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The Quaich (or Quake)

The Quaich is the “First Toast” ceremony in which the bride and groom share their first drink together and make a toast to love, devotion, and friendship. Traditionally, this is also where they celebrate and toast the coming together of their respective families/clans (remember, kinship was the basis of Celtic society). 

A man, most often the best man, approaches the couple and presents them with the Quaich (a cup). He explains the tradition of the Quaich, pours some whiskey into the cup, and invites the couple to make their toasts and to seal their wishes with a drink. 

The Quaich or cup itself is often one of great importance to the family in that it has been passed down through the generations as a symbol of good luck, happiness, and good fortune to all who drink from it. This tradition is most often seen in Scotland.

Excerpt From: Áine Minogue. “A Celtic Wedding: How to add the perfect Irish touches to your wedding.”

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An old custom found in many of the Celtic countries. The groom tosses a handful of coins into the crowd after the ceremony. It is believed to bring good luck to the newly married couple.

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We kick off here with Carolan's Concerto, our most popular recessional. What you don't use in your recessionals, you can use for the Reception and create an upbeat, happy mood to segue into the rest of your day! There's a "classic" feel to these selections that lovers of quality acoustic music will love - no classification required!

These selections have a stronger Irish flavor, so, if you like that more fun, upbeat sound, you'll want to check that out!

"Slainte is saol." (Irish Blessing) (Translation: Health and long life to you!) Learn how to pronounce this and view other Wedding Blessings.

1. Carolan's Concerto (4:04) Celtic meets Classical - by far our most popular recessional and it's clear why - it's absolutely ideal! Joyful but classy.

2. The Palatine's Daughter (2:39) Chamber orchestra - Celtic style

3. Irish Ode to Joy II  (1:58) Upbeat reel on the harp

4. Hunting the Wren  (3:08) Mid-tempo and playful

5. Fig for a Kiss (3:26) (VOCAL) Vocal in Gaelic 

6. Carol of the Jezebel - (2:17) Harp & whistle, early-music feel with Bodhran (Irish drum) (this track is also in Processionals) 

7. O'Carolan - (2:57) Celtic meets classical, ideal as a processional, recessional or postlude music. (this track is also in Processionals) 

Click HERE to see a Full list of musical arrangements for every part of your Wedding!

The next selections have a stronger Irish flavor, so if you like that more fun, upbeat sound, these might just be calling to you!

Would you like to skip back down the aisle to a distinctly Irish sound? Consisting of seven selections and sequenced to play as a postlude also, we kick off with Haste to the Wedding, from The Quiet Man soundtrack. (We did promise you everything!) From the ridiculous to the sublime, we quickly return to true traditional style with a brilliant fiddle tune, the 'pure drop' that we've dubbed Irish Ode to Joy. And, the final track, "Give Me Your Hand," rounds things out with a truly authentic Irish gathering tune of love, community and reconciliation.

However your tastes run - from fun to frivolous, from mad to trad - you're sure to find the right recessional here to express yourself! The processionals offer more "Classic Celtic" selections to choose from, if that's your preference.) Working backwards, it can be a nice idea to start with something a little more serious and after a few minutes, graduate to a really fun, upbeat jig or reel. It's often a good idea to think of your postlude music in a 15-20 minute timeframe. This entire selection has been sequenced to run consecutively if that works for you. 

Long Life and Happiness to you! More Irish Wedding Blessings here.

1. Haste to the Wedding (2:15) (Somewhat kitschy, but fun; "Quiet Man" style. Think John Wayne!)

2. The Gold Ring (4:07) (Very famous Irish jig with several variations - very happy and light)

3. Irish Ode to Joy I  (1:15) (Upbeat reel - fiddle & harp)

4. Burke's Jig Set (3:09) (Set of harp jigs - upbeat and light)

5. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (4:19) (Celtic style with some Jigs mixed in - fun! - not suitable for a processional)

6. Planxty Burke  (2:22) (A mid-tempo O'Carolan piece that's more on the traditional side)

7. Give Me Your Hand (3:03) (Irish Pipes - style of The Chieftains)

Click HERE to see a Full list of musical arrangements for every part of your Wedding!