5 Welsh Wedding Traditions You Might Not Know About
Planning a wedding in Wales offers more than stunning scenery – it gives you the chance to celebrate in a place steeped in meaningful Welsh wedding traditions.
Although centuries old, many of these traditional customs can still be incorporated into modern weddings and are another way to symbolise the commitment you’re making to one another.
Below, we take a look at five Welsh wedding traditions you might not know about but may want to consider including in your special day.
Why Welsh Wedding Traditions Still Inspire Modern Weddings
Welsh wedding traditions can add a sense of heritage and symbolism to your wedding day, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel outdated. In fact, the five traditions listed below can easily be incorporated into a modern wedding, so you get the best of both worlds.
Welsh Lovespoons
Welsh lovespoons are one of the most well-known Welsh romantic traditions and date back to the early 17th century. They were traditionally hand-carved by a man, often with symbols of love, and presented to the woman he wished to start courting.
Today, lovespoons are still associated with significant life events, such as weddings and anniversaries. So, what better way to add a touch of authentic Welsh heritage to your day than including a traditional Welsh lovespoon?
There are lots of ways to incorporate traditional Welsh lovepsoons into a modern wedding. Some of our favourite ideas include using them as part of your table decorations or as signage throughout your chosen venue. Small lovespoons also make a lovely idea as wedding favors, allowing you to share the love with all your guests.
To ensure your marriage is blessed with love, one of the best Welsh wedding traditions to include is a blessing from the Welsh Patron Saint of love, St Dwynwen.
St Dwynwen was a fourth-century Welsh princess who, legend says, became a hermit nun in the 5th century after a forbidden love affair. She spent the rest of her life praying for others to experience steady, safe and true love.
As well as weaving her tale of unwavering love into your vows, you can also pay homage to this Welsh tradition by including it in your chosen readings or using the legend to inspire your wedding stationery and décor.
But for couples who want to experience the true magic of St Dwynwen, the best way to celebrate this traditional Welsh saint is to marry on the 25th January, when St Dwynwen’s day is celebrated.
Welsh Gold and Lasting Symbols of Commitment
Welsh gold has long had a strong connection to wedding jewellery. Traditionally sourced from small mines across Wales, this rare and precious gold quickly became associated with loyalty and enduring love - qualities that remain relevant for brides and grooms today.
Welsh gold also has regal connections and has been used in royal nuptials since the 1920s.
Queen Elizabeth, Princess Anne and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, all had Welsh gold wedding rings on their wedding day.
With its increasing scarcity and unique warm tone, Welsh gold also offers you the chance to really show how special and unique your loved one is to you.
Myrtle in the Bridal Bouquet
Myrtle has been a symbol of love and associated with marriage since ancient Greek times.
In Wales, the flower holds particular significance and is associated with numerous traditions. A myrtle bouquet was traditionally given to the bridesmaid, and if she planted the myrtle and it bloomed, it indicated that she would marry soon. The bride, meanwhile, would carry a pin of myrtle in their wedding dress and throw it over her shoulder during the day, and whoever found it would marry soon.
You can choose to go all out and follow these traditions to the letter, or for a more modern twist, incorporate a sprig of Myrtle or two in your bridal bouquet, just like Catherine, Princess of Wales. Another great idea is to use it for the Groom’s buttonhole and plant it after your wedding, and watch it bloom as your relationship does.
Welsh Music, Blessings and Ceremony Atmosphere
Whether you have Welsh heritage or Wales holds a special place in your heart, choosing traditional readings or blessings gives you the chance to add a subtle nod to Wales on your wedding day.
But one of the best ways to add a sense of tradition to your Welsh wedding is through music and dancing. And with a rich history of musical traditions, you really are spoilt for choice.
Calm, elegant and atmospheric, as the national instrument of Wales, the harp is a great choice for ceremonies. And while it may be a traditional instrument, you can easily add a modern twist by requesting your harpist play the latest pop hits.
Or for a lively start to your wedding reception, why not incorporate some traditional folk dancing? Welsh clog dancing is sure to delight your guests, while a Twmpath, essentially the Welsh version of a ceilidh, is sure to kick things off. Lively, communal, and easy to learn, these dances promise to get everyone up on the dance floor.
Why Court Colman Manor Suits a Welsh-Inspired Wedding
If you’re drawn to the romance of Wales, Court Colman Manor offers the perfect setting for your wedding.
Dating back to Tudor times, our historic venue, licensed for civil ceremonies, is the ideal place to merge traditions of the past with your modern love story.
With private garden and grounds overlooking the Garw Valley, we offer a backdrop that naturally inspires many Welsh wedding traditions rooted in the natural environment. While our comfortably appointed bedrooms offer a cosy retreat for you and your guests at the end of an unforgettable day.
To find out more about how the venue could work for your special day, explore our available wedding packages or book a showround.
Book a Wedding Showround at Court Colman Manor
For a Welsh wedding venue that allows you to celebrate some of the traditions of the past while looking forward to a long and happy future together, book a showround at Court Colman Manor today.