Most of us value history, customs, and traditions, but the Irish have made it a lifestyle to honor theirs as much as possible. This is evident in their beliefs, faith, and even for wedding ceremonies. Irish couples in the US are tying the knot, based on Ireland’s wedding traditions, even if they’ve been living in the States for quite a while. There are also a lot of Americans with Irish heritage—reports from the Washington Post said that 34.5 million US citizens list their heritage as either partially or primarily Irish. Interestingly, this figure is seven times bigger than Ireland’s population of 4.68 million. This number comprises 11.1% of the overall population of the US.

Because of these statistics, it’s not surprising to know that many weddings in the US are traditionally Irish. For those who are planning to have a customary Irish wedding, here are some tips:

· Be nature-inclined. The Irish are known as nature-lovers, so most weddings have an outdoor theme. Flowers abound every crevice of the wedding reception venue, and floral wreaths adorn the bride’s hair. The trend for bridal dresses are all-natural too—following the cue of Plan A, a sustainability program by major retailer Marks and Spencer, garments made of organic materials went mainstream. With this came wedding gowns made of hemp, bamboo, or organic cotton, which are popular choices for Irish brides.

· Do it the old-fashioned way. Some of the wedding traditions in Ireland, according to Ireland-Information.com, include practices with deep historical value. For instance, honey mead is served to promote virility. Horseshoe symbolizes good luck, and should be worn by the bride. Make up bells should also be rung to keep evil spirits at bay.

· Serve traditional Irish food. For the wedding reception, advise the caterers of the preferred Irish food, not just for the entrees but also for appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Wedding information blog Weddzilla advised that pre-wedding servings should include Irish brown breads with cheese and jam. Smoked salmon is the customary appetizer, and entrees may include lamb and fish.

Of course, adding a personal stamp to these customs wouldn’t hurt. A wedding will still be traditionally Irish as long as the basics are covered.