First thing’s first! Irish weddings in Ireland (those that are held in the English language) don’t particularly have “Irish language wedding toasts”. But if you’re of Irish heritage there’s no harm in showing it on the special wedding day! With some simple phrases you can treat your guests with your Irish toasts. If you work it well, you’ll be able to impress the guests, while sharing some entertaining yet caring thoughts.
Irish Language Wedding Wishes and Toasts
Right, let’s get right to it. This is what you’ve come for.
Thank you to the bride & groom = “Buíochas don lánúin pósta”
Say it like: /bwee-ok-os dun law-noo-in poh-sta/
Thank you to the bride’s parents = “Buíochas do thuismitheoirí na brídeoige”
Say it like: /bwee-ock-os duh hish-mih-hore-ee nah bree-doh-ig-eh/
There is no word for “groom” in the Irish language, so use his name.
Thank you to [John's] parents = “Buíochas do thuismitheoirí…[John]…”
Say it like: /bwee-ock-os duh hish-mih-hore-ee John/
Congratulations to the couple = “Comhghairdeas don lánúin”
Say it like: /coh-gore-dus dun law-noon/
A toast to absent friends = “Sláinte do na cáirde atá as láthair”
Say it like: /sloyne-cha duh nah core-dah ah-taw os law-hir/
A Historical Note on Irish Toasts
You might read that Irish wedding wishes and toasts have been around for “hundreds of years”. But if you use an English language toast at the wedding, please do remember that it is at best a translation of what would have been used in traditional Irish weddings. This is because the Irish language was widespread in Ireland (apart from the cities) until about 150 years ago. For that added bit of a genuine toast, why not say it in the right language.