Irish & Swedish Wedding Traditions

Curious about what to expect from an Irish and Swedish celebration? Here’s your cheat sheet to fit right in, from age-old good luck charms to spirited toasts and singalongs that might last all night.

Irish Luck

The Child of Prague
A tiny statue placed outside the night before a wedding to bless the weather with sunshine. If you spot one hidden in a bush, you’ve found our secret weapon for good weather.

The Lucky Horseshoe
An Irish symbol of protection and prosperity. Brides often carry or wear one on the day, always facing up so the luck doesn’t spill out.

Handfasting
The ancient Celtic ritual that inspired the phrase “tying the knot.” A ribbon is wrapped around the couple’s hands to symbolise unity and love.

The Craic
If someone says “the craic was had,” it means the atmosphere was buzzing, full of laughter, stories, and good company.

Irish Toasts
You’ll hear plenty of Sláinte! (pronounced slawn-cha), meaning “to your health.” Expect heartfelt words, raised glasses, and a few misty eyes.

Swedish Charm

The Speeches
In Sweden, speeches are a full-evening affair with heartfelt words, funny stories, and maybe a few light roasts.

The Kissing Game
A Swedish favourite. When the bride leaves the room, the ladies line up to kiss the groom. When the groom leaves, it’s the gents’ turn to kiss the bride.

Schnapps Songs
Before a shot of aquavit or schnapps, Swedes love to sing a short and often hilarious group song. Join in with enthusiasm. Tunefulness is optional.

Tack, tack
Means “thank you.” You’ll hear it everywhere, especially when the drinks start flowing.

The Bridal Crown
Traditionally, Swedish brides wore floral or silver crowns to symbolise purity and love. It’s the inspiration behind modern flower crowns.

Words to Know on the Day

Sláinte! (Irish — pronounced slawn-cha)
Cheers — a toast to health and happiness.

Skål! (Swedish — pronounced skawl)
Cheers — always make eye contact, it’s tradition.

Tack tack! (Swedish — pronounced tack tack)
Thank you very much.

Craic (Irish — pronounced crack)
Fun, laughter, good times (“The craic was mighty!”).

Grand (Irish — pronounced grand)
All good, fine, no worries (“It’ll be grand!”).

Hej hej! (Swedish — pronounced hay hay)
Hi there, a friendly casual greeting.

Go raibh maith agat (Irish — pronounced guh rev mah ah-gut)
Thank you — for the brave ones who try it.

Lagom (Swedish — pronounced lah-gom)
Just right — not too much, not too little.

Slán! (Irish — pronounced slawn)
Goodbye, or safe journey.

Up Da Ra! (Irish — pronounced up da raw)
A phrase shouted with enthusiasm, pride, and usually after a pint. Meaning varies depending on who’s asking.

Yup Yup! (Irish — pronounced yup yup)
An expression of pure excitement or agreement — usually shouted, never whispered.

Olé Olé Olé! (Irish — pronounced oh-lay oh-lay oh-lay)
An Irish anthem of celebration, often heard at football matches or anywhere joy breaks out spontaneously. Feel free to join in.

✦ Fun Facts ✦

  • It’s considered good luck if it rains on your wedding day in Ireland, a sign of blessings and renewal.

  • The Swedes love their drinking songs.
    Known as snapsvisor, these short, witty tunes are sung before downing a shot of aquavit. By the third round, no one knows the words, but everyone’s shouting anyway.

  • Irish brides traditionally wear “something blue” for luck, not just borrowed.

  • Both cultures believe love should be celebrated with music, so expect a perfect mix of Irish tunes and Swedish singalongs.