"The color blue, symbolizing purity, is significant too, according to Julie Sabatino of The Stylish Bride in New York City, who said that blue wedding gowns are traditionally popular in Ireland.  Irish brides also are known to braid their hair as a symbol of feminine power and luck, and wear old shoes to begin the new journey of marriage. 

Traditionally, the shoes symbolized fertility, and the leather was thought to protect against evil spirits, Sabatino said.

She said crowns, wreaths and tiaras also are used in many traditional ceremonies.  French and Irish brides favor wreaths of wild flowers (Irish brides also wear tiaras as a tribute to Celtic ancestors), and Greek couples are crowned with wreaths attached by a white ribbon, signifying both unity and God's glory.  "If you are wearing flowers and getting married in the warm weather, it's a good idea to have backups," Sabatino said."

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