What is the significance of the Bride carrying Flowers?

For centuries, flowers have stood for a variety of emotions and values. In Celtic wedding traditions, brides carried herbs beneath their veils to symbolize fidelity and spices for the purpose of frightening off evil spirits. Today’s Irish bride carries flowers bringing beauty and elegance as well as old world customs to their special day.

How did the ring come to be placed on the 3rd finger?

It was believed in ancient Celtic times that there was a vein in the third finger of the left hand that ran directly to the heart. A ring being placed on that finger denoted the strong connection of a heartfelt love and commitment to one another. Later in early Christian times the groom placed the ring on three of the bride’s fingers, in turn, to symbolize, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The ring then remained on the third finger and has become the customary ring finger. In most European countries the ring is still worn on the brides left hand.

Why a wedding cake?

In early Celtic wedding traditions, the cake was a special part of the wedding celebration. A thin loaf was broken over the bride’s head at the close of the ceremony to symbolize fertility. The wheat from which it was made, symbolized fertility and the guests eagerly picked up the crumbs as good luck charms.