Top 9 Welsh Wedding Traditions

Having photographed weddings across Wales I’ve picked many traditions that couples have incorporated. Some are fairly recent traditions and some go back centuries. Here’s a list of some to consider having on your day to give it a Welsh touch. 

1. Myrtle - Traditionally a Welsh bride carries a bouquet containing myrtle leaves, signifying love in life. The idea is that she gives her bridesmaids a cutting of the plant and if it blossoms, the girl will soon marry. A much better way of looking after your beautiful flowers than throwing the bouquet and hoping for the best! This one is my favourite and I liked it so much the myrtle leaf made it to my business logo. 
2. Lovespoons - One of the most cherished Welsh traditions is the exchange of lovespoons. Engaged couples can integrate this tradition by exchanging personalised lovespoons during their ceremony or giving these out as favours. 
3. Welsh Cakes - So versatile..have them as canopes, favours, to be served with coffee or an addition to your evening buffet. You can’t go wrong really. The other option is Bara Brith which I’ve also seen done and is a brilliant choice when served with butter. 
4. Harpists - There’s something timeless and beautifully welsh about the sound of a live harpist playing in the background. Be it for entrances or during drinks reception or wedding breakfasts it’s always a lovely touch. 
5. Opening the floor to speeches - Something I’ve seen at many Welsh weddings is the tradition of opening the floor to speeches. Use your discretion with this (you know your guests better than anyone after all) but it can be a lovely touch. I’ve seen absolutely hilarious songs prepared by friends of the groom, beautiful poems by bridesmaid and lots of sentimental toasts. 
6. Yma o Hyd - It’s midnight, the music has cut off, you’re as merry as it comes, it’s been the best day ever and you top it off by belting out Yma o Hyd, arm in arm with your favourite people. Enough said.
7. Add some Cymraeg - Whatever your level of fluency from total novice to expert, having some Cymraeg on your wedding day is a lovely touch. It might be in the ceremony, the table names or the whole thing. I've photographed many weddings with where couples that are learning the language have said part of their vows in Welsh.
8. St Dwynwen’s Day - Santes Dwynwen is the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers and happens on the 25th of January. If you’re planning a winter wedding, why not see if the date is free?
9. Male Voice Choir - There can't be many better ways of making an impact than having a Male Voice Choir at your wedding.