Traditional Irish wedding dresses are also known as Celtic wedding gowns. Besides being highly sought after for Irish-themed weddings, a Celtic gown is popular amongst Renaissance Fair attendees and fantasy role players. There are currently many styles of Irish wedding dresses available on the market to suit every body shape and budget.
Irish Wedding Dress Styles
Irish wedding dresses range in design, which means that Irish or Irish-loving brides have plenty of variety. Dress styles can typically vary in sleeve length, bodice choice, and hemline.
Pretty Peasant
The peasant style of dress is a "Renaissance" dress that's simple and can be worn alone or layered with skirts or sashes. Traditionally, the bodice laces up the front tightly or loosely with a three-quarter sleeved white cotton shirt underneath. In addition, the peasant gown length tends to reach the top of the feet and is completed with a daisy chain bridal crown.
- For instance, this Titania historical Irish gown from Rivendell Bridal is available for sizes up to 22W. Magical Fairy-influenced, it's hand made in gold silk dupion or lightweight duchesse satin with organza sleeves. The stunning corset-effect bodice features both a lace-up front and back and is adorned with embroidered flowers. It costs approximately $3,050.
- Similarly, the Juliet gown by Kathryn and Alexandra Dress Company is inspired by the romance of the Renaissance dress, throwing it back to Shakespearean times. For about $1,900, it's available with a silk charmeuse underdress in silk white or ivory and an overdrape of either metallic and silk organza or metallic mesh. Each dress is custom-made with a luxurious train and a multitude of decorative trims.
Celtic Ballgown
The Irish Celtic wedding dress is super dreamy and reminiscent of ancient Irish queens or the fairy Queen Maeve. It's made of silk and white deerskin with the undergarments being white linen. Long and flowing, the gown pools on the ground around the bride's feet and has oversized bell sleeves to make her look like an ethereal being when she lifts her arms. Besides ivory, this Irish wedding dress may be ecru or butter yellow and needs no headpiece or veil to make a serious style statement.
- For instance, the Celtic Wedding Gown by Kathryn and Alexandra Dress Company is inspired by medieval times and romantic heroines like Maid Marian, Isabeau, and Arwen in The Lord of the Rings. With a jerkin offered in leather-white, white, ivory/gold, white/silver, ecru, and butter yellow, it has optional detachable sleeves available in white deerskin, brocade, or burn-out linen for about $950 to $2,400. Beautiful and whimsical, you can also choose to wear a silk charmeuse chemise for about $700 or a silk noil chemise for around $550.
- A contemporary take on the traditional Celtic wedding dress, this gorgeous sleeveless ballgown from Etsy features Celtic-style green traced embroidery. At approximately $2,175, it has a sweetline neckline and corseted bodice that flares out into a sophisticated A-line skirt to create a curve-friendly silhouette. Made to order, this gown is available in over 50 hues and color combinations.
Princess Cut
The princess-cut style dress is a classic white dress that pools slightly around the feet. The bodice and skirt is usually one piece and nips in at the waist. Traditionally, this frock would be accessorized with a drooping belt at the hips; however, in modern times, this type of dress tends to feature a very large and voluminous skirt that doesn't leave much room for a belt. Irish brides can truly feel like a queen with this gown by finishing off the aesthetic with a circlet crown.
- For example, the Zandria dress from Rivendell Bridal has an elegant bias cut style with a sweetheart neckline. It has both a flared skirt and sleeves, a drop waist, and brooch detailing. This graceful gown is also made in a Supreme Duchesse Satin to emulate a regal look. For approximately $1,550, you can buy it in a range of colors depending on your personal taste.
- A more modern version of the princess-cut style, this Voyage Bridal by Morilee 6803 dress amps up the glamor with its majestic embroidery in soft net. Available in champagne, ivory, or white, this fabulous frock features a sweetheart neckline and thick band to pull you in at the waist. Just as pretty as it is feminine, you can buy it for around $300, and it fits sizes 2 to 28.
Fishtail Frock
Also known as a mermaid wedding gown, the fishtail frock is extremely form-fitting as it hugs the body tightly all the way to your knees. The neckline may vary, but all types of this dress flare out at the bottom in a swirl of fabric. Most appropriate for a confident, well-proportioned Irish bride, it clings to your curves in all the right places to create a sexy, standout shape.
- For instance, this Demetrios design featured on The Knot has a Basque, which has roots in the courts of Europe and medieval Great Britain. Falling just under the natural indentation of the waist, this Basque features beaded lace and naturally elongates the body. The fishtail aspect of the dress then flares out to create a fitted and flattering silhouette. It's made to order with the price upon application. It costs around $3,000 to $4,000.
- Also handmade to order, this Royal Dress from Etsy is utterly unique and features vintage Irish lace, as well as tulle and cotton. Costing approximately $2,650, it has an illusion neckline as well as an alluring fishnet shape. While not a traditional Irish lace wedding dress, it's a gorgeous modern take on it.
Accessorize Your Celtic Gown
Until 1499, blue was the favorite color for a bride's wedding gown as it was a symbol of purity and fidelity. As well as blue gowns, Irish brides wore blue-flowered headpieces and veils. Later, Queen Anne of France wore white at her third wedding and inspired fashionistas across England, Ireland, and France to track down replicas ever since. Today, Irish brides still pay homage to the original tradition by "wearing something blue" under their wedding dresses through wearing a blue handkerchief pinned inside her gown or a blue garter on her leg.
Finding the Right Dress
There's an abundance of Irish wedding dress designs you can choose from for your special day. Whatever your personal style, these romantic gowns will look undeniably breathtaking both in person and in your bridal portraits.
