaint International had the privilege of working with Forever Bride to deliver hair and makeup looks for this fun and artsy project. Master Artisans Jessica Mae & Benjamin spent a day in September with a Glam Squad of models to make this styled shoot a ton of fun. You can read more on the Dainty Obsessions Blog.
Forever Bride is an intimate wedding planning network. They showcase the best wedding vendors in the Twin Cities, an array of ideas with their real wedding stories and styled shoots, and a place where brides can feel connected to their vendors and not get lost in the corporate shuffle of a big name planning site. But I think the thing I love the most about them is their VIB (very important bride) membership. The membership is FREE to join and gets you exclusive access to the network of local vendors they have, plus most of the vendors offer a VIB exclusive discount. Who doesn't love that?! So if you or someone you know is a bride to be, head over to foreverbride.com and sign up today! Below are our favorite images from the Urban Princess Styled Shoot. Thank you Forever Bride for including us in this awesome day!
Vendor List:
Stylist: Forever Bride | http://www.foreverbride.com/
Photographer: Jody Savage Photography | http://www.jodysavagephotography.com/
Event Planner: White Room Event | http://whiteroomevent.com/
Venue: The Aster Cafe & The River Room | http://www.astercafe.com/
Decor & Rentals: I Do Two-Bridal & Consignment | http://www.idotwobridalconsignment.com/
Florals: M Studio Flower Affair | http://www.mstudiofloweraffair.com/
Cake & Desserts: Sugar Love Bakery | http://www.mysugarlovebakery.com/
Jewelry: Sheer Addiction Jewelry | http://sheeraddictionjewelry.com/
Invites & Paper: JB Originals | http://jboriginals.net/
Gowns: Inspire Bridal Boutique | http://www.inspirebridalboutique.com/
Grooms Attire: Heimie’s Haberdashery | http://www.heimies.com/
Hair & Makeup: WarPaint International | http://www.warpaintinternational.com/#about
Headbands & Belts: JolieUSA | http://jolieusa.com/
Videography: Flow Event Group | http://www.floweventgroup.com/
Transportation: Silver Rolls Royce | http://www.silverrollsroyce.com/