Wediquette View WeddingIreland.ie or Weddings Ireland for more details or click on the links below.

Who does what when and where?

Engagements

Traditionally the parents of the future groom should contact the bride's parent to suggest a meeting.  If lunch or dinner follows,  the groom's parents host the occasion and pay the bill.

It is usual to announce the engagement in local or national press.

Witnesses.

As a marriage is a legally binding agreement at least two competent adults must witness the wedding and sign the marriage register.  It is common to use the bestman and chief bridesmaid as the witnesses.

At the church where should I sit?

The groom, best man and groomsmen sit in the front pew on the right hand side of the church. The groom's parents should also sit in this pew.

All the groom's party should sit in the rows behind the groom.

The bride's parents sit on the front pew on the left hand side of the church.  The bride's party should sit in the pews behind the mother of the bride.

A few pews behind the front pew are usually reserved for immediate family.

If you are friends of both the bride and groom try to fill the side of the church with the least amount of guests.


Hats - Who wears them and when should we remove them?

Hats have become very popular at Irish weddings in the last 10 years.  All women should be encouraged to wear a hat as they really add to the spectacle of the whole occasion.
If you find hats just don't suit you there are a number of headdresses to choose from and these are becoming ever popular and are available at all good hat shops.
The hat should be worn in the church and not removed until after the meal.  Usually people rely on the mother of the bride so make sure she knows to wait until after the meal.

The First Dance

Dancing at your reception is a lovely way to bring an air of elegance and family togetherness to a wonderfully happy and joyous occasion.

Traditionally, the bride and groom will be the first to dance as their special song is played softly. Lights dimmed low create a romantic atmosphere.

After the first song the best man and chief bridesmaid take the floor followed by the groomsmen and the other bridesmaids.

The father of the bride is usually the first one to cut in.  At this stage it is nice for the groom to ask the brides mother to dance.