The Irish dance. It’s a fact of nature. Sure, you may not be able to get all the fellas out on the dance floor simply because you want them up and moving, but that seems to be a universal given. The nice thing about Irish parties is that nobody who wants to dance has to stay seated. Women dance together, children dance (and so learn to dance), and the old folks make no bones about showing that they know a bit about how it’s meant to be done.

A wedding is prime dancing time. There’s good food, good drink, a good crowd, space, and plenty of good music. Listen for the “cry of triumph,” a high-pitched shout, almost like a cross between Homer Simpson’s “woo-hoo” and an Apache war cry, but much more joyful, during one of the fast numbers. Then it’s cookin’!

Now, be advised that there are as many tastes in Irish music as there are in any other kind of music. There are Irish rockers, crooners, rock-a-billy, traditionalists, country, and God-knows…be sure to listen to any CDs before you buy, and be sure your band or DJ knows what your taste is before you commit. The title of the song is not enough to judge. Daniel O’Donnell is very, very popular all over the world, but for the most part, his music is not going to fly at a reception for 20-somethings, or even 30-somethings, even though he has done some contemporary titles. (No reflection on “The Daniel,” I’m sure he can look out at his audience and see who’s out there.) Also, while you may love to listen to Enya or The Irish Tenors, is their music the best choice for getting people up on the dance floor? These artists may be suitable for the ceremony, but again, be sure to listen to what will be played during the dancing. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to play each song on the songlist and see if you would dance to it yourself. It’s your big day!

Congratulations, and the best of luck to you!

Here are some selections to consider for wedding music:

The title of this work states its case: it's lovely as well---Vow - Wedding Music

This is a really good one for getting everybody up…and singing along while they dance. The DVD has several other tracks that will keep the party going. Come on Eileen

The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem are well known to most of us. This album has many favorites, but for the big day, Marie's Wedding Song

The Chieftains made this CD of specially selected wedding music. It’s definitely worth listening to, but there’s not much dance music. It would be great background for when food was being served though. Celtic Wedding Music

Some other familar numbers would include: Black Velvet Band, Irish Rovers; Catch The Wind, Irish Descendants; Dublin in the Rare Old Times, Three Irish Tenors; Give Ireland Back To The Irish, Paul McCartney; Haste to The Wedding,
The Corrs; I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen, The Three Irish Tenors; Irish Heartbeat, Van Morrison & The Chieftains; Fisherman's Blues, The Waterboys, and many more to be added to periodically.

Find the perfect traditional toasting glasses, unity candles, cakes servers, and other wedding keepsakes at Waterford.com

Another excellent resource for traditional Irish music can be found here...


Irish Wedding Traditions is a helpful guide for planning the nuptials themselves.