Honouring Heritage Without the Clichés
Irish couples increasingly want cultural elements without resorting to "Danny Boy" and leprechaun jokes. Here's how modern weddings incorporate authentic Irish music tastefully.
Ceremony Showstoppers
"She Moved Through the Fair" - Haunting and romantic, perfect for processional. The Celtic Woman version adds orchestral grandeur, while traditional harp creates intimacy.
"The Foggy Dew" - Not the rebellion song! The love song version works beautifully for register signing. Chieftains' instrumental version recommended.
"Wild Mountain Thyme" - Gentle and romantic. The Silencers' version modernises without losing charm. Excellent for prelude music.
First Dance Alternatives
Moving beyond "Danny Boy": - "The Town I Loved So Well" - Luke Kelly (for Dublin couples) - "Carrickfergus" - Celtic Woman (achingly beautiful) - "Black is the Colour" - Christy Moore (deeply romantic) - "The Voyage" - Christy Moore (written as a wedding song) - "Four Green Fields" - emotional but powerful
Party Starters with Irish Soul
Get everyone dancing: - "Galway Girl" - Steve Earle or Sharon Shannon - "The Irish Rover" - The Pogues & The Dubliners - "Whiskey in the Jar" - Thin Lizzy version for rock crowds - "Tell Me Ma" - guaranteed participation - "Brown Eyed Girl" - Van Morrison (technically Northern Irish!)
Modern Irish Artists to Consider
Contemporary takes on tradition: - Hozier - "Movement" or "From Eden" - Kodaline - "The One" or "High Hopes" - Picture This - "Take My Hand" - The Coronas - "Someone Else's Hands" - Walking on Cars - "Speeding Cars"
The Set Dancing Question
Forum debates rage about céilí dancing at weddings. Consensus: - Announce it in advance so people can prepare - Keep it to 2-3 dances maximum - "Siege of Ennis" and "Walls of Limerick" most accessible - Have someone call the steps - Schedule during peak energy, not end of night
Musicians and Instruments
Authentic Irish sound without full traditional band: - Solo harpist for ceremony (€400-600) - Fiddle player for drinks reception (€300-500) - Uilleann pipes for dramatic entrance (€250-400) - Bodhrán drum with regular band (€200-300)
Regional Favourites
Cork couples love "The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee" Galway chooses "Galway Bay" Dublin goes for "Dublin in the Rare Old Times" Kerry picks "The Rose of Tralee"
Avoiding Tourist Trap Music
Forum warnings about overused songs: - "Seven Drunken Nights" (save for the afters) - "Come On Eileen" (not even Irish!) - "Jump Around" (House of Pain is American) - Generic "diddly-eye" music - Anything involving plastic shamrocks
The Language Question
Incorporating Irish language tastefully: - "Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile" for recessional - "Trasna na dTonnta" for signing - "An Cailín Álainn" as background music - Have translations available for international guests
Creating Your Mix
Successful formula from forums: - 20% traditional Irish - 30% modern Irish artists - 50% general wedding music - Result: Irish flavour without overwhelming
Real Success Story
"We had a string quartet play instrumental versions of Thin Lizzy songs during dinner. Irish rock heritage without being too traditional. Older relatives loved recognising the melodies, younger guests thought it was classy. Win-win!" - Aoife, 2024