The Joys of Irish Traditional Music – and how to include it in your wedding!

Irish traditional music first came to the country with the arrival of the Celts 2000 years ago. Over the years it has been passed on from generation to generation primarily through an oral and aural tradition, and it is often deeply rooted in community, with musicians traditionally gathering together to play it in a group. As Ireland has a long and detailed history of emigration, with Irish communities taking up root in all four corners of the world, trad music is often practised as a way of helping those who now live far away from home to remain connected to their culture and roots. It unites Irish people, people resident in Ireland, and those with Irish heritage, in a unique and special way.

So then, what part can Trad music play in your wedding?

You need to decide on the order of your music for your ceremony. Firstly, walking up the aisle is the perfect opportunity to integrate Trad music into your ceremony. There are several traditional songs that would be perfect for this special moment. Notable examples include:

• ‘She Moved Through the Fair’, a traditional folk song popularised by Sineád O’Connor. It’s in the sean nós style, with a very moving tone, perfect for a
• ‘Haste to the Wedding’, a Trad song by The Corrs. This one is very on theme!
• There are several Irish Trad covers of the classic Wedding March, which would be perfect for your walk down the aisle.

Of course, every ceremony is going to be different depending on the couple and their preferences, but there are many opportunities to showcase music during your ceremony if you choose to do so. Other opportunities for music include after or before the exchange of rings/vows, after readings, while the newly married couple are signing the register, or before/during Communion.

In addition to these, the bridal party leaving the church is the perfect moment to integrate some Trad music into your ceremony. As this is such a celebratory moment, it’s the perfect opportunity for a more upbeat/lively trad song.

For a more religious or traditional ceremony, it is easy to adapt hymns or religious music to a Trad style. Many Irish church musicians will be more than happy to work to this brief, and work with you and your partner to put together a selection of music that’s the perfect fit for you.

ChurchMusic.ie are delighted to host several Irish Traditional artists on our site. These include:

• The Asgards, a traditional Irish band that have been playing at events nationwide for many years. The musical styles they provide include jigs and reels, hornpipes, waltzes, Irish folk songs, and ballads.
• Martin Nolan, an artist who uses the sound of the uniquely Irish uilleann pipes to create an unforgettable Celtic atmosphere.
• Arundó, a group of Trad musicians with 15+ years of wedding music experience, with instruments including uilleann pipes, flute, guitar, mandolin, and bodhrán.
• Carys Ann Evans has been a concert harpist for over 30 years, and plays Trad music as well as a variety of other genres.
• And many more!

ChurchMusic.ie has such a wide variety of musicians on our site that you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your wedding or civil ceremony. Thank you for reading our guide to Irish trad music and how to integrate it into your ceremony – and make sure to check out the rest of our blog for more wedding music ideas! Or indeed have a look at our Wedding Music Style Finder.